Two days ago, the third edition of the Khor Fakkan Maritime Festival kicked off, organized by the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and the Al Sharqiya channel. The event, which continues until January 4th, is being held with the participation of 10 countries. Taking place on the Khor Fakkan beach, the festival is a maritime event that brings together sports, heritage, and marine culture. It features participants from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Zanzibar, India, Iran, and Iraq, reflecting the cultural and maritime diversity of the participating nations. The Khor Fakkan Maritime Festival aims to highlight the UAE's maritime heritage and shed light on the popular heritage associated with the sea, in addition to enhancing Khor Fakkan's status as a distinguished tourist destination through a comprehensive program that includes marine sports championships, heritage shows, and recreational activities targeting various segments of society. Khalid Jasim Al Madfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, confirmed that the festival has become a leading annual platform for celebrating authentic maritime heritage and enhancing Khor Fakkan's position as a unique tourist and marine destination. He pointed out that the wide international participation reflects the festival's growing success and the confidence it enjoys regionally and internationally. The ceremony also saw the official announcement of the launch of rescue sports in Sharjah, a qualitative step aimed at enhancing the marine safety system and raising the level of readiness on the emirate's coasts. The festival includes a number of championships, most notably in traditional boat racing (Dhow racing), rescue, and fishing, in addition to various daily activities. Khalid Jasim Al Madfa: "The festival has become a leading annual platform for celebrating authentic maritime heritage and enhancing the status of Khor Fakkan city as a distinguished tourist and marine destination."
