Dubai's Raft Race at Mina Seyahi as it used to be.

Mina Seyahi opened in 1977 and became the new home for Dubai's Raft Race. Sheikh Rashid built Mina Seyahi for local Fishermen but quickly became popular as a unofficial beach resort. Jebel Ali Sailing Club moved to Mina Seyahi and luxury yachts began to moor in the harbour.

Why Mina Seyahi?

Strong tides and lack of shore line space were problems that made running the Raft Race on Dubai Creek increasingly difficult. Relocating to Mina Seyahi solved these problems.

Raft Race began to fill the space available. More Teams entered as Dubai's population grew. Many Teams were sponsored. Live entertainment and catering were provided. Dubai Raft Race became a major social event attracting Dubai's population to this new beach area.

Both Men and Women Competed.

Raft Race now included men's and women's team races. Novelty Rafts competed in a "fun" class for ingenuity and creativity. Dubai Raft Race has reached a size where Dubai Police were required to regulate crowds and parking. Food and Drink (soft only!) Outlets and Live Entertainment were provided. Raft Race was now a part of Dubai's Events Calendar promoted by the Travel Industry as one of Dubai's attractions.

What happened to Dubai's Raft Race?

Development of Palm Island meant Mina Seyahi underwent a transformation into the New Mina Seyahi. Dubai's Raft Race is no longer on their Programme of Events.

CLICK here to see a Photogallery of Mina Seyahi Raft Race

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