The Western Region Development Council (WRDC) – the central coordinating body leading development and promoting opportunity in Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi - is sponsoring the Al Gharbia International Festival.
The Festival, in its fourth year, will be held from 4th - 12th February, 2010 at Tel Moreeb in Liwa. WRDC invites visitors to come and witness the thrill of watching quads, bikes and 4x4s competing to climb one of the tallest sand dunes in the world alongside camel, horse, falcon and remote-control vehicles racing and shooting competitions. To add to the excitement, even more competitions have been added to the line-up this year, including a classic car competition, a modified car competition in both categories; saloon and SUV, a photography competition and a best camper award. There will also be quad bikes and hot air balloon rides available for visitors with a children’s play area, a market souq for shopping enthusiasts and a firework show.
Commenting on the event, H.E. Mohamed Hamad Azzan Al-Mazrouei, Director General of the Western Region Development Council said “WRDC is pleased to again sponsor the Al Gharbia International Festival, Liwa to further promote the true potential of Al Gharbia and illustrate what the region is capable of. It is also a confirmation of WRDC’s principles and role in catering for the region’s youth. This is why we encourage the initiation of such activities and events in Al Gharbia to involve the young generation in various social and sporting activities”.
He continued, “The festival is particularly famous for attracting sport and adventure fans and is intended to promote Al Gharbia as a tourist destination bringing the diversification of recreation and tourist attractiveness available in Liwa and the rest of the region’s cities to the fore-front, including eye-catching scenery, fascinating desert and sand dunes, which are among the tallest in the world”, added H.E. Al Mazrouei.
WRDC has developed a long term festival strategy in order to promote Al Gharbia as a unique festival destination. The region not only offers some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, spectacular natural scenery, true culture and heritage but also 350 kilometres of untouched coastline. These combined, enable the region to offer an array of different festivals such as the Al Gharbia Watersports Festival - Mirfa, the Liwa Dates Festival, the Al Dhafra Camel festival and the Al Dhafra Falconry Festival - all of which are held annually. The council is using this event to raise awareness of the region and more importantly; it is an opportunity for the council to meet and interact with the local residents.
