Awafi Festival 2009 starts off with high-spirited racing action in Ras Al Khaimah

Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and Head of the Higher Organising Committee of the Festival, and other dignitaries joined an estimated 10,000-strong crowd to watch the adrenaline- pumping motor racing event.

The racing contest turned out to be a fierce duel as the participants pushed their specially designed 4- wheel drives to the extreme to overcome the steep sand dune. The machines roared up full throttle, often spewing a mix of fire and smoke, as they raced up the nearly 70- degree slope. As many as 40 vehicles participated in the competition which had three categories- one for 8- cylinder vehicles and two categories for 6- cylinder vehicles.

The Awafi festival, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has over the years become a major event in the emirate's tourism calendar by attracting thousands of visitors from GCC and other foreign countries.

This year's edition of the festival is loaded with a variety of outdoor sports, arts and cultural events that bring together the rich heritage of the emirate. The festival organizers have also been able to capitalize on the cool climate and picturesque locales of the Awafi area to make it a unique place for family getaways.

A large number of families have already started flocking the area to take part in the three week- long festival which offers cultural and entertainment options for the entire family. The festival venue has a children's play zone, heritage village, a bazaar, and several stalls featuring local arts and crafts, apart from public amenities like food outlets, internet cafes, coffee shops, clinic and games area.

Special areas have been earmarked for providing tented accommodation to the visiting families. The festival is free to enter and major activities are planned to take off each day from 4 pm and continuing late into the night.