Abu Dhabi: Along the alluring beach shores, people stroll to celebrate the spring break with splendid, interactive water-based sports activities and demonstrations, amidst spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf.
Young children competed with each other on their dance moves. Families enjoyed a harpist playing cosy beach vibes and music rhythms.
Children enjoyed bungee jumping and water sports activities including water-donut rides, inflatable water slides and wake-boarding.
These fun-filled activities are featured in the second edition of Aloha Abu Dhabi, a five-day beach lifestyle festival held in Al Muneera Beach Plaza at Al Raha Beach, and organized by Aldar Properties.
Fun, interactive environment
The beach festival offers a fun and interactive environment and includes a line-up of street performers, stilt walkers, break dancers, fire-breathers, live music shows featuring Vandaly band, live DJ mixes, Aloha dances, piano performances on the beach, kids’ activities caricatures, a Hawaiian-themed puppet show, food trucks and stalls, and a culinary bazar.
As the sun sets, festival-goers can sit back and marvel at the spectacular light-sound-and-fire show.
The festival is free and open to the public.
Transport arrangements
Free valet parking is be available outside Al Muneera Beach Plaza.
Water taxis are also offered to help facilitate alternative access for visitors to the beach festival in Abu Dhabi's Al Muneera area.
Visitors will be able to travel to the festival venue using the luxurious high-speed 40-seater water taxi service from Abu Dhabi Mall and vice versa.
One water taxi will be stationed at Abu Dhabi Mall and the other at Al Muneera Beach Plaza, with shuttle services operating every 30 minutes from 3.30pm to 11.30pm.
Tickets can be purchased at Jalboot kiosk located in Abu Dhabi Mall's main entrance on the ground floor.
We caught up with a group of seven very excited and enthusiastic school mates and friends at the festival who were looking to hang out and have fun.
Dana Abdelsatter, 13, Lebanese; Malak Shatila, 13, Egyptian; Farida Gohar, 14, Egyptian; Jana Fattal,13, Lebanese; Suzanne Peregrin, 13, Filipino; Ghida Falah, 13, Lebanese and Michelle Ballouz, 13, Lebanese are all on their spring break from school and came to the festival to chill and have a good time.
"The weather is great and we're taking lots of photos to show our friends and classmates," said Shatila.
Suzanne said: "I love food and want to try out a couple of dishes out here."
Farida said: "I'm very excited to watch the live music performances."
Camille Gavois, 24, project manager from the UK came along with her friend Jacob Cooper, 21, from the UK and his five-year-old niece Reem Al Amimi.
"It's my first time here, it's packed with people and I love it. I'm a foodie and I want to try out a couple of interesting meals," said Gavois.
Jacob said: "I'm having a great time just chilling and relaxing by the beach."
EVENT DETAILS
What: Aloha Beach Festival
Where: Al Muneera Beach Plaza, Al Raha Beach
When: March 28 to April 1
Time: 5pm to 11pm
Cost: Free
Transport: Available via Jalboot water taxi service, pickup from Abu Dhabi Mall, Dh40 one-way, Dh70 round trip
