All set for the annual Awafi Festival in RAK, half a million visitors expected

Speaking at a press conference organized yesterday at the Ras Al Khaimah Hotel, Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the RAK Finance Department and Head of the Organising Committee, said that Ras Al Khaimah Government has decided to exploit the tourist potential of the Awafi area, noted for its cool environs and sandy terrain, by developing its annual tourist season into an international festival.

The emirate's authorities are expecting the Awafi Festival 2005 to attract as many as half a million visitors.

"Taking into consideration the growing popularity of Awafi as a family getaway, especially during the mid year school vacation, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah has decided to promote the festival as one of the major attractions in the emirate's tourist calendar", he said.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Organising Committee said that the tourist area of Awafi would be carved out into four sections each housing a separate sphere of activity.

The first section would feature a heritage village, a bazaar, scouts camp and a children's play zone along with a mini zoo.

The festival spot will have a separate entertainment zone with two theatres and arrangements have been made to provide a host of services like cafeterias, restaurants, and billiards court and internet cafes at the venue.

Holding high its reputation as a favourite haunt for sand dune climbing races, a section of the festival venue has been earmarked for the driving aficionados. The organisors said that adequate safety measures have been taken for the smooth conduct of the races which will be held under two categories- for four and eight cylinder vehicles and another section for four wheel vehicle and motorcycle shows. The races and hill climbing shows will be open for everyone and the winners can take away attractive prizes including cars.

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

Hundreds of families from across the UAE and the GCC countries are expected to swoop down at the festival venue during the fortnight. The organizing committee office bearers said that separate areas have been earmarked for providing accommodation to families and bachelors. A book fair will be also organized as part of the festival.