Al Masaood Automobiles has been named as the ‘Prime Sponsor’ for the second edition of the Dalma Dhow Sailing Race, a first-of-its-kind boat race organized by the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club and will be held from October 25 to October 29, 2018.
The announcement was made during a special signing ceremony between Al Masaood and the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club today 13 October 2018 at Al Masaood Automobiles’ Nissan Khalidya Showroom in Abu Dhabi. Present during the signing were Tareq Al Masaood, Board member of Al Masaood LLC and Ahmed Thani Murshed AL Rumaithi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both parties.
According to the company’s senior executives, Al Masaood Automobiles’ presence as a lead sponsor for the Dalma Sailing Festival demonstrates Al Masaood’s strong commitment towards supporting different heritage-based events and sporting activities being held in the UAE capital. The move also highlights the company's mission to embrace the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, deliver on excellence and belief in the importance of being a responsible member of the community via extending support to a wide range of local social, sporting and charitable activities in the UAE.
Tareq Al Masaood, board member of Al Masaood LLC, said, “We are excited to sign this strategic sponsorship agreement with the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club for the second Dalma Sailing Festival—a unique sailing competition that looks towards promoting the capital’s rich maritime heritage through the use of 60-foot traditional dhows. Al Masaood Automobiles remains steadfast in supporting heritage events and sporting activities like the Dalma Sailing Festival as part of its continuing commitment towards Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to assist in the development of UAE athletes.”
Now on its second year, the Dalma Sailing Festival is aimed towards keeping UAE traditions alive, particularly highlighting the company's rich and diverse maritime history. In fact, the 60-foot dhows entering into the competition resemble the dhows that were used for pearl diving and fishing during the olden days. The 125-km race is considered to be one of the longest races by distance--initially starting off at Dalma island and making its way to Sir Baniyas Island, Ghasha Island, Um Al Kurkum Island, Al Fatayer Island, Al Bazam Island, Marwih Island, Jananah and finishing at Al Marfa Town. Organizers of this year's edition are expecting around 90 to 100 boat entries with 20 sailors manning each boat.