The normally quiet coastal town of Mirfa in Al Gharbia is to hold the region's first water sports festival next month. Kite boarders, kayakers and others are expected to descend on the town from May 1 for the nine-day Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival, organised by the Western Region Development Council, the Abu Dhabi Motors Club and the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
The festival will consist of a variety of competitions, including what organisers described as an international kite boarding championship, a surf-ski kayak race and beach volleyball and football contests. Instructors will provide free lessons throughout the nine days. A souk will be set up, and there will be evening entertainments, including live music. "We are pleased to initiate this new upbeat and unique festival and we hope it will encourage all UAE citizens and residents alike to attend and compete," Mohamed al Mazrouei, the council's director-general, said in a statement.
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