Amsterdam, Netherlands: Europe and the Arabs - Nourredine Al-Amrani
The Sail Amsterdam Festival concluded on Sunday. This legendary maritime festival, held every five years, attracted hundreds of massive sailing ships to the Port of Amsterdam. From August 20 to 24, 2025, it brought together more than 10,000 vessels, including giant sailing ships, naval training vessels, historical models, and modern yachts, in the Port of Amsterdam (IJ), welcoming more than 2.3 million visitors from all over the world.
Five days of dazzling parades, live maritime shows, fireworks, concerts, and much more. In addition, it is the tenth edition, the 50th anniversary of the Sail Festival, and the 750th anniversary of the city, with the participation of some of the largest ships from more than 25 countries. It is the largest free maritime event in Europe, and it has created a huge buzz! Visitors enjoyed special events such as the SAIL-In parade, evening concerts, live performances, themed cruises, fireworks displays, and workshops.
2025 marked Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, SAIL's 50th anniversary, and its 10th edition. This historic convergence promises additional events, exhibitions, and an exceptional atmosphere throughout the city. Our colleague Nourredine Al-Amrani wrote from Amsterdam: "The Sail Amsterdam Festival is a major maritime event held every five years in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is considered one of the largest maritime events in the world, bringing together hundreds of historic ships, giant sailing ships, and modern boats. During the festival: • The ships enter a majestic procession along the IJ River. • Visitors can board some of the ships to learn about them.
Musical and cultural performances, as well as family activities, are held on the harbor banks. The event attracts millions of visitors from around the world and is a celebration of Dutch maritime heritage and culture. The Sail Amsterdam Festival is a major maritime event held every five years in the Dutch capital and is considered one of the largest maritime festivals in the world. Hundreds of historic and giant sailing ships participate, in addition to cultural and artistic activities that attract millions of visitors from various countries.
Among the participants in the Sailing Ship Festival are Princess Beatrix, her son King Willem-Alexander, Princess Maeba, and members of the royal family on the boat "Groen Dack," which set sail from Monnickendam, where it was located. Anchored before sailing to Amsterdam.