Honouring Gulf traditions: ‘Liwa Moreeb Dune fest’ begins amid heat and sand

Jockeys compete in a race for purebred Arab horses during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival at the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometres west of the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

Updated on: Jan 4, 2017 12:47 PM IST

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Jockeys compete in a race for purebred Arab horses during the Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival at the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometres west of the Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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Participants prepare their camels before the race. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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At over 300m high and with a 50° angle, the dune will be contested over various categories for different car and bike types. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a variety of races (cars, bikes, falcons, camels and horses) or other activities aimed at promoting the country's folklore. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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Participants take positions before the race. This festival offers a week-long celebration of UAE heritage with competitions and activities including bike riding and camping in the desert of Moreeb Dune. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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Jockeys compete during a horse race. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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A man walks with his camel across the Liwa desert as the participants gather for Liwa 2017 Moreeb Dune Festival (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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Emirati falcon trainers gather in the Liwa desert. Visitors and participants attending the festival and races are provided with all facilities and services to make camping and accommodations in the Moreeb Dune a unique and extraordinary experience by the organisers. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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An Emirati man trains a falcon in the Liwa desert. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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An Emirati from the Qubaisi tribe trains his falcons a day before the commencement of Moreeb Dune Festival. (Karim Sahib/AFP)

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Emiratis from the Qubaisi tribe sit next to a fire after training falcons in the Liwa desert. (Karim Sahib/AFP)