The UAE’s capital is organising the ninth edition of Al Dhafra Festival at Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia (The Western Region) from December 7 to 30.

The event held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will feature up to 15 heritage activities and competitions, with total prizes worth over Dh50 million.

The competitions include the Baynounah Camel Mazayna; Al Dhafra Camel Mazayna (Asayel and Majahim); the Heritage Camel Race; the Camel Milking Competition (Mahaleb); the Purebred Arabian Horse Race; Falcon Competitions; the Arab Heritage Saluki Race; the Photography Competition; the Dates Mazayna (Best Dates Competition); the Dates Packaging Competition; the Traditional Market; the Children’s Village, the Sour Milk Competition, and the Sheep Mazayna (Sheep Beauty Contest).

Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, said: “Al Dhafra Festival has managed to promote authentic Emirati heritage and reinforce efforts made to ensure its protection.

“Over the years, the festival has contributed to the promotion of Al Gharbia on the map of international tourism, through introducing the region, the details of its culture and authenticity, and the different traditions of the Emirati people,” he added. Details