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Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra on November 20, 2023: The loader “Iqlaa 118”, owned by Tahnoun Ahmed Al Marzouqi, and led by Nokhatha Jumah Mohammed Abdullah Al Marzouqi, won the title of the Al-Qafai Sailing Bearings Race for the 22-foot category, which was held yesterday as part of the activities of the Al Yasat Festival, which was organized by the Cultural and Heritage Festivals and Programs Management Committee. In Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, in cooperation with the Emirates Heritage Club and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in the Commodity City in the Al Dhafra region.

“Sultan Al Khair 32” came in second place, owned by Adel Farouk Al Hammadi, and driven by Nokhatha Ali Nasser Al Himairi, while “Muhajir” came in third place, owned by Majid Ahmed Khadem Al Muhairi, and driven by Nokhadha Khalfan Majid Al Muhairi.

The Qafai race started from Aali, Al-Mahmaliya Island, towards the finish line on the shore of Al-Silaa City, a distance of 7 nautical miles, with the participation of 55 loaders, carrying 300 sailors on board.

Khalifa Al Rumaithi, Head of the Heritage Races Department at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, praised the great participation of the sailors in the Qafai race, the high spirit with which the young sailors ran the race, and the enthusiasm they showed during all stages, which indicates the great desire of these sailors to move forward towards gaining more skills. Experience to advance to participation in higher categories of bearings.

He said that the race was a great success during the Al Yasat Festival, and attracted large crowds who followed it from the beach and celebrated with the winners during their coronation ceremonies.

He added that the 22-foot boats represent the first platform for young sailors to achieve their ambitions with sailboats, and strengthen their deep connection with the authentic Emirati maritime heritage, to learn about the rich details of sailing that their grandfathers and fathers experienced.

The aim of the Al Yasat Festival, which concluded yesterday, is to enhance the presence of traditional marine sports in society as an element of the UAE’s diverse heritage and to highlight the picturesque nature of the coasts and islands of the Emirates, in addition to preserving, disseminating and introducing Emirati heritage and crafts and passing them on to new generations.

The festival witnessed the organization of many traditional and modern marine races, represented by the Al Yasat Race for 60-foot sailboats, in which 95 boats with 2,300 sailors participated, the Al-Qafai Race for 22-foot sailboats, and the Commodity Race for modern sailing boats “Regatta” for the “Elka” classes. Optimist, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Various sports and heritage competitions were also organized at the festival, which was hosted by the festival’s heritage village, which included a running race for adults with the participation of 27 competitors for a distance of 3 kilometers, a running race for juniors in which 70 competitors participated for a distance of one thousand six hundred meters, and a cheerleading race for girls for a distance of 1000 meters.

44 cyclists also participated in the bicycle race, while the Hadad Championship witnessed the participation of more than 300 falconers who competed over four days, including 90 falconers on the first day, of whom 11 won, and on the second day 87 falconers participated, of whom 8 won, and on the third day, 81 of them won. 7, and on the closing day of the competition, 61 falconers participated, of whom 6 falconers won.

Daily competitions attracted competitors in the most beautiful traditional costume competitions, folk games, folk puzzles, and cooking, in addition to the domino tournament, the Shaari fishing tournament, and the carrom contest.

On the other hand, the festival's events theater attracted visitors of all ages with heritage and entertainment competitions that witnessed wide participation from the public, such as the competition for the most beautiful traditional costume, the popular games competition, and the popular puzzles competition directed at children.

During its holding days, the festival provided a distinct heritage experience for visitors through activities and events that highlighted the richness and diversity of Emirati culture and the civilization and heritage of society in the country, through learning about crafts, folklore, and different food styles, in addition to the authentic Emirati hospitality and rituals of welcoming the guest.

The festival's heritage village, through many corners and exhibitions, provided visitors with aspects of the Emirati maritime heritage, and the popular market, with its shops for productive families and pavilions for participating and supporting entities, provided the opportunity to learn about popular Emirati products.