In the spirit of wind, waves, and tradition, Abu Dhabi is hoisting the sails of heritage with its exciting new initiative — the “Nokhatha Abu Dhabi” programme! Launched under the guidance of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Academy and the watchful eye of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, this two-month initiative is more than just a summer activity; it’s a cultural voyage into the soul of the UAE’s maritime history.
Over 200 young participants, including aspiring sailors and heritage enthusiasts, have answered the call to adventure. Their mission? To master the art of navigating 22-foot traditional dhows, the elegant wooden sailing vessels that once ruled the Arabian Gulf. But that’s only the beginning. The programme is a launchpad for future champions who may one day compete in the elite 43-foot and 60-foot dhow races, keeping the spirit of the sea alive and proud.
Held along the shores of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the weekly training sessions offer far more than knot-tying and wind-reading. Participants are immersed in the values of discipline, teamwork, respect for nature, and national pride. Specialised scouting teams will monitor performance closely, identifying exceptional talent and guiding them toward higher levels of traditional sailing excellence.
This initiative isn’t just about sport — it’s a cultural anchor in the “Year of Community”, aligning perfectly with the UAE’s broader mission to safeguard heritage and ignite community spirit. It also reflects the leadership’s deep commitment to reviving ancestral knowledge and passing it on to the youth in ways that resonate with today’s generation.
In a world racing toward the digital horizon, Nokhatha Abu Dhabi proudly casts its net into the past, reminding us that our roots are worth sailing back to. As the sails rise and the winds whisper old stories, a new generation of nokhathas stands ready — steady at the helm — to navigate the UAE’s legacy into the future.
