Discover rich Emirati culture at Al Dhafra Festival 2022
The UAE takes pride in its distinctive heritage. Every year, the country hosts countless festivals to develop a sense of belonging in the community. At the Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi, you can get a fascinating look into true Emirati culture. The festival hosts several traditional activities, including animal husbandry, falconry and horse racing. Want to be a part of the celebration? Here is everything you need to know about the 16th edition of the festival.
ABOUT AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL
Al Dhafra Festival is an annual event in Abu Dhabi that celebrates the Bedouin heritage and culture of the UAE. The festival primarily focuses on animal husbandry in the region, featuring the best in cattle, camels, falcons and Saluki dogs. The festival attracts breeders and participants from across the UAE and GCC countries. There are many prizes to be won at the festival, which adds to its popularity.
WHAT ARE THE AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL 2022 DATES?
Al Dhafra Festival is an annual event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The latest edition of the festival will take place from 28th October 2022 to 31st January 2023. The festival will offer a whopping AED 51.6 million (approx.) in prize money!
WHAT IS THE AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL LOCATION?
The festival will be held in Al Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi, near Madinat Zayed. If you’re coming from Abu Dhabi, it will take you approximately two hours to reach the festival venue.
Visitors from Dubai can anticipate a drive of around three hours. The main E11 highway is the best route for visitors from Dubai.
They can then take the desert-bound E45 towards the festival site.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL 2022?
Visiting the Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi can be a culturally rewarding experience. The most popular events and activities at the festival are listed below.
CAMEL MAZYANA/CAMEL BEAUTY CONTEST
The main attraction of the festival will be Mazayna or the camel beauty contest. Two types of camel breeds will participate in Mazayna in Al Dhafra: the dark and tall Majaheem camels and hound-like pedigree camel breed Asayel.
The camels will be judged based on several factors such as their head and neck length, shape, hump, physical health and the shine of their hair!
Each camel will take a lap to be judged by experts, who will then announce the winner. Winning camels will take home a hefty cash prize.
SHEEP BEAUTY CONTEST
A sheep contest will also be a part of the events at the Al Dhafra Festival. A panel of experts will carefully select the winning animal based on distinct criteria. The contest will be a great opportunity to see the tireless efforts and hard work that goes into animal husbandry.
PUREBRED HORSE RACING
Arabian horses are known around the globe for their strength, unique appearance, agility and stamina. Each year, the festival attracts some of the best purebred Arabian horses for thrilling horse races. This year will be no different! You’ll find fans cheering on their favourite racehorses at the event!
FALCONRY COMPETITION
Falcons are a part of the UAE’s national emblem. These birds symbolise strength and nobility. Falconry in the UAE is a significant part of the local culture. Since Al Dhafra Festival celebrates the culture and heritage of the UAE, it won’t be complete without a falconry competition.
At the festival, you can witness these highly-trained birds of prey in action. You’ll be amazed to see these magnificent birds hunt and perform other skilled manoeuvres right before your eyes.
SALUKI DOG RACE
Saluki dog race is another highly anticipated event for the audiences. Race usually takes place in both male and female categories.
The winning dog owner in each category is usually awarded a cash prize or sometimes a 4X4 vehicle. You’ll have to wait and see what the exciting prizes are this year!
TRADITIONAL SOUQ
At Dhafra Festival 2022, you will get to learn about traditional Emirati crafts like Telli (embroidery), Sadu (weaving wool and cotton) and Khous (weaving and spinning palm fronds) at the traditional souq.
Aside from the mentioned Al Dhafra events in 2022, visitors can look forward to the following activities.
- Traditional Emirati performing arts
- Classic cars competition
CONTACT INFO
- Timings: 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm (via Abu Dhabi Culture) | Call them to confirm
- Contact: +971-2-657-6197
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE FESTIVAL?
If you would like to stay overnight post-festival, the Tilal Liwa Hotel is your best option. It’s therefore best to book your rooms in advance, as the Tilal Liwa Hotel is often full during the festival.
FAQs
WHEN IS AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL 2022 IN ABU DHABI?
The festival will take place from 28th October 2022 to 31st January 2023.
WHERE WILL AL DHAFRA FESTIVAL 2022 TAKE PLACE?
The location of the festival is the Al Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi.
This concludes our guide to Al Dhafra Festival 2022. The festival will run until January so you can expect an exciting list of events and festivities. This offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about Bedouin lifestyle. Attending this festival is just one of the several things to do in Al Dhafra Abu Dhabi.
For more information and updates about the UAE’s upcoming festivals, stay tuned to MyBayut.
