The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club have announced the full schedule of races and events for the 2026 marine season, which includes 19 traditional maritime races featuring dhows and sailboats, as well as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for kingfish fishing. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to preserve and promote the authentic Emirati maritime heritage among new generations. The season kicked off in January with the Al-Aliya sailboat race in Abu Dhabi. In February, traditional races continued with the Al-Salah sailboat race on February 7 in Al Dhafra, the historic Al-Tafrees race, and the 'Janana' dhow race (22-foot category) on February 8 in Al Dhafra. On March 28, the historic Delma dhow race (60-foot category) will take place, starting from Delma Island to the port, marking one of the most significant events in the marine season calendar. The schedule also includes the Delma dhow race (22-foot category) on March 27 on Delma Island, along with various accompanying sporting events. The races continue in April with the 'Abu Al-Abyad' dhow race (60-foot category) on April 11 and the Abu Dhabi dhow race (22-foot category) on April 24. Marine activities resume on September 11 with the Yas Island sailboat race in Abu Dhabi, followed by the 'Areela' dhow race (60-foot category) on September 18. In October, three sea races are scheduled: the 'Al-Hadiriyaat' dhow race (22-foot category) on October 2, the 'Al-Nawf' dhow race (43-foot category) on October 10, and the 'Ghanada' dhow race (60-foot category) on October 17. As part of the Salil Marine Festival, held from November 7-15, the 'Salil' dhow race (43-foot category) and the 'Baraka' sailboat race will be held. The marine season concludes in December with the Al-Yasat Marine Festival, from December 11-20, featuring the Al-Yasat dhow race (60-foot category), the 'Al-Qaf' dhow race (22-foot category), the 'Marawah' dhow race (43-foot category), and a traditional paddling race.
