Inspired by an authentic Bedouin spirit, the festival is dedicated to the protection of environmental and historical heritage, and the reinforcement of the bond between the past and the present of the Emirati citizens.

With more impressive heritage competitions, the event is all set to be the biggest in the history of the festival and a large number of participants from the Gulf region are expected to take part in the different laps and categories of the Camel Mazayna and all of the Festival’s competitions and heritage events.

Major festival highlights

• Camel Mazayna – A spectacular camel beauty competition
• Baynounah Mezaynah, now part of the Al Dhafra Festival will feature the camel beauty competition for Emirati breeders
• The largest heritage souq in the Western Region with 16 unique heritage activities
• A dynamic programme filled with activities for all visitors. The festival features 75 competitive rounds, 1500 competitors and 25,000 camels
• A series of Creative workshops led by Emirati professionals from various art and design backgrounds, to provide fun, educational and interactive experiences to all visitors
• Children Village- a specially designed area allows children to explore the UAE heritage, learn about it and enjoy it through creative simulation
• Tastes of Tradition competition will showcase chefs from major hotels / Restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai prepare gourmet meals using dates and camel products
• A Photography Competition‬‬‬ to immortalise the event through photos that reflect their creative and artistic abilities
• Traditional Handicrafts Competition, exclusive for ladies participating in the festival aspires to preserve the heritage and encourage women to practice

Hosted in the Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia (The Western Region), the 10th edition of Al Dhafra Festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and organised by the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi. The Festival is sponsored and supported by different government institutions and official bodies of the state.

WHEN :

Dec 13 to Dec 29, 2016

WHERE :

Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia

CONTACT INFO

Visit Website