Lammah Al Bahr Festival Wraps Up After Great Success

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office 

Lammah Al Bahr (meaning Gathering by the Sea) has officially ended its first six-month season, leaving behind wonderful memories for families and visitors. Held at Al Mugheirah Beach in Al Dhafra Region, the festival attracted more than 50,000 people of all ages. It quickly became one of the most loved events in the area, bringing together culture, adventure, sports, and entertainment. Most of the visitors came within just four months.

The festival was organized by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and was designed to support local talent, small businesses, and homegrown brands. Lammah Al Bahr helped these businesses reach more people, which also fits into Abu Dhabi’s goal to grow its economy and bring more long-term investment to the Al Dhafra region.

Mohamed Ali Almarar, Director of Regional Development at ADIO, said, “Lammah Al Bahr showed what Al Dhafra has to offer. It helped bring new opportunities for business and tourism. Our aim is to support local businesses and create a strong environment for growth and investment across the entire emirate.”

A Festival Full of Culture and History

Lammah Al Bahr celebrated the rich culture of the UAE, especially Al Dhafra’s long connection to the sea. Visitors learned about old traditions like boat building, pearl diving, and fishing through special art displays and hands-on workshops.

At the Heritage Zone, there were more than 400 live shows and demonstrations, including Al-Sadu weaving, pottery, and Arabic calligraphy. Over at the Al Manara Stage, there were music performances, traditional storytelling, and local dances that showed off Emirati culture.

Fun for Everyone – Kids, Adults, and Families

The festival had more than 25 action-packed activities. Some favorites included the Aqua Island, Falcon Zipline, Warrior’s Path, and exciting sports competitions like padel tennis, beach volleyball, and football. These activities brought energy and adventure to the beach.

Families had a great time on weekends with carnival games, fun rides, and a special kids’ area with board games, a doughnut slide, a climbing tower called Al Dhannah’s Peak, and giant inflatables. Best of all, there were more than 20 free experiences, 26 food and drink stalls, and 34 local shops selling handmade goods and crafts.

Big Events That Brought People Together

In February, the festival started strong with the Precision Elite fitness showdown, which saw 450 athletes competing, followed by Precision Oxygen, with 200 participants showing off their strength and endurance.

During Ramadan, the festival hosted exciting tournaments in padel, beach volleyball, and beach football. These matches brought 1,000 people together to enjoy sports and social time.

There was also a ladies-only competition called Original Culprit Throwdown 4.0, which drew 265 women athletes and spectators to the beach. The famous Arabian Warrior obstacle course made its Abu Dhabi debut at the festival, with 1,128 participants taking on a challenging race that tested both body and mind.

The X-Pulse Series added even more excitement with 787 participants joining across two editions, and 228 more joining an inflatable race challenge.

The festival ended with a fun-filled event called the Glow Run, where 350 people ran along the beach under glowing lights. It was a beautiful way to wrap up a season of community fun and fitness.

Health, Wellness, and Nature

The festival also offered relaxing wellness activities, which were enjoyed by 350 visitors. One of the highlights was a peaceful camping experience by the sea, which brought 1,352 guests together in May to enjoy nature, stories, and stargazing around the campfire.

A Huge Team Effort

This successful festival was made possible with the help of over 95 partnerships between public and private organizations. These included:

• The Ruler’s Representative Court – Al Dhafra Region

• Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

• Department of Culture & Tourism – Experience Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Sports Council

• Emirates Red Crescent

• Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

• SEHA – Al Dhafra Hospitals

• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

• Many other important groups and organizations

A Bright Future Ahead

Lammah Al Bahr was more than just a festival—it became a symbol of pride and progress for the Al Dhafra region. It brought the community together, boosted local businesses, and reminded everyone of the beauty of Emirati traditions. With its huge success, this festival has set the stage for many more exciting events to come.