The Louis Vuitton Trophy sailing series this month will mark the final chapter for the regatta and the America's Cup sloops.
It's also something of a debut for Dubai's efforts to earn a place on the world sailing map.
The nearly two-week competition, which begins Nov. 14, is the last for the Louis Vuitton event as the America's Cup moves into the multi-hull era of 72-foot, wing-sail catamarans.
The choice of Dubai for the farewell races, however, reflects the growing interest in bringing world-class sailing to the Gulf after the America's Cup pulled out of plans to race in the UAE this year over security concerns.