Sharjah is set to host the second edition of the Sir Bu Nair Dhow Sailing Race on October 10, bringing together more than 1,000 sailors and captains aboard 71 traditional dhows to compete for a prize pool of approximately Dh3 million.
The 60-foot dhow sailing competition will cover a distance of 25 nautical miles, starting from Al Hamriyah and finishing at Al Heera in Sharjah. The event will also feature public activities and programmes celebrating the United Arab Emirates’ maritime heritage.
The race is being organised by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), represented by Sharjah Sports Channel, in collaboration with the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club. It will take place under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
According to the organisers, the second edition follows the inaugural race held in 2025, which attracted participation from traditional dhow owners, captains and sailors.
The upcoming competition will feature 71 traditional 60-foot dhows, with more than 1,000 participants expected to take part.
The 25-nautical-mile route will connect Al Hamriyah with Al Heera, providing the setting for the traditional sailing competition.
The event is designed to preserve traditional sailing practices and highlight the maritime history of the UAE. Dhow sailing has historically been associated with the region’s seafaring activities, including fishing, pearl diving and maritime trade.
Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said the race builds on the inaugural edition and contributes to preserving traditional sailing skills and the values associated with the UAE’s maritime heritage.
The Sharjah International Marine Sports Club has also confirmed that organisational, technical and logistical preparations have been completed, including arrangements related to maritime safety along the racecourse.
Alongside the dhow sailing competition, organisers have announced the Sir Bu Nair Challenge for employees of Sharjah government departments and entities.
The challenge will take place from October 8 to 10 at Al Heera Beach, with a separate prize pool of Dh70,000.
Each participating team will consist of six employees from the same government entity, with each entity permitted to register up to two teams. A total of 15 teams will compete each day.
The prize distribution includes Dh40,000 for the winning team, Dh20,000 for the runners-up and Dh10,000 for the third-place team.
Participants will complete a specially designed course featuring running, climbing and floating obstacles in open seawater.
Competitors must meet the required fitness standards and be capable of swimming. Life jackets will be mandatory during the water-based section of the challenge.
Registration for the competition is scheduled to close on October 4.
The Sir Bu Nair Dhow Sailing Race forms part of Sharjah’s efforts to promote traditional marine sports and preserve the emirate’s cultural heritage.
The competition brings together dhow owners, captains and sailors to participate in a sporting event based on traditional sailing practices.
The inaugural edition, held in October 2025, featured more than 60 traditional dhows and over 1,200 sailors and captains, with approximately Dh2.8 million allocated in prize money.
The 2026 edition increases the announced prize pool to approximately Dh3 million. In addition to the sailing competition, the accompanying public activities will provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the event and learn about the UAE’s maritime traditions.
The second edition is scheduled for October 10, while the accompanying Sir Bu Nair Challenge will run from October 8 to 10 at Al Heera Beach.
