In Dubai, marathon dhow race seeks to preserve ancient Gulf heritage

For the sailors, taking part is their way of paying tribute to their heritage - Al-Gaffal refers to the return of fishermen to Dubai's coasts after journeying out to sea. Photo: AFP

Under a blazing sun, far from the skyscrapers and SUVs of modern Dubai, hundreds of enthusiasts recently took to Gulf waters in traditional wooden vessels, keen to preserve an ancient heritage.

Around Sir Bu Nair, a teardrop-shaped island roughly 100km (60 miles) from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, two of seven emirates that make up the UAE, 118 teams raced dhows, the sailboats that have plied the Arabian peninsula's waters for centuries.