Traditional Boat Races Keep Emirati Culture Alive in Fujairah UAE

In an interview soon to be screened by Sama Dubai Television, the Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak spoke yesterday (3 November 2009) of the traditional shoosh boat races as an example of the way that the Marine Club is involving itself with the local community.

Major Ahmed said that “traditional dhow sailing, traditional rowing and swimming championships are always related to society for the people who have lived in this area for centuries have only had the sea and their culture.”

“The sea with its fishing, swimming and boating was part of their daily life so by hosting marine sports activities today we are keeping alive in their minds what their grandfathers and great grandfathers used to do before modern developments and technologies arose.”

Major Ahmed said that Sheikh Zayed, the father of the UAE nation often said, “The people who have no past have no future” so to keep alive the tradition is essential to the vitality and development of the country.

Significant Sheikh Decision
When asked by Sama Dubai Television who was supporting the activities of the Marine Club, Major Ahmed noted the generous sponsorship of local businesses but his highest praise was reserved for Fujairah’s Ruler and ruling family:

“Our first and foremost support has come from His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah and Member of the Supreme Council and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.”

“Ten years ago His Highness Sheikh Hamad made the wise decision to establish the Marine Club along with its Board and the marina. Formal marine sports activities started in 1999 and in ten years I believe it has reached the goal that His Highness had in mind. We are looking forward to developing many more activities to keep our culture alive and make a worthwhile contribution to the community of Fujairah.”

Further
A book recounting the story of the first decade of the Fujairah International Marine Club is currently been written.

The traditional shoosh (boats made from date palms) will be on display in Fujairah waters in the first race of the season on Friday 13 November 2009.

See this Fujairah International Marine Club calendar for details of this event and up and coming traditional and modern activities.

Learn more and keep in touch with the Fujairah International Marine Club by becoming a Fan of the FIMC on the new Facebook Page.

Further

Rowing Races are Keeping Alive Fujairah's Traditional Fishing Boats the Shoosh, ETE.

Dr Geoff Pound

Geoff can be contacted by email at geoffpound(at)gmail.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Image: The Managing Director of the Fujairah International Marine Club, Major Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed Darak.