Dubai is famous for its glitzy skyscrapers and luxurious modern amenities, but the emirate also has a rich maritime heritage. The best way to get a taste of this history is by watching the annual Al Gaffal Dhow Race from the deck of your Dubai yacht tour privately. This unique sailing competition dates back to 1991 and offers visitors a glimpse into Dubai’s past as a pearl diving and trading port.
Renting a Dubai yacht tour private is the ultimate way to experience the race in style. On board, you’ll have panoramic views of the traditional dhows with their billowing white sails and crews of Emirati sailors. Our Dubai yacht tour private charter will allow you to follow the full route of the race, from start to finish.
The Race Route and Timings
The Al Gaffal Dhow Race usually takes place in the spring, sometime between March and May depending on the weather. The 32 nautical mile course starts at Sir Bu Nair island in the early morning, often around 5:30am.
The 60 participating dhows then sail east past the Dubai skyline to the mandatory turning point at Crescent Moon island, before heading south to the finish line at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel on the city’s coastline. From your position aboard a Dubai yacht tour private, you’ll be able to see all the action up close as the dhows race to complete the course, with the frontrunners usually arriving before midday.
The dhows follow the path of Dubai’s pearl divers, who would sail out for months at a time harvesting oysters before returning along this route. ‘Al Gaffal’ translates as ‘the return’ in Arabic, celebrating the homecoming of these merchants after their long voyages at sea.
History of Pearl Diving in Dubai
Pearling was once Dubai’s main industry and shaped all aspects of society. Wealthy merchants owned the dhows as well as the pearl shops in Dubai’s famous gold souk. The divers themselves came from the lowest classes, enduring dangerous and grueling work harvesting oysters from the seabed.
However the profits from the Gulf’s pearls were so lucrative that Dubai became an important trading port. Good quality pearls could fetch extremely high prices on global markets.
Dubai was perfectly positioned to dominate the Gulf’s pearling industry. Merchants from around the world came to trade at its creek, exchanging spices, textiles and other goods for the prized natural gems. This influx of outside influences helped shape modern Dubai into the diverse, cosmopolitan hub it is today.
Decline of Pearling
By the 1930s, the pearl trade collapsed as Japanese cultured pearls flooded the market. The decades of hardship underwater had also taken a toll on many veteran divers. Dubai’s rulers knew they had to diversify the economy or face financial ruin.
The first oil discoveries in the 1960s helped revive Dubai’s fortunes. With wealth from oil exports, the emirate was able to invest in ambitious infrastructure projects and develop new industries like finance and tourism. The discovery of oil ushered in a new era of prosperity.
Celebrating Heritage On A Dubai Yacht Tour Private
Today, Dubai is one of the most futuristic and fast-paced cities in the world. Skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa tower over architectural marvels including the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, the finish line for the Al Gaffal dhow race.
While Dubai continues to break new ground and set world records, it also stays rooted in its heritage, particularly when it comes to sports. The Al Gaffal Dhow Race allows Emiratis to celebrate traditional seafaring skills passed down from generation to generation.
Watching the race aboard your Dubai yacht tour private adds an extra element of luxury and exclusivity. Our tailor-made Dubai yacht tour private charters allow you to travel in style with gourmet catering provided on deck. You’ll also have the flexibility to choose the perfect vantage points around the coast to watch the historic dhows glide past.
Why Rent a Private Yacht for the Race?
There are many advantages to experiencing the Al Gaffal Dhow Race from the comfort of your own Dubai yacht tour private.
See the action up close – on a Dubai yacht tour private you can get much closer to the dhows as they strive to take the lead. Aboard a ferry you would be further away.
Tailored experience – choose your own start time and route to follow the race at your leisure. We can arrange onboard catering to your tastes.
Exclusive viewing – avoid crowded ferries where you’ll be jostling for space at the railings. On a yacht you’ll have clear viewing from multiple decks and lounging areas.
Celebratory atmosphere – enjoy the excitement of race day out on the water with complimentary beverages from our crew.
Convenience – charter a yacht from Dubai Marina and many other locations for direct access to the race. No need to worry about transport.
Future Al Gaffal Race Dates
The Dubai International Marine Club oversees organizing the Al Gaffal Dhow Race. The 2022 edition took place on June 4th, and the next race will likely follow a similar schedule in 2023, though dates are yet to be confirmed.
As soon as details are announced, we can finalize a Dubai yacht tour private charter for you timed to coincide with next year’s Al Gaffal Dhow Race. Contact our team to register your interest so you don’t miss out on securing the yacht of your choice.
This is one of Dubai’s most atmospheric annual events, offering a rare glimpse into the emirate’s history as a pearling port. By chartering Dubai yacht tour private, you’ll be able to soak up the heritage while enjoying the best possible views of the dhows in action.