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First ever Kite Fest at Abu Dhabi's Bani Yas Island

Abu Dhabi - Why not make your own kite and fly it too?

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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 is all about. Organised by Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island on February 19, the festival is meant for amateurs, rather than professional kite flyers, focused on families making their own kites and then flying them from the beaches of the island.
"It's a community style event, where we invite famillies to the island for some fun," stressed Sharon Garrett, area director of Marketing and Communications at Anantara Hotels Resorts and Spas Abu Dhabi.

Kite Fest, explained> WHERE: Sir Bani Yas Island > ENTERTAINMENT: Adventures HQ will be installing a special climbing wall on the beach along with water slides and other activities free of charge. > DISCOUNTS: On day of fest, visitors to the island will be offered 25 per cent discount on island activities > REGISTRATIONS: Send an e-mail to kitefest.sirbaniyas@anantara.com

The festival, which is going to run annually, will have three categories: the smallest kite, where participants 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 may make their kite at home or at the island, but they are not allowed to bring a professional kite from market; we will be able to spot it," Garrett told Khaleej Times.
"To help participants, we will also post from today on our social media techniques and tips for making a kite," she added.
News of the Kite Fest travelled fast and it proved quite popular. According to Garrett, 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 have registered," she mentioned. 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 discount on 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