Mirfa beach bursting with activity on day four of Al Gharbia Watersports Festival

The sporting backdrop was the energetic continuation of the Al Gharbia beach football and volleyball competitions with 24 teams competing, the launch of a swimming competition together with the constant flow of people making the most of the beach 'souk' and entertainment.

Having watched Emirati water sports enthusiast, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan perform so skilfully, it was now the ideal chance for both Al Gharbia residents and visitors to learn about kiteboarding. The unique chance of free kiteboarding lessons from professionals on the beach was a chance not to be missed and this will continue throughout the festival.

H.E. Mohamed Hamad Bin Azzan Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) said:

"The festival has succeeded in attracting thousands of residents and visitors from all over the world to compete in the watersports and beach sports competitions or enjoy the live music and entertainment from sunset onwards. We are pleased we were able to highlight Mirfa as a new tourism destination on the UAE map."

As part of the many activities, the festival launched the first sand sculpture competition, where participants had the opportunity to unleash their talents in creating various art works using Mirfa's sand. One of the participants managed to produce the first 'sand' dragon on Mirfa's public beach.

There was certainly more than enough to catch they eye of amateur and professional photographers taking part in Al Gharbia Photography Contest.

The contest, launched by WRDC - the central coordinating body leading development and promoting opportunity in Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi - is in search of awe-inspiring images of Al Gharbia.

With categories of adventure, natural scenery and wildlife, it is anticipated that the inspiring spirit of the Watersports Festival will be captured on film before the closing date of May 20.