The Seventh Edition of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival Kicks Off on the 23rd of April, 2015

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in the Western Region (Al Gharbia) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi organises the 7th edition of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. In cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Sailing & 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 Mr. 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 the 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.

He noted that 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.

Research and studies reveal that the Watersports Festival and other unique heritage activities have significantly contributed to a considerable economic boost and a substantial trade movement in Al Gharbia region.

On behalf of the Committee, Qubaisi extended his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in the Western Region, 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 Al Gharbia Watersports Festival with a rich bouquet of activities, notably the Traditional Market, childrens 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 Mr. 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 AED 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 Race for Tfares, Al Bwanich Sailing Race, the Marwah Sailing Race, the Jenana Sailing 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 actually 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.

About the Races and Competitions at Al Gharbia Watersports Festival:

- Sailing Race

The Sailing Race is a traditional race in which sailing masts are used. In the past, the sailing boats were used in diving to extract pearls or in the transport goods. A temperate climate is needed for such races to be organised. The length of the mast reaches 22ft, 43ft, or 60ft.

In these races sailors use their physical strength in the performance of traditional practices that they inherited from ancestors. They raise and lower the sail as fast as possible while the boat is in the midst of waves.

At least 60 boats take part in the race. About five sailors are on board of each boat. This race category is open for youth, and the distance to cross is 15 km.

- Local Rowing Race

In recent years, the modern sailing races have thrived and turned into one of the most celebrated sports practised currently by youth and adults. Excitement and pleasure characterise these races, regardless of their types or operations. The ability to control and adjust the sail, and the skill needed to concentrate on the trajectory of the boat determine the outcome of the race.

The competitions include modern sailing races and different types of rowing races such as Kayak, Canoe, and human-powered Dragon Boats that rely on the physical strength, accuracy and consistency in the performance of the crew. The modern races also include different competitions, notably windsurfing, ski surfing and board surfing.

At least 15 boats take part in the race. About 9 people are on board of each boat, and the distance to cross is 6 km.

- Regatta Race

The Regatta race is a modern sailing race that includes five different categories, namely: Laser, Optimist, Catamaran, Kitesurf, and Open Dinghy.

The Regatta race is part of the UAE Sailing National Championship that kicks off in every Emirate and wraps up with the 7th round at Al Gharbia Watersports Festival. The Championship is organised in conformity with the regulations and activities of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and is run by international referees.

- Jenana Race for Tfares

About 11 boats take part in this race. Made of wood, the boast were used in the past to fish in shallow waters. This heritage is now presented in the form of a race. At least four contestants are on board of each boat and they compete over a distance of 2 km.

- Al Bwanich Sailing Race

In one of the best heritage illustrations, at least 200 sailors on board of 50 boats (each boat has4 or 5 sailors on board) take part in Al Bwanich Sailing Race.

The boat is a Tfares boat, and the contestants use the sail in the race which runs over a distance of 12 km.

- Marwah Sailing Race (60ft)

This race is considered as one of the most important marine heritage competitions in the UAE. Contestants use two sails in the race. In each boat, from 20 to 25 sailors compete over a 30-kilometre distance. The length of the boat reaches 60 ft.

- Kite Surfing Competition

The kite surfing is one of the most outstanding marine sports. Characterised by excitement and thrill, the Competition attracts men, women and children of all ages. The contestant uses a power kite while surfing on the surface of the water. The kite surfing requires a great deal of patience and endurance that the constant is supposed to demonstrate as he waits for the appropriate wind speed in order to obtain an excellent performance. The outcome of the competition is determined by the strength of the contestant, the power of the wind, and the weight of the rider, his skills, and style.

The Competition includes 3 categories: Male, female and children.