Today's Edition
RAJEEV CHERIAN (AL MUGHEIRAH, AL DHAFRA REGION)
Abu Dhabi’s rich maritime traditions, heritage, and community spirit come to life in a brightly lit gala village on Al Mugheirah Beach in Al Dhafra Region.
Welcome to Lammah Al Bahr, or “Gathering by the Sea”, a vibrant family and heritage venue that offers a diverse choice of culture, sports, and leisure activities on the coast of Al Dhafra, some 150km west of Abu Dhabi.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the festival kicked off on February 7 and runs through to June. Lammah Al Bahr is part of a wider lineup of initiatives aimed at enhancing community wellbeing and positioning the region as a dynamic investment destination.
As visitors pass through quaint neighbourhoods and arrive at the venue, they are welcomed by a community hub festooned by festive lights, promising unforgettable experiences. Amid the lively music, curious crowds milled around stalls as happy children in toy cars zigzagged across the area.
Right from the entrance, visitors are immersed in the region’s rich heritage, with stalls showcasing traditional net making, pottery, calligraphy, and authentic Emirati cooking lining the path in the Heritage Zone.
The nation’s cherished delicacies — luqaimat, ragag and chebab — are passionately prepared by local households at their stalls. Nearby, a henna art kiosk also witnessed a steady stream of visitors, all looking to adorn their hands with intricate designs.
Artistic innovation also takes centre stage at the venue, offering a platform for creative expression. At Art Haus, the exhibition “Majlis of Memory” showcases works by Sarah Alagroobi and Nourah Ramahi, both reflecting on themes of Emirati identity. The space is further brought to life by installations from Steven Naifeh and sculptures by James Matthews.
The event promises something for all ages, with each day focusing on a variety of workshops, organisers said. With summer approaching, this season’s workshop focuses on themed activities such as sun hat painting, seashell painting, and ice cream decorating.
Moving further into the venue, there is a dedicated space for board games such as chess and carrom, in addition to video games.
Some 30 retail shops offer locally made handcrafts, perfumes, food and embroidered clothing.
As visitors wander through the lanes between stalls, they are greeted with roaming artists, magic shows, and falcon mascots. Towards the end of the venue is a dedicated space for sports, such as football, volleyball and paddle, and an exclusive section for adventure activities.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, more than 1,100 participants of all ages joined the action-packed Arabian Warrior Obstacle Course Race — a true highlight of the weekend.
More sport and wellness initiatives are lined up — including a high-energy G-Wagon Driving Experience on May 10, where a 25-car convoy will take part in a structured driving sequence.
Lammah Al Bahr opens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm to midnight, with free entry for all visitors.
More information is available on the event’s official Instagram account @lammahvibes and its website www.lammahvibes.com.
