Registration opens for Shindagha Dhow Race as Dubai's new marine season begins

By James Mercer • 10 September 2026, 21:54 • 3 mins read

The Dubai International Marine Club has opened registration for the Shindagha 22ft traditional dhow sailing race, kicking off the 2026-2027 marine sports season. The event focuses on youth and junior sailors, promising a lively start after the summer pause.

Dubai's marine sports season is about to restart, with the Dubai International Marine Club now accepting entries for the Shindagha 22ft traditional dhow sailing race. This event marks the first major competition of the 2026-2027 calendar and puts the spotlight on young Emirati sailors returning after the summer break.

The race is set for Saturday and is open to both junior (ages 8-16) and youth (ages 8-21) categories. Each junior boat can include one youth sailor, a rule meant to help younger sailors learn from their older peers and keep the sport accessible. Emirates Today reports that registration began in early September 2026, and the event is expected to draw strong interest as the season opener.

The 2026-2027 season will feature a record 40 races and events, making it one of the most active periods in the club's history.

Emirates Today

Expanded calendar and focus on heritage

This season will include 40 races and events from September through April. The club has named races after well-known Dubai landmarks-Shindagha, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, Jumeirah, Ain Dubai, and the Al Gaffal race-to connect the sport with the city's maritime history. According to Emirates Today, this approach is meant to highlight the cultural roots of marine sports in Dubai and show the city's ongoing support for its seafaring traditions.

Mohammed Al Marri, Director of Sports Affairs at the club, said preparations for the new season started as soon as the last one ended. "We started work on boat maintenance and logistics as soon as last season finished. There's real anticipation among sailors, captains, and fans for the return of competition," Al Marri said. He described the Shindagha race as an important platform for young talent, with a history of producing future stars. Emirates Today notes that the club's early planning should help the season start smoothly.

How to enter and what to expect

Sailors can register through the club's official online channels. The event is open to all eligible participants, and the club is encouraging a wide turnout. Juniors and youth will compete in their own categories, but the rule allowing a youth sailor on junior boats adds a tactical element to team selection. Emirates Today explains that this setup is designed to encourage mentorship and skill-sharing between age groups, helping to build the sport from the ground up.

The season calendar is built around Dubai's most iconic locations, including Shindagha, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, Jumeirah, Ain Dubai, and the historic Al Gaffal race, highlighting the deep connection between sport and the city's maritime heritage.

Emirates Today

For Dubai's sailing community, the Shindagha race is more than just the first event of the season. By focusing on youth and junior sailors and tying races to the city's landmarks, the club aims to keep the UAE's maritime traditions alive while adapting to a new generation of athletes. The turnout and energy at the Shindagha race will show whether this mix of tradition and new ideas can keep the sport moving forward and inspire the next group of Emirati sailors.

UAE CUE Sports Desk

James Mercer

James Mercer is the Founder, Owner, Publisher and Managing Director of UAE CUE Sports, where he oversees editorial direction and the publication's development across the Emirates. He writes about UAE sport, sports media, major events, venues, sports business and the wider relationship between participation, audiences and the country's sporting industry.