The Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 11th edition to inspire competitors to hit the water for the traditional race.
Registration is open until September 28 for the event, which will offer spectators heart-pounding action at the beachfront while competitors race the dragon boats parallel to the shore amidst thunderous roars.
In addition to the spirited competition along the 1km stretch of the private beach, spectators can also enjoy cultural entertainment, music and a host of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day.
Ahmed Issa, general manager at Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, said: “We’ve seen immense interest in the race this year, which is why we have extended the deadlines for registrations to the last weekend before the race. This should give the teams just enough time to go through training sessions before the big weekend.”
Organised in partnership with Siren Events, UAE Dragon Boat and UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, the Dragon Boat Festival is an annual fixture hosted every October at Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri to embrace its Asian roots while creating unforgettable moments for the residents and the visitors of the capital.
Jason Mackenzie, Dragon Boat Festival race director, said: “Every year, the Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival held at the Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri sees up to 2,000 participants. More than 20 international teams and 100 local teams have taken part in the race over the years, making it the largest dragon boat event in the region.”
Team participation includes the supply of a dragon boat and all necessary equipment, as well as two 60-minute training sessions with an internationally-acclaimed training coach. Each team can have a maximum of 20 members with prices starting from Dh2,500 per team for registration.
As part of the action-filled weekend at the complex, a special Dragon Boat festival edition of the Friday Smoking Vibes BBQ party will be held at Afya, the beachside restaurant at Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri for all participants to continue the celebrations of the centuries-old Chinese tradition. The barbecue is also available to guests attending the festival for a fee of Dh206.
For bookings, call 02 509 8555 or email [email protected]
To register a team, visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaabudhabi or www.facebook.com/tradersabudhabi.
What: Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
When: October 5-6
Contact: Visit www.facebook.com/shangrilaabudhabi or www.facebook.com/tradersabudhabi to sign up
