Abu Dhabi: The Al Yasat Festival, which is being held on the beach of Al Sila city in the Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi and will take place until November 19, is celebrating the UAE’s cultural and maritime heritage.
The festival, organized by the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and Emirates Heritage Club, showcases traditional and modern marine races.
These include 60ft class sailing dhows, 22ft sailing dhows, and modern sailing regattas, along with beach sports races and heritage competitions in the festival’s Heritage Village.
The festival seeks to strengthen the role of traditional sailing sports within society, celebrate them as a vital component of the UAE’s cultural heritage, promote UAE coastal cities, islands, and marine festivals, foster engagement in both traditional and contemporary marine sports, and actively facilitate their geographical expansion.
The event also seeks to highlight and pass down Emirati heritage and social etiquette, known as Sana’a, to future generations and consolidate Al Dhafra Region’s standing as a prominent destination for culture, heritage, tourism, and sports.
The festival’s Heritage Village will be the venue for a wide range of cultural and heritage competitions, along with engaging and appealing events suitable for various age groups.
The event will also comprise diverse shops that showcase traditional Emirati marine and desert heritage products.
The village will also feature aspects of traditional coastal living, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the ocean’s depths and embark on a tour of the coasts and islands in the Al Dhafra region.