April 25, 2023

As Part of Efforts Taken to Encourage Attendance at Historic Al Dhafra Region Event

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 25 April 2023: Abu Dhabi Maritime, the primary custodian of Abu Dhabi’s waterways has confirmed it will offer ferry transport free of charge on the Dalma Island/Jabel Dhanna route during the 6th edition of the Dalma Race Festival taking place between 28th April and 15th May in the Al Dhafra Region.

The Dalma Race Festival, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and organised by Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and the Festivals and the Cultural Heritage Programs Committee – Abu Dhabi, will see more than 3,000 sailors participate in a historic 60-foot traditional dhow race over 80 nautical miles (125 km) over the 18 days, alongside an array of festivities for the family.

In order to ensure the local community is able to experience one of the largest phenomena in traditional maritime sport, Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group, will be allowing passengers to travel on the Dalma Island/Jabel Dhanna ferry free of charge, in either direction, for the duration of the festival. An additional evening service will also be scheduled during the festival period to enable further enjoyment of the celebrations.

Captain Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Maritime, commented: “It gives us great pleasure to be a silver sponsor of the 6th edition of the Dalma Race Festival. We are always looking at ways to support the community and promote our heritage to the younger generation, and by enabling free passage on our Dalma Island-Jabel Dhanna ferry during the festival period we hope this will ensure everyone can experience this exceptional event first-hand.”

All visitors and residents will be able to check timings and reserve their ticket free of charge through the recently launched online booking platform available at www.admaritime.ae

The move exemplifies Abu Dhabi Maritime’s efforts in creating a well-developed, global maritime centre, and is the second time the organisation has offered the service free of charge in support of Al Dhafra community events since the transfer of all ferry services and operations under its jurisdiction in 2022.