abu dhabi The Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival is growing in popularity with each year witnessing a steady increase in the number of participating teams.
While a record number of over 80 teams is expected to grace the colourful event, the festival is also taking another step ahead with the participation of international teams for the seventh edition to be held on October 17 and 18 at Qaryat Al Beri, Shangri-La Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
“This is the first time we will be having teams from outside the UAE. We are expecting teams from Qatar. Iran and the UK to attend this year’s event,” event organiser Jason Mackenzie told XPRESS.
Thrilling watersport
“This will be the biggest dragon boat festival that we have ever had in the UAE as we are expecting over 80 teams,” he added.
Dragon boating is a thrilling watersport, full of intense and positive team spirit, sportsmanship, strategy and technique. That aside, it will also bring out good health and create supportive circle of friends. The dragon boating is a community festival bringing together corporate, university, school and community groups from across the country.
The festival attracts thousands of competitors and spectators with teams ready to line up for an action-packed weekend
“It’s becoming more popular year after year and it’s a fantastic sport that brings the whole family together for a day of excitement.”
The event also focusses on promoting Emiratis with Mackenzie saying the numbers are growing.
“We are expecting over 1,500 UAE-based participants and looking forward to approximately 60 Emiratis,” he said.
“We have many different divisions ranging from novice to elite. With men’s, women’s and mixed divisions there is a category for almost everyone. If one is healthy they are welcome regardless of gender, age, size or shape,” he added.
Elaborating further on the season ahead, Mackenzie said: “We currently have five races in the domestic schedule which ends in Ras Al Khaimah in April and then many of the teams will travel to international competitions over the summer.”
