13th Al Dhafra Water Festival to kick off 17 March in Al Mirfa’ City

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the 13th edition of Al Dhafra Water Festival will dock on Al Mirfa’ City’s Mughirah beach, in Al Dhafra Region, from March 17th-26th, 2022.

Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, Al Dhafra Water Festival comes in keeping with the wise leadership’s approach to conveying the civilisational and human message of the UAE, preserving national identity and maintaining and encouraging seaside heritage. An approach that was laid down by the Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who showed deep interest in encouraging and engaging youngsters in the profession of their ancestors.

Al Dhafra Water Festival seeks to inspire an educational message about the Emirati marine heritage among its visitors, and water sports enthusiasts, directing their interest more towards this form of heritage through a variety of edutainment activities and events that enliven seaside heritage amongst UAE, residents and visitors.

The event features an impressive line-up of marine heritage and beach competitions, recreational and educational events and traditional games that introduce the visitors to the authentic Emirati heritage by reflecting wonderful images of the UAE culture and quintessential Emirati values, traditions and customs, while highlighting the significant role played by the maritime sector in enriching the cultural and social fabric of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in particular and the UAE in general.

This edition of the much-awaited festival features the Tafrees Traditional Race; Marwah Traditional Dhow Sailing Race (43 ft); Al Mirfa Traditional Rowing Race; Open Kitesurf and Paddle Boarding; Al Dhafrah Regatta; Salahah Al Bwanish Sailing Race; Fishing Championship; carrom, dominoes; iron-man competitions; live multi-sport events, like cycling and running races; and camping area performances by the Abu Dhabi Folklore Troupe, including concerts, fireworks & horse shows, and mobile fast-food restaurants (Food Trucks).

It also includes Al Dhafra Souq, which hosts the Bait Nokhza House; Children’s Village; folk costume shows; cooking competitions; traditional handicrafts shows; and the Theater, including daily competitions and prizes, among other activities catering to different age groups from 16.00-22.00.

WAM