Al Matla’a and Dubai row to victory
Dubai: The 1st heat of the traditional Rowing Race held at Mina Seyahi on Saturday November 24th, made for a pleasant contrast between the old and the new with the Palm Jumeirah construction in the backdrop. The race was a display of sheer strength, skill and excellent communication between skipper and rowers. Moreover it was a perfect show of endurance. The modernity of the area with skyscrapers dotting the island and seafront made for an excellent backdrop of the lifestyle of a city that is bustling all the year round yet firmly rooted in its traditions.
In what marks the start of the traditional rowing race of the season there was stiff competition, and this was evident in the facial expressions of the rowers, the enthusiasm of the teams and the encouragement given by the nakhoudah (skipper) who did not cease to spur his team on to the finish line.
The races were traditionally held at the creek to remind the youth of today of the past heritage of their forefathers, but due to developmental projects it was shifted to Mina Seyahi.
The racers were divided into two batches. In the first race of 22 rowing boats, competition was rife between Al Matla’a, Wadi Wesam 1 and Al Zaabi with Matla’a making it to the finish line at top speed leading by a boats length. Skippered by Saif Khalaf Al Marri, Matla’a rowed furiously right from the flag off and it was a delight to see them cruise on. Wadi Wesam 1 and Al Zaabi were the next to cross the finish line respectively.
In the second batch of the race Dubai had RAK Motors and Najm Suhail 1 close on their heels leaving them little option but to row faster to make it with an inch distance from their rivals. Ahmed Rahman Al Mansouri steered his crew in Dubai to finish first followed by RAK Motors and Najm Suhail 1 in second and third place respectively.
Jubilation was rampant on the break water at Mina Seyahi as supporters of the teams cheered them on and when the wave of the chequered flag signalled the winners, the crowd burst into spontaneous chanting of traditional song and dance, much of a spectacle of revelry. Throughout the two rounds skippers encouraged their teams with chants of patriotic verses and stomping of the feet as the rowers rowed their boat in unison rhythmically.
The 3.5 km race route from inside the Palm Jumeirah to finish at the Mina Seyahi lagoon was witness to a certain transition from the old to the new. Speaking after the race, DIMC Managing Director, Saeed Hareb said, “Today’s race was a tough fight between 5-6 boats but you could see the enthusiasm in the rowers and the skippers. This event is a perfect showcase of the heritage and tradition of our forefathers and it is always exciting to see new faces among the youth who take this race seriously. The moment the green flag is raised there is no stopping the rowers who take off like a pack of herd competing with each other neck to neck”.
Saeed Hareb added, “Rowing races are an integral part of our tradition and we want to encourage the youth in the sport. They should not forget the hard work of their fathers and grand-fathers who have made the country what it is today. Thanks to rulers of Dubai for encouraging us to promote the traditional rowing races”.