Get ready for a fun-packed weekend of watery fun at Dubai's first dragon boat festival.
Dubai's Festival Centre will be alive with activity this weekend as the city's first Dragon Boat Festival launches in style.
More than 50 boats, complete with ornately-carved dragon heads and tails, will take to the water for the event which takes place on Friday.
Organisers say the festival has been designed to appeal to people of all ages and nationalities. And it is expected to attract thousands of spectators as well as hundreds of competitors.
The boats and their 18 to 22-strong teams will race along the Festival Centre Marina, which is conveniently located at the heart of Dubai Festival City.
Corporate, community and university groups have all signed up to take part as well as a number of more serious competitive paddlers.
Gregory Antunes has entered a corporate team sponsored by Eco Wash. Having lived in Dubai for more than five years, the Frenchman said he was pleased to have the opportunity to take part in such a fun event.
He said: "I am looking forward to the weekend as I believe it will be a lot of fun. We have really enjoyed training together and have learnt some new skills. We are also realistic about winning as we will be up against some much better teams but the main thing is that we enjoy ourselves."
Tom Miles, Senior General Manager Retail, Dubai Festival City, said: "We are thrilled to be the first to introduce the Dragon Boat Festival in the region. Our goal is to create a waterfront event that will get the entire community involved. People of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the festival, either watching or participating will be a thrill in itself."
Experts in other watersports, including kayaking and rowing, will be available to help people with their first attempt at something new, while on dry land there will be plenty of activities for people of all ages.
But the obvious highlight of the festival will be the vibrant scene as the fierce dragon boats race the length of the Creek.
Get involved
Dragon boating is growing at a surprising rate across the region and offers an opportunity for companies and other social teams to realise the benefits of increased team spirit, and mental and physical fitness.
Organiser Jason McKenzie said: "Dragon boating has come to be associated internationally with fun, excitement, camaraderie and sportsmanship, and we are delighted to bring the festivities to Dubai this year. It is intended to be a fun day out for the family and wider corporate community. It is also an excellent opportunity for networking in an informal and relaxed environment."
Teams or individuals can register at all concierge desks at Dubai Festival City or can contact Jason McKenzie by calling 050-7634008.
