Abu Dhabi to host Kite Festival

Do you love kites? Well, here is some fun for you.
Make your own kite, take it to Sir Bani Yas Island and have some fun on the beach flying it! This is essentially what Abu Dhabi's first ever Kite Fest invites you for.
Organised by Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island, the festival shall be held on February 19.The event is meant for amateurs, rather than professional kite flyers, focusing on families making their own kites and then flying them on the beaches of the Island.
"It's a community style event, where we invite families to the Island for some fun," stressed Sharon Garrett, area Director of Marketing and Communications at Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas Abu Dhabi.
The festival, which is going to run annually, will have three categories: the smallest kite, where entries must fly on a 7.5 meters line and fly higher than the point of mooring; the most creative kite, where entries will judged on theme, construction and design (judges are looking for creativity with novel and odd features and shapes); and the largest kite, based on the area of the sail. In this last category kites must be capable of flying for more than one minute to qualify and contestants are limited to three attempts only.
"Participants can make their kites at home or on the Island, but they are not allowed to bring a professionally made kites," Garrett told Khaleej Times.
She added they will share techniques and tips on kite making on social media to help the participants.
Depicting the popularity of the festival, Garrett revealed that within 48 hours of the event going live on social media, Anantara received registrations from more than 100 participants. "By now we have over 350 people who registered," she informed.
Depending on the number of participants, the kite competitions will be run under different sub-categories, most likely for adults and children, each with prizes for winners, such as weekend getaways and Anantara vouchers.
On the day of the festival, Adventures HQ will also be installing a special climbing wall on the beach along with water slides and other activities which will be available free of charge.
Visitors to the island whether just for the day or for an overnight stay, will be offered 25 per cent off Island activities, including the nature and wildlife drive, archery and kayaking.
The water taxi from the mainland to Sir Bani Yas Island and back is free of charge, but booking is required. Registrations may be emailed to kitefest.sirbaniyas@anantara.com.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com