What’s On has some of the best pictures from the Dubai International Kite Festival, between Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach behind Sunset Mall.

From sharks to crocodiles, and giant blue teddy bears to cows, the Dubai International Kite Festival splashed a rainbow of colour across the coastline this weekend.

The three-day event featured dozens of homemade and professional designs from 81 participants from 25 countries. On ground level, there was fun for people of all ages, with face painting, kite making workshops, balloon benders, portrait artists, spot photography, food courts, music and dance performances. 

Speaking to The National on the first day of the festival, Colin Mortimer, who had travelled from South Africa with 25 kites, said: “This is the first time I’ve been to Dubai and I have to say the location and festival are amazing. There are some absolutely amazing kites here and I’m really impressed at how the event has been organised.”

The newspaper also reported organisers had been delighted with the turnout, while they added that the pick of the kites on show was an 150kg UAE flag design. 

You can click through our cool gallery above.

Pictures by Helen Cotton