Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and Abu Dhabi Maritime Sports Club have officially opened the 16th edition of the Al Dhafra Maritime Festival, taking place from February 14-23 on the Al Mughirah Coast in the Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi.
The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, unites the past with the future and embodies the spirit of the UAE's maritime heritage.
Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of Festivals and Events Department, said at a press conference on Thursday: "The Al Dhafra Marine Festival is one of the most important annual events awaited by marine sports enthusiasts. This event is held on the Al Majrah coast and includes a group of marine and sports events and competitions, in addition to heritage and modern activities that enhance national identity, and which meet the interests of different age groups.”
"The organising committee of this festival has allocated valuable prizes for the winners, with a total value of more than Dh7 million distributed over 56 different competitions, and the number of beneficiaries of these prizes is 1,670.”
Al Mazrouei said the festival highlights the UAE's marine heritage and contributes to preserving it for future generations. It also aims to support traditional marine sports and enhance tourism and economic development in the Al Dhafra region.
"One of the main events organised by the Al Dhafra Marine Heritage Festival is the 40-foot traditional rowing boats, which reflects the authenticity of the UAE's marine sports heritage and enhances the spirit of competition for the audience.
"This year's festival programme is dedicated to various events, including the standing rowing race, the high-sea race, the swimming and padel championships, volleyball, hockey, dominoes, running, beach volleyball, traditional diving, traditional shooting, cooking and traditional games, and art exhibitions.
"The festival also includes popular markets, shops supporting productive families, participating institutions, a handicraft corner, a photography corner and other adventures."
Nasser Al Dhaheri, Director of the Marine Sports Department, added: "In cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, we seek through this version of the festival to combine authenticity and development, and we will witness strong competitions in various marine sports."
