Today marked the conclusion of the eighth edition of the Delma Historical Race Festival, held on Delma Island in the Al Dhafra region. The festival, which began on May 16, offered an innovative cultural and heritage platform for community members.
The event successfully bridged the gap between the past, present, and future, showcasing a model of heritage investment that fosters unity and social cohesion.
Festival attendees, including residents of the island, expressed that the event has become a much-anticipated annual gathering, featuring cultural, heritage, and sports activities that enhance national identity and stimulate the local economy while providing an entertaining and interactive environment that brings people together in joy.
They expressed gratitude to the wise leadership for its ongoing support of heritage events, particularly highlighting the dedication of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the ruler in the Al Dhafra region, for his patronage of the festival, which was organized in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Mohammed Al Fandi Mheir Al Mazrouei pointed out that the festival achieved the goals of the “Year of Community,” instilling authentic Emirati values in the newer generations and strengthening national identity through varied heritage activities. It also promoted social bonds among community members through communal and voluntary events.
Mohammed Obaid Al Mehairi highlighted the positive economic impact of the festival, confirming that it revitalized commercial and tourism activities on the island and provided opportunities for local families to showcase their products in the traditional market, thereby supporting the local economy and encouraging sustainable development.
Youssef Al Ali praised the festival’s role in reviving Emirati maritime heritage through the organization of specialized marine workshops, traditional sailing races, and rowing competitions, which helped introduce youth to the art of sailing and pass on this rich heritage to future generations.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Suwaidi emphasized that the festival served as a vibrant outlet for the island’s residents and visitors, featuring heritage activities, traditional games, children’s competitions, artistic performances, and a heritage market, which created an atmosphere of interaction and joy while fostering community cohesion.
Moreover, Mohammed Ali Khalil Al Hosani stressed the significance of involving children in the events, noting that the competitions and traditional games helped educate the younger generation about their ancestors’ customs, instilling a spirit of collaboration and teamwork while connecting them to their heritage in an engaging and educational manner.
Hussein Khamees Jassim Al Hosani also acknowledged the participation of national entities in the festival, appreciating the valuable knowledge they contributed through their educational booths and daily lectures held on stage, enriching visitors with informative insights.
Lastly, Hassan Salem Abdul Latif Al Hamadi commended the efforts made to educate visitors about the heritage of the Emirati islands, particularly Delma Island, through visits to the Delma Museum “Bayt Al Marikhi” and live activities that highlighted maritime crafts and the history of pearling.