The sails are coming on, and it’s time to deep dive into the UAE’s culture once more! Coming back bigger than ever is the third Al Yasat Festival – and it’s too exciting to miss.
Taking place 12-21 December 2025, the events and competitions will be held over two weekends at Al Sila waterfront in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region.
To ensure maximum access to visitors, you can choose from 12 to 14 December and 19 to 21 December.
What’s on the lineup for the third Al Yasat Festival?
The festival features a diverse lineup of maritime, sporting, and heritage competitions, alongside community and entertainment activities that reflect national identity and celebrate the UAE’s rich marine traditions.
The third Al Yasat Festival will present 24 maritime, sporting, beach, and heritage competitions, with total prizes exceeding a whopping AED 7 million.
Highlights include the Al Yasat 60ft Dhow Sailing Race, the Gaffai 22ft Dhow Sailing Race, with prizes amounting to AED 600,000, the Al Yasat Regatta, the Al Hadad (falconry) Championship, and the Al Yasat Sheri Fishing Championship.
The programme also includes carrom and domino competitions for men and women, swimming, beach volleyball, beach football for adults and youth, running races, cooking competitions, traditional costume contests, a cycling race, and traditional games, to name a few.
There’s also a traditional market for some well-deserved retail therapy away from all the action. Check out heritage products, traditional crafts, and Emirati cuisine championing families and emerging businesses.
The little ones aren’t forgotten, of course, with children’s zones offering games, competitions, and family entertainment, supporting local talent and highlighting Emirati heritage.
The agenda also includes daily awareness activities organised by participating entities, traditional handicraft demonstrations, performances by folk art troupes, and a range of other events.
If you haven’t seen traditional dhow sailing sports, this is the best way to participate in and win in marine activities.
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