Beach clean-up sends message

Volunteers have restored Mirfa beach to respectability as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.

Forty female student volunteers restored Mirfa beach to respectability at the weekend as the nine-day Al Gharbia Watersports Festival came to en end. The clean-up campaign, organised by the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) in association with Higher Colleges of Technology of Madinat Zayed and Ruwais, was intended to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and keeping local beaches clean.

"Al Gharbia's beaches are considered a getaway and a source of income for its residents, not to mention being a valuable tourist attraction for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle in their own city," Mohammed Hamad bin Azzan al Mazrouei, the director general of WRDC, said. "WRDC recognises its responsibility to maintain a pollution-free environment in the region, and we therefore decided to launch this beach clean-up."

Mirfa beach is about 120km from Abu Dhabi in the Western Region and lies on the sweeping 350km coastline of Al Gharbia. The small town has been an important port for coastal fishermen for generations with its natural harbour, sandy beaches and rich history of pearl fishing. The watersports festival featured a number of competitions, including an international kiteboarding championship, surf ski kayak race, swimming, beach volleyball and beach football.