MIRFA // Mirfa’s beaches are attracting a growing number of expatriate visitors.
Among them is Ranjith Powell, who first visited the small coastal town in 2008. An avid wind and kite surfer, the Australian heard about the area’s strong winds that offer “an extra kick than you get in Dubai”.
“Usually the wind there is five knots more than in Dubai,” said Mr Powell, 44. “If there is ever a shamal coming from Qatar, it is always stronger there.”
With a busy management job in Dubai, Mr Powell said he visited Mirfa about 10 times a year. The trips usually take less than three hours – a reasonable distance for a weekend drive.
The water is quite shallow near the coast, making it perfect for beginners. About 100 metres out to sea there is a deeper channel for more experienced watersports enthusiasts, he said.
Mr Powell said he was seeing more surfers visit Mirfa. The town also hosts Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, which is becoming more popular each years.
“Mirfa has got a really nice atmosphere to it,” he said. “Every year, it is building up.”
vtodorova@thenational.ae
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