Dubai International Marine Club Kicks Off 2026-27 Season with Traditional Dhow Races
Dubai’s waters are preparing for the return of competitive marine sports as Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC)gets ready to begin its 2026-2027 sporting season this September.
The opening month will feature two traditional dhow sailing competitions – the Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race and the Atlantis Traditional Dhow Sailing Race – while Dubai’s Victory Team continues its international campaign at the UIM F1H2O World Championship in Shanghai.
Al Shindagha Dhow Race Opens the Season
The domestic calendar will begin with the Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, featuring the 22ft category.
Scheduled to take place on either 12 or 13 September 2026 off Dubai’s coastline, the competition will mark the return of marine racing to the emirate following the summer break.
The traditional dhow races remain an important part of Dubai’s marine sporting calendar, combining competitive sailing with the preservation of the UAE’s longstanding relationship with the sea and its maritime heritage.
Atlantis Traditional Dhow Sailing Race Follows
Later in the month, attention will turn to the Atlantis Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, this time featuring the larger 43ft dhow category.
The race is scheduled for either 26 or 27 September 2026 in Dubai waters and will become the second event on DIMC’s new domestic calendar.
Strong participation is expected from sailors, skippers and boat owners, with the Club currently working alongside government entities and strategic partners to finalise race courses and other organisational arrangements.
Marine and weather conditions will also be monitored as the final race dates approach.
Victory Team Heads to Shanghai
While traditional sailing returns to Dubai, the UAE will simultaneously be represented on the international powerboat racing circuit.
Victory Team will compete in the Shanghai round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship from 25 to 27 September 2026.
Led by Shaun Torrente, Victory Team currently sits at the top of the overall World Championship standings following Torrente’s victory at the Kyrgyzstan Grand Prix in July.
The Shanghai round will therefore be another important stage in the team’s campaign as it looks to maintain its position in the championship.
40 Marine Events Planned for the New Season
September is only the beginning of a much larger programme for Dubai International Marine Club.
The complete 2026-27 DIMC calendar features 40 races, championships and events running from September 2026 until April 2027. Alongside traditional dhow sailing, the programme includes modern sailing, rowing, aquabike championships, fishing competitions, kitesurfing, kayaking and international powerboat racing.
One of the biggest highlights will be two editions of the Al Gaffal 60ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race. The postponed 35th edition is planned for October 2026, followed by the 36th edition in April 2027.
With traditional sailing taking place alongside contemporary international powerboat racing, the new season continues to connect Dubai’s maritime heritage with its position as a destination for modern marine sport.
September 2026 Key Dates:
Al Shindagha 22ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race : 12 or 13 September
UIM F1H2O World Championship Shanghai : 25 to 27 September
Atlantis 43ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race : 26 or 27 September
News & Image Source: WAM
Dubai International Marine Club, DIMC 2026, Dubai marine sports, Dubai marine events 2026, Al Shindagha Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, Atlantis Traditional Dhow Sailing Race, dhow racing Dubai, traditional dhow sailing UAE, Victory Team Dubai, UIM F1H2O World Championship, Dubai sports events, things to do in Dubai, Dubai events September 2026, UAE maritime heritage, Al Gaffal Race 2026, sailing Dubai, water sports Dubai, UAE sports events, UAE events 2026
