UAE Wooden Powerboat Race (Al Shawaheef)

The UAE Wooden Powerboat Race (Al Shawaheef) (Heat 2) was held on 27 March, 2015 at Abu Dhabi Corniche – Breakwater in Abu Dhabi. This annual event is very popular in UAE and has been rapidly gaining more and more crowds of spectators and professional competitors each year. It is a unique championship that preserves the rich heritage of the forefathers of UAE and also demonstrating the country’s ancient centuries old marine traditions. The annual racing competition which began on a low key with a few powerboats competing has by now increased up to 25 boats competing from GCC countries which is a remarkable achievement by any standards for speed boat racing. These wooden powerboats are locally known as “Al Shawaheef” and are navigated by one or two drivers. Since fiberglass boats are prohibited in competing, these 28 ft. boats are built of wood and modern composites. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is a popular Palm Jumeirah hotel most visiting spectators and international competitors use for accommodation during the race competition.