The Al Gharbia Watersports Festival heads into its final days but you can still catch the fun and wide range of activities this weekend.

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Held on the stunning beachfront of Mirfa in the nation’s capital, the seventh edition, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will conclude on Saturday after running since April 23.

The festival spans over 20,000 square metres and has plenty of prizes to be won, totalling a value of Dh4 million.

Visitors will be treated to a wide array of activities, which include the Local Rowing Race, the Race for Tfares, Al Bwanich Sailing Race, the Marwah Sailing Race, the Jenana Sailing Race, the Regatta Race, the Kite Surfing Competition, the Kayak Boats Race and the Traditional Dhow Race.

In addition to the competitions, other recreational activities like parachute sailing, swimming, beach volleyball and beach football will be on hand.

The Local Rowing Race includes different types of rowing such as canoe, kayak and dragon boating, along with modern surfing like windsurfing, ski surfing and board surfing.

The Jenana Race for Tfares will have about 11 boats made of wood, with four competitors on board each boat, racing over a distance of 2 kilometres.

In the Al Bwanich Sailing Race, 50 boats with four or five sailors on each, will take part in this heritage competition.

The Marwah Sailing Race will have 20 to 25 sailors on each both – spanning a length of 60 feet – racing over 30km. Two sails are used by the competitors.

Five different categories will be in the Regatta Race: laser, optimist, catamaran, kite surf and open dinghy.

The exciting Kite Surfing Competition will see talented participants displaying their skill and endurance as they surf the water using a power kite.

The competition will be judged based on the strength and weight of the rider, the power of the wind and their style.

The competition will have categories for male, female and children.

Apart from taking in the competitions, you can gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the UAE’s marine heritage with a focus on fishing and pearl diving.

There will also be stores and souk shops belonging to Mirfa merchants selling family-made products in the Traditional Market, further promoting the heritage.

Children’s activities, theatre competitions and performances will mean the entire family is also entertained.

Entry is free and the festival will be open from noon onwards until later in the night, but the competition schedule may change.

Experience the popular event and get ready for some fun by the water this weekend.

WHAT: Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
WHEN: Today (Thursday), tomorrow and Saturday from noon onwards
WHERE: Mirfa beachfront, Abu Dhabi
Sport360° VERDICT: It’s a great opportunity to both enjoy watersport activities and immerse yourself in the rich marine heritage.
CONTACT: Visit www.algharbiafestivals.ae for more information.