For the fourth successive year, the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is set to bring action to the shores of the United Arab Emirates.

The ten-day festival, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, will be held in Al Gharbia from April 12th to April 21st, 2012.

The festival, initiated by the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and organized by Abu Dhabi Motors Club, is held annually on Mirfa’s Public Beach. Mirfa is a traditional fishing town situated approximately 120 km from Abu Dhabi and the festival will take place on the beach. Over the years, the Festival has gone from strength to strength, not least because of its broad appeal. It attracts everyone from watersports enthusiasts to families enjoying a fun time out.

During the Festival water sports enthusiasts from across the globe battle it out in a number of adrenaline raising competitions. These include kite-boarding, wake-boarding and surf-ski kayaking in the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf. The Festival also offers a variety of stalls including a traditional market or ’souk’, beach activities such as football and volleyball and chilled out beach camping accompanied by live music. For those interested in learning more about kite-boarding or kayaking, professional trainers are available on the beach to offer free training sessions on-ground during the week.

The opening ceremony, which will include a festive firework display, will take place on April 12th in Mirfa, and will be conducted in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.

Mohammed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Director General of WRDC, said "We are delighted by the success and growing popularity of the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. The festival offers something for everyone; from live entertainment to stalls, through to the excitement of sporting competition. We invite everybody to come to visit Mirfa to see what Al Gharbia has to offer." He continued, "Al Gharbia is a beautiful place with so much to offer in terms of tourism, culture and investment. Mirfa is situated on a breathtaking 350 km stretch of untouched coastline and provides the perfect venue for a Watersports Festival. The Festival attracts water sports and adventure fans and in doing so promotes Al Gharbia as a highly desirable destination with great potential." Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, the Festival Manager, further highlighted the value of the event.

"The Al Gharbia Watersports Festival has gone from strength to strength because it engages with diverse groups of people. In particular we wanted to keep the region’s local residents in mind by creating an inspiring event that would encourage them to participate in different sporting activities and play a more active role in the promotion of their region in the future. The Festival is also a wonderful opportunity for families and visitors to relax, enjoy the fun, and experience the best of Al Gharbia. Women can participate in the souk by selling traditional products while the university students are welcome to volunteer and be part of this exciting event."

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear