All set for Awafi Festival 2007 in Ras Al Khaimah

The annual Awafi Festival in RAK, organized under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, has over the years developed as a popular spring festival which celebrates the emirate's ethnic and cultural traditions through performances, heritage shows and outdoor sport events centered at the picturesque Awafi area, noted for its cool environs and sandy terrain.

Speaking at a press conference organized here, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and Head of the Festival Organising Committee, said that Awafi Festival has already become a major event in the tourism calendar of RAK, attracting huge number of visitors from UAE and GCC countries.

"The festival has proved to be the ideal mid- year and spring vacationing spot in the region and has been attracting visitors even from neighboring countries and other parts of the world. The cool environment of the Awafi area and its spectacular sand dunes have made it a much sought after tourist destination," Sheikh Faisal added.

He said that the festival organizing committee has expanded the scope and activities of this year's edition of the festival following its huge success in the previous three years. He noted that the focus of this year's festival was the family and special focus has been given to attract families by offering a host of cultural and entertainment options.

The myriad attractions of the Awafi Festival 2007 would include car races, motorcycle shows, football tournaments, horse races, puppet shows, chess tournaments, helicopter rides, theatre performances, magic shows, bullfights and much more.

Sheikh Faisal said that special care and adequate safety measures have been put in place for the conduct of the off-road competitions and the car and bike races. The racing venues have been clearly demarcated from the family areas and a police station, civil defense station and a medical centre have been set up in the Awafi area.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the RAK Economic Development Department, said that another attraction of the festival would be the large number of prizes that would be handed over to participants and visitors of the festival.

Scores of folklore associations from across the UAE will add colour to the festival during the cultural evenings.