Loading...
Loading...
The event is organised by the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club in cooperation with Al Sharqiya from Kalba, and takes place on Khorfakkan Beach until 4 January, with broad participation from 10 countries and strong public engagement since day one, according to Humaid Al Kindi, Board Member of the Club.
The opening was attended by Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah International Airport Authority, Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Mar Al Naqbi, Chairman of the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, and Mohammed Obaid Al Hosan, Secretary General of the Sharjah Sports Council, alongside several other officials.
Humaid Al Kindi stated that the festival is a cultural and community carnival, featuring a daily programme of initiatives, activities and marine competitions, highlighting the event’s cultural, sporting and recreational objectives.
Al Kindi told “Sharjah 24” that the third edition sees participation from 10 countries, reflecting Khorfakkan’s growing status as a marine and tourist destination, and confirming the success of previous editions.
He expressed his happiness at the strong public turnout since the festival’s launch, emphasising that this success is the result of combined efforts and teamwork.
The festival, which combines sport, heritage and maritime culture, includes marine and heritage activities, sporting competitions such as dhow sailing, rescue tournaments, and fishing championships, alongside public activities targeting all segments of society.
The opening ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, marking the start of the maritime event that reflects the deep historical connection between humans and the sea, and embodies the shared maritime heritage of the participating countries.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa gave a speech highlighting that the Khorfakkan Marine Festival has become a leading annual platform for celebrating authentic maritime heritage and enhancing Khorfakkan’s position as a distinguished tourist and marine destination. He noted that the wide international participation reflects the festival’s growing success and the confidence it enjoys regionally and internationally.
The opening ceremony included a poetry segment titled “Khorfakkan”, portraying the city’s beauty and its timeless relationship with the sea, followed by the opening operetta “Following in the Footsteps of the Ancestors”, which showcased the Emirati journey with the sea, from traditional diving and fishing professions to modern marine sports.
The ceremony also featured the official announcement of the launch of rescue sport in Sharjah, a pioneering step aimed at enhancing maritime safety and improving readiness along the emirate’s coasts.
During the ceremony, sponsors, supporters, partners and participants were honoured for their efforts and contributions in making the festival a success, before the patron of the event toured the festival grounds.
The festival sees participation from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Zanzibar, India, Iran, and Iraq, in a maritime event that reflects the cultural and maritime diversity of the participating countries.
The Khorfakkan Marine Festival aims to highlight Emirati maritime heritage and shed light on the traditional maritime culture, while promoting Khorfakkan as a distinguished tourist destination through a comprehensive programme that includes marine sporting competitions, heritage performances, and recreational activities for all segments of society, with expectations of attracting large numbers of visitors and tourists, building on the successes of the previous two editions.
For an optimal experience, please
rotate your device to portrait mode.
