AL DHAFRA (WAM)
The 4th edition of the Al Sila Marine Festival will take place from 4th-8th December 2024 at Al Sila Beach in Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi.
The event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.
The five-day festival will feature 57 marine, sporting, and beach competitions, with prize money exceeding AED4 million. The competitions include the Al Sila 43-ft Dhow Race, the Barakah Traditional Sailboat Race, the Al Sila Sheri Fishing contest, the falconry championship, cycling races, running events, beach volleyball, and beach football.
There will also be heritage competitions, traditional games, and a variety of community and entertainment events for all age groups.
The festival will feature a traditional market with various stalls run by local producing families and emerging projects, offering heritage products and traditional dishes. In addition, there will be stands representing event sponsors and participating organisations, a Noukhada Majlis (Captain's Majlis), folk art performances in the events arena, and a wide range of other activities.
The festival celebrates the UAE's rich heritage, emphasising the significance of maritime and traditional sports within the community. It also aims to showcase the coastal cities and islands of the UAE, promoting tourism and economic development in the Al Dhafra Region.