The Al Sila’ Marine Festival will take place from December 9 to 11 at the beach of Al Sila’ City in the Abu Dhabi, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police and Chairman of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi said, “Al Sila’ Marine Festival represents a valuable addition to the roster of seafaring traditional festivals that translate the UAE wise leadership’s interest in preserving heritage and national identity.”
“Such festivals contribute to delivering the UAE’s message of shared humanity to the whole world and passing on our heritage to future generations. They fall in line with the UAE’s strategic vision to promote and preserve our national identity and launch initiatives that will maintain the values of the community. The value of cultural heritage isn’t in cultural manifestation only, but in the wealth of experience and skills passed down from generation to generation,” Mr. Al Mazrouei said.
He also lauded the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club’s efforts and contributions to maritime events and contests, which assist to foster interest and knowledge of aquatic sports among festival attendees and heritage enthusiasts.
“These activities and initiatives significantly contribute to preserving the UAE heritage and passing it on to future generations. In the meantime, they help promote our islands and coastal areas, hype marine, and heritage sports, and ultimately drive tourist development and stimulate economic growth in the Al Dhafra region,” Mr. Al Mazrouei added.
Ahmed Thani Murshid Al Rumaithi, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club commented, “Organising Al Sila’ Marine Festival with a 43 feet traditional dhow race corroborates the cherished status this sport enjoys in everyone’s hearts in this region, where the people are well known for their special affinity with authentic Emirati heritage.”
“Al Sila’ Marine Festival features the 43-foot Dhows Race and meets the various needs of visitors in terms of edutainment and shopping through an impressive lineup of exciting competitions, including the fly-fishing, Carrom, dominoes, bicycle race, beach volleyball & soccer, and traditional arts & crafts competitions. The festival also includes the Child Village, where there will be plenty of theatre performances, art, cookery, and Bedouin dance workshops, as well as Al Mekshat tents, and a food court,” remarked Essa Saif Al Mazrouei, Vice Chairman, Committee for the Management of Cultural and Heritage Festivals.
