Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is hosting the Eid Al Etihad Traditional 40-Foot Rowing Race on 2 December 2024. This event will occur along the Abu Dhabi Corniche as part of the authority’s involvement in the annual national Union Day celebrations.
According to Emirates News Agency, registration for the race is open until Thursday, 28 November 2024, at the Emirates Sailing School. A meeting will be held on the same day at 10 a.m. at the Mohammed Khalaf Majlis in Abu Dhabi for the draw of the race rounds. The meeting will also affirm race conditions and the boats’ technical guidelines, ensuring adherence to the colours of the rounds and the maritime racing values integral to the UAE’s national heritage.
The race will cover a three-nautical-mile course along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, featuring 1,156 sailors from all emirates competing in 68 boats. Each boat will have 17 sailors, including the coxswain. The competition will occur in four rounds, representing the UAE flag colours: red, green, white,
and black.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is organising this race to preserve maritime heritage, uphold rowing traditions, and promote its practice. The initiative aims to ensure the continuity and transmission of these traditions across generations.