Abu Dhabi: Teams are being sought to take part in next month’s Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival. Organisers say the annual event, which will take place on October 23-24 at Plaza Bar, North Beach, is suitable for people of all ages, sizes and abilities.
Teams from across the Middle East will participate in the competition, the entry for which costs Dh500 for individuals or Dh10,000 for a corporate team-building exercise.
All teams who sign up for the festival receive complementary training and equipment use, while schools and universities pay Dh2,000.
A team consists of 20 paddlers and the weekend is, organisers say, all about socialising, making new friends and competing on the friendly platform of dragon-boating.
All equipment is provided and teams simply need to show up for their two free training sessions before race day.
The Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri will host the festival on its private North Beach overlooking the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Hotel bosses say spectators are welcome to enjoy a day outdoors, with good food and a great location. The traditional Dragon Boat Friday Barbecue Party will be held on October 23 at Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi’s Afyä Beach Lounge.
Entrance is priced at Dh165 per adult and Dh82 per child, 11 years old and below.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, has been the main sponsor of the Dragon Boat Festival since its inception and has been hosting the event annually for seven consecutive years in partnership with Siren Events, the UAE Dragon Boat Association and the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation.
For enrolment enquiries, please contact Siren Events on 04 446 2030 or email info@sirenevents.com.
