Photos: Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship makes its UAE debut

Dubai: For the first time in its history, the Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship took place outside of Europe and was hosted in Dubai at the Waterfront Market, Deira

100 teams from 12 countries from across the world will compete for the coveted Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship trophy over the two-day event.

The 250-meter and 500-meter races will take place throughout the day, in front of the Waterfront Market’s spectacular promenade, where spectators will experience a carnival atmosphere with the dragon boat’s drummers and a colourful display of up to 1,000 paddlers each day.

Claudio Schermi, President of European Dragon Boat Federation, said: “We are so thankful to Dubai and the team at Waterfront Market for opening up their arms to host the first Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship outside of Europe. We are proud to have paddlers from 12 countries taking part, for which promises to be a fantastic weekend of adrenaline-fueled fun. The UAE has proved itself to be a safe country during the pandemic and it’s an amazing achievement to be able to host such large-scale sporting events again.”

Mohammed Al Madani, The Waterfront Market Manager said: “The Waterfront Market is very proud to be hosting the Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship. Having hosted two Dragon Boat challenges already this year, our promenade has proved to be the ideal location for spectating water sports on the corniche. This event promises to be a wonderful weekend of entertainment for all ages.”

While dragon boating originated over 2,500 years ago in China, it is now amongst one of the world’s fastest growing water sports in the world.

Dragon Boating has developed into a dynamic, prestigious, and high-performance sport which is enjoyed by millions of people from over 90 countries around the world.

The event organisers will ensure COVID-19 safety measures are thoroughly implemented and all spectators will have to practice social distancing and masks are compulsory.

Participants during the Euro Cup Dragon Boat Championship at Dubai Waterfront Market.