Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the fifth edition of the Al Sila Marine Festival will be held from 7-16 November in Al Sila Waterfront, Al Dhafra Region. The event is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club.
Al Sila Marine Festival is held with the ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for heritage and cultural events and initiatives that reflect Emirati identity and strengthen bonds between generations, their history and traditional values.
The festival aims to highlight Emirati heritage and traditional etiquette (Al Sana’), promote the cultural significance of traditional marine sports within the community, and showcase the tourism and economic potential of the UAE’s coastal cities and islands. It further seeks to support tourism activities and economic development across Al Dhafra Region.
The festival’s activities and competitions will take place over two weeks, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with the aim of attracting a wide audience and creating an engaging social and cultural atmosphere for families and visitors. The event also encourages community participation through its diverse programmes, in alignment with the objectives of the UAE Year of Community. It seeks to instill authentic Emirati values in younger generations, strengthen national identity through its heritage programmes, and enhance social bonds among community members.
The festival features 64 marine, sports, beach, and heritage competitions, with total cash prizes exceeding AED6.4 million. The main events include the Al Sila Dhow Sailing Race (43-ft), with prizes of more than AED3 million; the Barakah Bawanish Sailing Race, offering prizes worth over AED400,000; and the Al Sila Traditional Rowing Race (40-ft), with prizes totaling AED2.4 million.
Additional competitions include domino and carrom tournaments for men and women, running races, traditional games, the Al Sila Sheri Fishing Championship, the Falconry Championship, cycling races, beach volleyball, and beach football. The festival also presents a wide range of recreational and educational activities designed to engage participants of all age groups and interests.
Accompanying the festival is a traditional market featuring diverse retail outlets managed by productive families and emerging businesses. The souq, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, showcases heritage products, traditional crafts, and authentic Emirati cuisine. It includes dedicated children’s areas and features daily stage performances, competitions, and prizes. In addition, the market hosts pavilions for all participating entities, and offers performances by folk art troupes and other activities.
