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16th Al Dhafra Marine Festival to Take Place from February 14-23 Under the Patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Al Dhafra, February 11, 2025 – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the 16th edition of the Al Dhafra Marine Festival will take place from February 14 to 23 on the Al Mugheirah Coast in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. The festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.

Celebrating Maritime Heritage and Emirati Traditions

The festival aims to celebrate the UAE’s rich maritime heritage, preserve national identity, and promote heritage conservation strategies. It provides locals and tourists with an opportunity to learn about traditional customs and seafaring traditions through a variety of heritage-based competitions, educational activities, and entertainment programs.

Exciting Marine and Beach Sports Competitions

The festival will feature several heritage and modern marine races, including:

• Marwah 43-ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race
• Al Dhafra 40-ft Traditional Rowing Boat Race
• Al Tafrees Heritage Sailing Race
• Kite Surfing Competitions
• Al Mugheirah Traditional Rowing Race
• Salaha Al-Bawanish Sailing Race
• Al Dhafra Modern Sailing Boat Race
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding Race
• Jananah 22-ft Traditional Dhow Sailing Race

Additionally, the festival will host popular sports competitions, including Carrom, Dominoes, Cycling Races, Running Races, Beach Football, Beach Volleyball, and Traditional Games.

Traditional Market and Cultural Activities

The heritage market will be open daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring a variety of stalls offering local and Gulf-region traditional products.

The market will also include interactive cultural activities such as:

• Nokhatha’s House (House of the Seafarer)
• Children’s Village
• Traditional Fashion Shows
• Culinary Competitions
• Family-Friendly Activities

Live Entertainment and Folklore Performances

The festival’s main stage will host daily competitions and cultural performances, including:

• Traditional Arts and Folk Music Shows
• Live Concerts
• Equestrian Displays

A Unique Blend of Heritage and Modernity

The Al Dhafra Marine Festival serves as a platform to promote UAE heritage, fostering a strong sense of national identity while bridging the past and present. Through its diverse range of activities, the festival continues to bring communities together, offering an immersive cultural experience for visitors of all ages.