Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The organising committee of the fifth Al Sila Maritime Festival announced that their 43ft dhow sailing race will take place on Saturday. This race is one of the highlights of the festival, to be held from November 7 to 16 on the coast of Al Sila city in the Al Dhafra region.
The festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club in strategic partnership with the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, includes more than 60 sporting and cultural events with cash prizes exceeding Dh6.4 million.
Organised in partnership with the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, the festival serves as a vibrant community platform promoting traditional marine sports, local tourism, and national identity.
The dhow race draws elite captains and crews from across the UAE, who will compete under strict safety and technical standards while upholding the values of traditional maritime racing. Prize money for this flagship event exceeds Dh3 million.
Other major competitions include the Barakah Bawanish Sailing Race (Dh400,000 in prizes) and Al Sila Traditional Rowing Race (Dh2.4 million). The programme also features a variety of community and sporting contests such as fishing, falconry, cycling, beach volleyball, running and traditional games like dominos and carrom, ensuring participation from all segments of society.
In line with the UAE Year of Community, the festival’s activities will take place over two weekends – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – to attract families and visitors. The event aims to instill authentic Emirati values, strengthen social bonds, and pass on maritime traditions to younger generations.
Complementing the races is a traditional souq, open throughout the weekends, offering heritage products, Emirati cuisine and handcrafted goods by productive families and small businesses. The market also includes pavilions for participating entities, children’s zones, stage performances, folk arts and daily competitions.
The Al Sila Marine Festival underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism and sustainable development in the Al Dhafra region. By reviving time-honoured maritime traditions and engaging the wider community, it continues to affirm the UAE’s enduring bond with the sea.
