The Al-Gaffal dhow race takes place off the coast of Dubai every year and honors the pearl divers who helped establish the Emirate state as a trading port.
The Al-Gaffal dhow race takes place off the coast of Dubai every year and honors the pearl divers who helped establish the Emirate state as a trading port.
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The race starts at Sir Bu Nair island, near the coast of Iran, and finishes close to Dubai's International Marine Club. The route is based on the one pearl divers would have taken on their return journeys.
The race starts at Sir Bu Nair island, near the coast of Iran, and finishes close to Dubai's International Marine Club. The route is based on the one pearl divers would have taken on their return journeys.
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The Arabic term "Al Gaffal" translates as "the return," with the name of the race commemorating the pearl divers' long journeys home after months at sea.
The Arabic term "Al Gaffal" translates as "the return," with the name of the race commemorating the pearl divers' long journeys home after months at sea.
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The dhows today are pristine 60-ft versions of the boats the pearl divers would have used. There are strict rules in place to ensure that their heritage is maintained.
The dhows today are pristine 60-ft versions of the boats the pearl divers would have used. There are strict rules in place to ensure that their heritage is maintained.
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Dhows do not have motors, and each boat competing today must have a crew of a minimum of 12 for the 51.3 nautical mile-long race.
Dhows do not have motors, and each boat competing today must have a crew of a minimum of 12 for the 51.3 nautical mile-long race.
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The inaugural event in 1991 saw 53 dhows competing, but today that number has doubled. Over 3,000 participants sail the Gulf seas for up to eight hours of racing.
The inaugural event in 1991 saw 53 dhows competing, but today that number has doubled. Over 3,000 participants sail the Gulf seas for up to eight hours of racing.
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With many Emirati families tracing their roots to the pearl trade, the Al-Gaffal dhow race allows younger generations to keep traditions of the old industry alive. Every crew member participating in the event must be an Emirati.
With many Emirati families tracing their roots to the pearl trade, the Al-Gaffal dhow race allows younger generations to keep traditions of the old industry alive. Every crew member participating in the event must be an Emirati.
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This year's event took place on May 20, when sailors on board the Zilzal were crowned champions of the race. The Zilzal is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
This year's event took place on May 20, when sailors on board the Zilzal were crowned champions of the race. The Zilzal is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
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Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and United Arab Emirates Finance Minister, is the principal financier of the event.
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai and United Arab Emirates Finance Minister, is the principal financier of the event.
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The prize purse for the Al-Gaffal dhow race is Dhs10 million ($2.7 million), with the owner of the winning boat also taking home three luxury cars.
The prize purse for the Al-Gaffal dhow race is Dhs10 million ($2.7 million), with the owner of the winning boat also taking home three luxury cars.
MARWAN NAAMANI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images