ABU DHABI/AD MEDIA OFFICE
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is organising the Eid Al Etihad Traditional 40-Foot Rowing Race, scheduled to take place along the Abu Dhabi Corniche on December 2 2024, as part of the authority’s participation in the annual national Union Day celebrations.
A meeting was held at the Mohammed Khalaf Majlis in Abu Dhabi for the draw of the race rounds, along with an affirmation of the conditions and the boats’ technical guidelines, ensuring adherence to the colours of the rounds and the core values of maritime racing, which are integral to the UAE’s rich national heritage.
The race course spans three nautical miles along the Abu Dhabi Corniche with 1,156 sailors from all emirates competing in 68 boats, with 17 sailors per boat, including the coxswain. They will compete in four rounds, representing the colours of the UAE flag: red, green, white and black.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is staging the race as part of its efforts to preserve maritime heritage, the traditions of rowing, and to promote its practice, ensuring its continuity and transmission across generations.