Lammah Al Bahr (Gathering by the Sea) festival showcases events' role in driving engagement and strengthening community ties
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Lammah Al Bahr (Gathering by the Sea) has officially closed following its inaugural six-month season, leaving a lasting impact on both the economy and community of Al Dhafra Region. What began as a seaside festival on the shores of Al Mugheirah Beach quickly grew into a major event, providing a destination for over 50,000 visitors and residents of all ages to enjoy a blend of adventure, arts, culture, and entertainment, with the majority of footfall recorded in just four months.Some 400 performances and live demonstrations of Al-Sadu weaving, pottery, and Arabic calligraphy took place at The Heritage Zone, while on Al Manara Stage, visitors were treated to a mix of live music, storytelling, and local dance performances.Organised by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Lammah Al Bahr created a meaningful platform for homegrown talent, artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to showcase their products and connect with wider audiences, further supporting Abu Dhabi's broader diversification and sustainable development objectives.This initiative is setting in motion ADIO's long-term vision to transform the Al Dhafra region into a thriving investment destination.Director of Regional Development at Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mohamed Ali Almarar, said, 'Lammah Al Bahr served as a clear representation of what Al Dhafra region has to offer, showcasing its strong potential to become a competitive destination for investment and tourism. By empowering local businesses and nurturing Abu Dhabi's entrepreneurial ecosystem, the festival reflects our strategy and continuous efforts to develop all areas of the Emirate by creating an attractive investment environment, promoting sustainable development and driving economic diversification.'The festival welcomed visitors with an experience shaped by a deep-rooted connection to Emirati heritage and Al Dhafra's rich maritime history. By highlighting traditional boat building, pearl diving, and fishing through art and educational workshops, the festival helped deepen visitors' understanding of Emirati traditions.Lammah Al Bahr was home to more than 25 activations, including a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, such as an aqua island, the Falcon Zipline, Warrior's Path and competitive sports tournaments, padel tennis, beach volleyball, and football competitions, as well as water sports challenges.Weekends were filled with family activities including carnival games, rides and a dedicated kids' play area featuring board games, an adventure net, a doughnut slide, Al Dhannah's Peak, a climbing tower and giant inflatables. Visitors were also provided access to more than 20 free experiences, as well as 26 food and beverage vendors and 34 local retail vendors selling handmade crafts and products.The festival's special events included a dynamic line-up of activities that had visitors counting down to every weekend's new adventures.Starting off strong in February with competitive fitness showdowns, the Precision Elite event attracted 450 participants, followed by the Precision Oxygen, which pushed 200 athletes to their limit.The festival hosted a series of Ramadan tournaments, bringing together 1,000 visitors to watch exciting padel, beach volleyball, and beach football matches.The tournaments played a key role in promoting community engagement for Al Dhafra residents and visitors to compete and socialise.By bringing the Original Culprit Throwdown 4.0's fierce ladies-only competition to the coastline, the festival treated its women visitors to a range of fitness challenges by the beach, drawing 265 participants and visitors. The Arabian Warrior obstacle course race made its Abu Dhabi debut in April, bringing adrenaline-fuelled challenges to the coast. The race hosted 1,128 participants tackling obstacles that challenged both physical and mental strength.Encouraging the community to get active by the sea, a X-Pulse Series drew an impressive 787 participants across its two editions, as well as a further 228 participants for the inflatable showdown. Bringing a special finale to the festival was the Glow Run, transforming Al Mugheirah Beach into a glowing racetrack that brought 350 participants together for a luminous evening of community, fun, and fitness.Wellness initiatives throughout the festival hosted 350 visitors, while families gathered around a campfire for a memorable camping experience, which hosted 1,352 visitors in May alone.
All of the festival's exciting activities were the result of more than 95 public-private partnerships with collaborators such as the Ruler's Representative Court – Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Department of Culture & Tourism, Experience Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Emirates Red Crescent, National Rehabilitation Centre UAE, Abu Dhabi Public Health Center, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, Family Development Foundation, UAE Youth Council for Entrepreneurship, Tadweer Group, SEHA – Al Dhafra Hospitals, Al Dhafra Testahel, and First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
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