Every year, when the traditional marine events at the Al Dhafra Marine Festival begin, the town of Al Mirfa in the Al Dhafra region transforms into a unique point where the ancient past meets a revitalized present. Here, sailing competitions are blended with a modern thrill, allowing visitors to experience a remarkable encounter combining heritage and contemporaneity amid the enchanting nature stretching along the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
"Mirfa," which is located just a short drive from the capital Abu Dhabi, is not merely a coastal settlement but rather a long-standing maritime heritage site. It was once a departure point for seasonal fishing and diving trips and also a gathering place for fishermen who inherited their love for the sea from their ancestors.
The Al Mirfa waterfront, surrounded by pear trees, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy natural views, while the tall towers provide perfect spots for birdwatching and appreciating wildlife. Around the festival, trade points, restaurants, and cafes are spread out, as well as sports facilities such as football, basketball, and volleyball courts that host tournament competitions, along with water parks, Alpine resorts, and recreation centers, ensuring an all-encompassing experience for the entire family.
The atmosphere in Mirfa is not limited to just festivals; it is also full of life due to the fishing competitions for small fish, attracting both professionals and hobbyists from various regions, as well as owing to the historical fishing vessels of the 60-foot class, which is one of the largest traditional maritime events in the region.
In these lively atmospheric conditions, visitors to Mirfa find themselves in the center of a stunning natural landscape, where the desert merges with the Mirfa beach and its pristine waters, creating a picture reflecting the UAE's ecological sustainability and improving quality of life.
Today, this town leads its visitors on a captivating journey through the Al Dhafra Marine Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Agency for Cultural Heritage and the Abu Dhabi Marine Club, offering a unique blend of traditional racing and modern marine sports, fun activities, traditional competitions, recreational and educational events, as well as a folk market, reflecting the spirit of a coastal Emirates way of life.
With everything connected, and along with the start of the Al Dhafra Marine Festival, the beaches of Mirfa are filled with visitors coming to enjoy the spectacles of sailing competitions reminiscent of ancient maritime legends, while the area comes alive with contemporary competitions in water skiing and marine velobording, giving enthusiasts thrilling experiences and lasting impressions from every corner of the festival.
