Why Lammah Al Bahr was Abu Dhabi’s must-visit beach festival?
This was not your typical beach day. It was equal parts culture fest and family hangout
Dubai: Looking for a weekend that ticked every box — fitness, fun, culture, coffee, and a glowing night run by the sea? Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi recently played host to the Lammah Al Bahar Festival, which turned the coastline into the UAE’s coolest community playground.
Over its four-month run, the festival welcomed more than 50,000 visitors, making it a vibrant celebration of Emirati traditions, wellness, entertainment, and seaside charm.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the festival kicked off on February 7 and will return for a second season very soon.
"Plans are already in motion for an even bolder return this year, promising more cultural and exciting activities in season 2," said the organisers to Gulf News.
From UV-lit glow runs and obstacle courses to traditional boat-building, Emirati eats, and a full-blown art takeover, this was not your typical beach day. It was equal parts culture fest, wellness retreat, and family hangout, all set against the serene backdrop of Al Mugheirah Beach. Gulf News spoke to Mohamed Ali Almarar, Director of Regional Activations at ADIO behind the now-concluded fest, to get the lowdown on why Al Dhafra is having a major moment — and what makes this gathering by the sea one worth showing up for.
How did this festival changing the way people see Al Dhafra—not just as remote, but as a cool, all-year-round destination?
Lammah Al Bahr is playing an integral role in showcasing local culture while positioning Al Dhafra as a must-visit destination. Situated in the western region of Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra holds a unique position within the nation’s broader culture and heritage, with traditions like camel racing and falconry forming a huge part of its cultural identity. By offering experiences that were authentic to the region, from local cafés and F&B kiosks to an Emirati market featuring handmade crafts and products, as well as a host of vibrant zones, live performances, engaging activities and adrenaline sports, The Al Mugheirah coastline provided an incredible backdrop for these activities, allowing guests of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the festival’s dedicated sporting and dining zones.
If someone’s into beach sports or wellness, what was in it for them?
Lammah Al Bahr continuously collaborates with corporate and community groups to offer fun sporting events for people of all fitness levels. For example, we hosted a series of tournaments in Ramadan that included activities such as padel, beach volleyball, and beach football. The Neon Glow Run, a high-energy, family-friendly event, is set to close out the season, bringing the community together for a memorable finale at Al Mugheirah Beach. With an array of fitness activities such as kayaking, padel, volleyball and beach football, the festival has solidified its position as an all-encompassing entertainment hub – and a must-visit destination both for residents and visitors. In addition to special events, the festival’s Champions Zone allowed guests to book courts during the festival months to enjoy football, volleyball, and padel. Following high-energy moments throughout, the festival also embraced the importance of recovery and balance with wellness experiences.
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