The 25th annual Al Gaffal traditional dhow race will be staged off Sir Bu Niir Island at Sharjah, with activities from Monday through Saturday.

The Al Gaffel competition was first organised in 1991, on the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

The race was created to honour pearl divers, who played an integral role in the development of the emirates.

The sailing event will feature up to 100 dhows measuring 18 metres in length and more than 3,000 sailors.

Abu Dhabi Media's YAS channel will televise the races as well as activities happening on the side-lines of the event.

Mohamed Ebraheem Al Mahmood, chairman and chief executive of Abu Dhabi Media, said the race is "a reaffirmation of our past”.