Photos | Moreeb Dune Festival 2019: A celebration of Gulf traditions

The week-long Moreeb Dune Festival returns to the Liwa desert, off the Gulf Emirate of Abu Dhabi -- the Moreeb Dune churning with a host of activities and races. As handlers prepare prized camels for the races and jockeys descend on their horses, the festival also turns ground to remind visitors of the rich Gulf traditions and Emirati heritage. The festival, which takes place once a year, provides visitors with spectacles which they shall cherish until the next Moreeb Dune Festival.

Updated on: Jan 02, 2019 2:07 PM IST

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Jockeys compete in a race for purebred Arab horses in the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates during the Liwa 2019 Moreeb Dune Festival on January 1, 2019. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, hosts a variety of races and activities aimed at promoting the country’s folklore. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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A handler prepares camels to race during the Liwa 2019 Moreeb Dune Festival. The Moreeb Dune, one of the highest sand hills in the world, has a height of about 300 metres, with slopes of up to 50 degrees. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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Handlers pull camels ahead of a race during the festival. The festival draws completion in categories involving cars and motorbikes along with traditional falcon, camel and horse races. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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Robotic jockeys control camels during the festival. The Liwa Moreeb Dune Festival offers a week-long celebration of UAE heritage with competitions and activities including bike riding and camping in the desert of the Moreeb Dune. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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A camel controlled by a robotic jockey stumbles and falls during a race at the festival. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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Jockeys ride their horses as they participate in a race during the festival. The festival also features a classic cars show and a fireworks display. (Karim Sahib / AFP)

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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)