SILA – GATEWAY TO THE UAE
Sila lies on the border of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and was traditionally an oasis for travellers on the spice route. Its ancient past means that several archaeological finds including 7,000 year old arrowheads have been discovered. Home to the UAE’s oldest tree, Sila is known for its fresh water wells.
RUWAIS – THE INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND
Ruwais is the centre of Al Gharbia’s oil and gas industry and historically has been inhabited by oil workers and their families. It is now diversifying into construction and agriculture.
GHAYATHI – LUSH PASTURES
Ghayathi, originally a Bedouin settlement, is now known for its agriculture and lush pastures. Fossils dating to eight million years ago have been found in the area.
LIWA – OASIS IN THE DESERT
Liwa is a pleasabt oasis on the edge of the vast Rub al Khali desert. Birthplace of the Abu Dhabi ruling family it is also base camp for the UAE Desert Challenge which forms part of the international off road World Rally Championships.
MADINAT ZAYED – TRADITION AND HERITAGE
Madinat Zayed is the official capital of Al Gharbia.It was established in 1968 by His Highness the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of the Emirate. He established the township having appreciated the deep and abiding relationships that the bedouin residents had for their homeland. Nowadays, Madinat Zayed reflects tradition and is set against lush farmland.
DALMA – CRYSTAL WATERS
Dalma is a volcanic island with a rich history in the tradition of pearl diving. It is now emerging as a prime tourism location due to its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life.
SIR BANIYAS – SANCTUARY OF NATURE
Sir Baniyas is a verdant island haven which once housed the private Royal Nature Reserve of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is now a prime location of unique natural beauty and the ultimate tourism destination with its luxurious Desert Islands Resort Spa.
AL MIRFA – CALM COASTLINE
The quiet seaside town of Mirfa is known for its natural harbour where dolphins, turtles, fish and other marine life can be found. Mirfa is a residential and tourism centre that was established in the late 1970s – the majority of the city is built on high ground providing spectacular views over its long prisitine waterfront.
START DATE
01/05/2009
END DATE
31/05/2009
PRIZE FUND
1st PRIZE: 30,000 AED
2nd PRIZE: 20,000 AED
3rd PRIZE: 10,000 AED
CATEGORIES
NATURAL SCENERY
ADVENTURE
WILDLIFE
