WESTERN REGION // Mirfa’s coast is attracting scores of visitors as the 10-day Al Gharbia Watersports Festival entering its final weekend.
More than Dh4 million in prize money will be given away this year to winners of different competitions, ranging from traditional Emriati boat racing to kite surfing and para-sailing.
The festival, which takes place over Mirfa’s 20,000 square metre sandy beach, is organised by Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi (CPHFC).
This year, organisers built 45 small shops to allow the local community to make extra income.
The festival aims to boost the economy in the Western region, said Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, director of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival and director of heritage competitions at CPHFC.
“Al Dhafra Festival, Liwa Dates Festival and more recently the Al Marzoum specialised area for falconry, are all contributing to improve the financial means of the local population, as well as to preserve and promote Emirati culture, traditions and heritage,” he said.
For the second time in the eight-year history of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, a heritage ‘village’ has been added to the festival, expecting to attract 60,000 people by the final day on Saturday.
Spices typical to Emirati cuisine, colourful dresses called jalabiya, children’s toys, oil perfumes and household items such as the dhala, the Arabian coffee pot, are being sold at the village. It also features a photo studio and an outdoor museum on fishing and pearl driving.
There are food caravans, arts and crafts for children, puppet shows, acrobats and, for the grand finale on Saturday night, spectacular fireworks display.
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