Al Gharbia to host spectacular 10 day Watersports Festival

Abu Dhabi, April 9, 2012 (WAM) - For the fourth successive year, the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is set to bring action to the shores of the United Arab Emirates. The ten-day festival, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, will be held in Al Gharbia from April 12th to April 21st, 2012. The festival, initiated by the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) and organised by Abu Dhabi Motors Club, is held annually on Mirfa's Public Beach. Mirfa is a traditional fishing town situated approximately 120 km from Abu Dhabi and the festival will take place on the beach. Over the years, the Festival has gone from strength to strength, not least because of its broad appeal. It attracts everyone from watersports enthusiasts to families enjoying a fun time out. During the Festival water sports enthusiasts from across the globe battle it out in a number of adrenaline raising competitions. These include kite-boarding, wake-boarding and surf-ski kayaking in the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf. The Festival also offers a variety of stalls including a traditional market or souk, beach activities such as football and volleyball and chilled out beach camping accompanied by live music. For those interested in learning more about kite-boarding or kayaking, professional trainers are available on the beach to offer free training sessions on-ground during the week. The opening ceremony, which will include a festive firework display, will take place on April 12th in Mirfa, and will be conducted in the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region. - Emirates News Agency, WAM