Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, Al Gharbia, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi is organising the 7th edition of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival.

Held in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club and in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the 10-day Festival will be held from the 23rd of April to the 2nd of May, 2015 in the city of Mirfa in Al Gharbia.

"The Festival seeks to achieve a set of goals and objectives, including the promotion of Al Gharbia as an ideal destination for visitors and tourists interested in marine and beach sports," said Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Director of Projects Management at the Committee.

"The Watersports Festival highlights the many attractions in Al Gharbia, supports the different activities and stimulates economic activity while promoting local products," he added.

"Through the organisation of this Festival, the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi adds a new episode to a series of exciting activities and events in order to reinforce the position of Al Gharbia as a leading destination of culture, heritage, tourism and sports. The region hosts a number of other assorted festivals, namely Al Dhafra Festival, the Baynounah Camel Festival, and the Liwa Date Festival. All these activities and events have productively contributed to the substantial support of the Emirati citizens in recognition of their efforts in the fields of heritage preservation and authenticity safeguard. The support and encouragement goes to all participants in the different competitions, and all locals without exception, in line with the instructions of the wise leadership," Qubaisi said, continuing, "These objectives conform and converge with the vision and goals of the committee in supporting cultural, heritage, social and tourist activities, as well as encouraging the local community to sustain these traditions."

On behalf of the committee, Qubaisi extended his thanks and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival and his constant encouragement of all the activities that are held in the region.

The committee is currently intensifying its preparations to stimulate the heritage aspect of the Festival with a rich bouquet of activities, notably the Traditional Market, children's activities, heritage performances, and theatre competitions. "We take pride in the important expansion and significant success that has been achieved over the different editions," said Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Manager of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival.

"This year, the Festival will feature a number of diverse activities that suit all categories and ages. Beyond sports, the Festival promises to be more comprehensive with a blend of heritage, social activities, and tourism," he added.

The Festival boasts valuable prizes with a total value of Dh 4 million and is organised on a site that spans over 20,000 square metres, where several and diverse activities will be held, notably the Local Rowing Race, the Regatta Race (UAE Sailing National Championship), the Kite Surfing Competition, the Kayak Boats Race, the Traditional Dhow Race, parachute sailing, swimming, beach volleyball, beach football, as well as a number of exceptional heritage activities that are closely related to the marine environment.

The Watersports Festival has successfully established its reputation as a promising event that is capable of expanding horizons for Al Gharbia region as a whole. Today, the whole region has managed to position itself on the international and regional map of tourism and sports. Al Gharbia has become a magnet for tourists of different nationalities and visitors from all over the UAE. In this context, the Festival can be considered as an ideal platform to present and promote the region among visitors and tourists.

In the new edition, the Festival seeks to encourage the local community to promote the different family-made products that are available for sale in the city of Mirfa. Such activities and more are designed to reinforce a more dynamic lifestyle for younger generations in Al Gharbia. Locals, including younger people, continue to enjoy all the required encouragement and support to take part in the different sports and marine activities.
Source: WAM