ABU DHABI As the Al Bandar Marina in Abu Dhabi prepares to host the final event of the domestic season of the UAE Dragon Boat series this weekend, technical director of the UAE Dragon Boat Association Jason Mackenzie has made his intentions clear about the next big plan. “Out next goal will be to field an all-Emirati team at a major international competition,” Mackenzie said.
“The sport has had tremendous growth over the past decade. With the help of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, we now have over 6,000 people annually find their way into dragon boats here in the UAE. We have also improved the quality of our teams over that time to a point where several of our teams can be counted among the best in the world. So now we need to take it to the next level by focusing on an all-Emirati team that meet international standards,” he added.
Exciting tracks
The final event in the capital will see the premier teams from the UAE contest for the title.
“This event is only for our premiere teams. Normally we have university, corporate and social categories as well, but this event is restricted to teams that spend a significant amount of time training throughout the year,” he said.
During the summer, most of the top teams will look for opportunities to compete in international competitions. “Many of our premiere teams will be travelling to various competitions in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines. Muscat and various other destinations, which gives them great exposure and helps them improve as professionals,” Mackenzie said.
Detailing the next season, he said: “We have several races confirmed for next year already including the Shangri-la Abu Dhabi, The Eastern Mangroves, Al Bandar Marina. The Bin Majit Beach Resort in RAK and we usually have an event at the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club as well. It is also very likely that we will have at least one major event in Dubai. The larger events usually draw close to 70 teams including a few from abroad.”
