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Abu Dhabi, February 14, 2024: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the activities of the Al Dhafra Marine Festival will be held in its fifteenth session, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, during the period from February 16 to 25, 2024. On Al Mughira Beach in Al Dhafra Region.

The new tournament includes a group of traditional and modern marine races, popular games, sports competitions, and entertainment and educational events that shed light on the important role that characterizes Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage, ensuring its sustainability.

The festival includes the Marawah race for 43-foot sailboats, the heritage race, the Al-Mughira heritage rowing race, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding races, the Al Dhafra modern sailboat race, the Salah Al-Bwanish sailing race, and the Janana race for 22-foot sailboat races, in addition to competitions. Carrom, dominoes, bicycles, running races, beach soccer, beach volleyball, and popular games (Krabi, dahrawi, shape, material).

The festival's popular market opens its doors daily from four in the afternoon until ten in the evening. Its stores offer local and Gulf heritage products that combine the Emirati maritime and desert heritage, in addition to various activities in Beit Al Noukhatha and the Children's Village, popular fashion shows, cooking competitions, traditional handicrafts, theater, and its daily competitions and prizes. And other activities suitable for different age groups.

The market includes pavilions of government and private entities participating in the festival, Abu Dhabi Folklore Band performances, musical concerts, horse shows, a restaurant and mobile fast food court (Food Truck), and a camping area (mobile trailers).

Al Dhafra Marine Festival is keen to consolidate marine culture and heritage competitions, which translates the interest of the wise leadership in celebrating maritime heritage and preserving national identity. It enhances the strategy of preserving Emirati heritage and introducing all members of the local community and tourists to the customs and traditions associated with the sea. It supports the social and cultural activities of the residents of the Al Dhafra region, to...