Al Masaood Automobiles joined the fourth Dalma Traditional Sailing Festival as the ‘Automotive Sponsor’ of the exciting first-of-its-kind boat race. Taking part in the sailing festival was aligned with Al Masaood’s commitment to support traditional sports in Abu Dhabi.
As a sponsor, Al Masaood Automobiles provided three brand new Nissan vehicles as top prizes at the 60-foot dhow race. The first and second winners would drive home the Nissan Safari while the third winner would get the Patrol SUV.
Irfan Tansel, CEO, Al Masaood Automobiles, said: “Dalma Traditional Sailing Festival is one of the country’s most prestigious traditional sporting events that highlights our rich maritime heritage. It is a great opportunity for us to contribute to the success of this race and demonstrate our support for the festival’s mission to promote our local traditions to the world.”
“At Al Masaood Automobiles, we fully embrace our unique cultural heritage and do our best to raise awareness on the beauty of our traditions. We endeavour to actively join local social, sporting and humanitarian initiatives in the UAE as a responsible member of the community,” he added.
The fourth edition was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative of the Al Dhafra region, and was organised by the Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Festivals and Programs Management Committee in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
The 60-foot dhow race covering a distance of 125 kilometres is the highlight of the now annual sailing festival. The participants start at Dalma Island then pass through Sir Baniyas, Ghasha, Umm Al Turcom, Al Fatayer, Al Bazm, Marawah and Janana, ending at Al Mirfa city.
This year, a grand cash prize of AED 1.3 million and a Nissan Patrol Y61 was presented to first-place winner. The second-place winner received AED 1 million in cash and a Nissan Patrol Y61, and the third-place received AED 800,000 and a Nissan X-Terra car as well.