• Home
• /
• World
• /
• Gulf

Saud inaugurates 2nd Awafi Festival

RAS AL KHAIMAH — Amid colourful lights and traditional shows, Shaikh Saud bin Saqer Al Qasimi, RAK Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, inaugurated on Wednesday the second Awafi Festival.

The two-week event, organised by the RAK Economic Department (RED) and sponsored by Etisalat, RAK Hilton Hotel, RAK Bank, and RAK Cement Company, takes place in the picturesque Awafi area and features a variety of glamourous events, entertainment, cultural and family oriented programmes. “It is a part of our plans to promote the emirate worldwide as a distinctive and fledging tourist destination with its charming nature and rich cultural heritage,” Shaikh Saud said.

The festival area is divided into four lots to give roomy place to each of the diverse programmes. The first area plays host to the UAE Scout Commission Camp, Heritage and Commercial Village, Electronic Games Area, and a zoo. The organising body has allocated the second part for public amenities like food outlets, coffee shops, toilets, internet cafes and games area. The programmes of the two auditoriums — one for children and the other for adult people, features short dramatic pieces, marionette shows, short plays, concerts, and poetry recitation nights.

To familiarise the rising generation and foreign visitors with the deeply-rooted and rich folkloric heritage of this part of the world, a number of local cultural troupes also presented a variety of folkloric shows, dances and songs. A number of RAK societies for social development and productive families also showcased their handicrafts and arts works. Visitors can also enjoy the face painting, cultural quiz, fireworks, and clown shows. Groups from Sudan, Jordan, Morocco and Syria presented folkloric numbers from their respective cultures.

Competitors from all nationalities are invited to participate in the Stunt Car Race, which takes place in the surrounding sand dunes, and features three categories — four-cylinder cars, six-cylinder cars, and motorbikes. The organising committee’s estimates indicate that the fiesta will attract more than 500,000 visitors from all over the world, AGCC countries, and other emirates. The RAK Traffic Police Department and other law-enforcement authorities have chalked out comprehensive plans to provide visitors with complete security throughout the festival period.