WAM Dubai, 25th May 2012 (WAM) -- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, opened today events of the 22nd traditional Dhow Sailing (Gaffal) Race (60ft).

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan, the annual race, which draws about 100 shows, will be official launched on Sunday from Sir Bu Nair island to near Burj Al Arab.

Sheikh met with skippers, owners and sailors of competing dhows and got assured of final preparations for the heritage race.

WAM/TF