Today's Edition
RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL MUGHEIRAH, AL DHAFRA)
The sways and chants of the traditional Emirati dance Al Ayyala, accompanied by the sea breeze, welcomed visitors to the Al Dhafra Maritime Festival on the Al Mugheirah beach, a venue harking back to the coastal way of life from bygone times.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the 16th edition of the festival concluded on Sunday, after offering local communities, residents and tourists alike an immersive cultural experience and a window into the region's rich seafaring heritage.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, the 10-day event at the Al Mugheirah Bay, some 150km west of Abu Dhabi, featured a vibrant array of competitions: traditional dhow and rowing, kite surfing, regatta and stand-up paddleboarding, among others.
Apart from the traditional aspects, the festival also incorporated a slew of land-based competitions including cycling, running, beach soccer and beach volleyball.
A stroll through the traditional market, showcasing heritage products, offered an enriching experience to enjoy the lingering fragrance of oud, the rich aroma of Arabic coffee and the cacophony of children playing.
Replicas of traditional homes and exhibits of seafaring paraphernalia dotted the venue, which also hosted booths for Al Khous artisans, who braided together date palm fronds to form baskets and other utensils, and a dedicated corner for cooking competitions; all captured the essence of a traditional Emirati coastal village.
At sunset, the stage came to life. Winners of the day's competitions were honoured. Then came the excitement of traditional games and quiz competitions. Children, youth and the elderly eagerly participated, adding richness to the festive experience.
Speaking to Aletihad, Ahmed Jassem, from Al Dhafra, said the festival offered a rich cultural experience for all ages.
"It's good to see each year the festival is growing in numbers of visitors and activities. People, not only from Abu Dhabi, but also across the nation are visiting the festival," Jassem said.
George Channing from the UK was among the winners of the cycling competition held as part of the festival.
For Channing, who works in the UAE and has been cycling for more than 20 years, it's more than a hobby, it's a "lifestyle."
"It was a very fast race here, normally the average is 38-39 and for this race, it's like 42-43km/h," he said.
"I came with my whole family, it's amazing to be part of this festival, and my children also participated in the competitions," Channing added.
