A two month sailing programme is coming to Abu Dhabi for wannabe sailors
Abu Dhabi's shoreline is about to get a little more traditional – and a lot more exciting.
Starting June 30, the Noukhthat Abu Dhabi programme sets sail from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, inviting over 200 young sailors and sea-loving hopefuls to dive into the rich world of traditional Emirati dhow sailing.
Backed by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, this two-month initiative isn't just a summer activity – it's a cultural mission. The programme is focused on teaching the fundamentals of dhow navigation, with an eye on preparing participants for the 22-foot dhow racing scene, a key pillar of the UAE's maritime identity.
Supported by @AbuDhabiSC, Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy has organised Noukhthat Abu Dhabi. Starting 30 June 2025, the two-month programme will provide training in the fundamental skills of sailing and dhow navigation, enhancing youth connection with UAE maritime heritage. pic.twitter.com/uR5EstZPjO — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) June 23, 2025
But this isn't only about learning how to handle a sail. The Noukhthat programme is designed to spot rising talent, with specialised coaches on the lookout for young sailors who could one day steer the iconic 43-foot and 60-foot racing dhows.
In other words, the next generation of dhow captains might just be training this summer, right here in Abu Dhabi.
The weekly sessions will run along the capital's waterfront, blending traditional skills with a forward-thinking vibe that speaks to today's youth. It's a strategic move to keep heritage sports alive – and make them relevant – as the UAE continues to celebrate the Year of Community.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just intrigued by the curve of a wooden dhow catching the Gulf breeze, this is one programme that ties the past to the future with skill, spirit and saltwater. Ahoy!
June 30-August 2025. Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, admsc.ae.
Summer in Abu Dhabi
This is exactly how long summer will last in Abu Dhabi this year
Feeling the heat?
The 27 best things to do indoors this summer in Abu Dhabi
It's time for some air-conditioned bliss
Yas Waterworld's epic new expansion is opening this summer – including 12 new slides
Weeeeee!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
9 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
AED 100K in prizes at Shams E-Gaming Championship
Top Regional and International Gamers to Compete The championship, hosted at Shams headquarters, will feature elite Arab and international players, including national e-sports teams from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The event aims to create a high-level competitive environment and promises thrilling matchups in two of the most popular gaming titles. Day One: FIFA 25 Showdown Al Suwaidi explained in an exclusive statement to 'Sharjah 24' that the first day is dedicated to 'FIFA 25,' featuring two competitions: a 2v2 format with AED 40,000 in prizes distributed among the top eight teams, and a 1v1 format with AED 20,000 allocated to the top eight individual players. Day Two: Tekken 8 Battles The second day will feature 'Tekken 8' matches with AED 40,000 in prize money for the winners, promising high-level action and strong participation from regional fighting game enthusiasts. Boosting Youth and the Creative Economy Al Suwaidi highlighted that the goal of the championship is to build a thriving competitive gaming community in the region and provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills in front of a wide audience and industry professionals. The event supports the creative economy and enhances Sharjah's position on the global e-sports map. Saudi, Bahraini, and Emirati Talent on Display She added that professional players from several countries will take part in the championship, led by the national teams of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, alongside emerging Emirati talents eager to claim top spots in the competition.
Sharjah 24
13 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
191 players compete in FAST Int'l Chess Championship
Opening Ceremony Attended The opening ceremony on the first board was attended by Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, a board member of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, alongside Eng. Fathi Jabr Afana, CEO of FAST Building Contracting, and other distinguished guests. Continued Community Commitment Eng. Fathi Afana expressed his pleasure at being present, highlighting FAST Group's ongoing dedication to supporting sports and community chess initiatives as part of its social responsibility. He emphasised that chess, as a strategic mental sport, plays a vital role in character building, saying, "We are proud to support this championship and strive to help the UAE strengthen its position on the global sports stage." Partnership Strength Highlighted He expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, for the successful collaboration. He added, "The partnership between FAST Group and the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club showcases the strong synergy between the private sector and government institutions. It aligns with the leadership's vision to support sports organisations and encourage all forms of sports across the UAE. This continued partnership has expanded to include tournaments carrying our group's name, as well as backing major international events organised by the club." Record Participation Celebrated Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, board member of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, stated, "This championship has seen record-breaking participation and stands out as a key event on the club's calendar. It offers many technical, organisational, and administrative advantages. Our main objective is to organise tournaments that enhance the skills of Emirati players, provide them with valuable experience, and boost their international rankings, ultimately supporting the growth of our national teams."
Al Etihad
16 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE Balloon ascends in Russian skies
28 June 2025 13:58 MOSCOW (WAM)The UAE Balloon Team is participating in the third edition of the International Ballooning Festival "Air Brotherhood", which kicked off in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod and continues until July festival sees broad international participation, including teams from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Belarus, and Armenia, alongside several Russian Pilot Abdulaziz Nasser Al Mansoori, head of the UAE Balloon Team, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the team's participation goes beyond the sporting aspect: 'It represents a mission to introduce Emirati culture and highlight the deep-rooted relations between the two friendly countries.'He noted that the team presented free aerial shows in the presence of Russian officials and Mansoori praised the attention given to their participation by the Russian leadership, commending the wide public interaction from the Russian people with the events and nightly shows presented by the team throughout the festival. He explained that this participation in Russia is part of the team's second international tour, which began in Bristol, UK, with the aim of spreading ancient Arab and Islamic culture in various countries worldwide.
