Yas Marina will be the place to be on Friday, January 31, if you want to witness some exhilarating and fun contests and other activities at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival.
More than 25 teams from Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be in action in a sport that originally started in China over 2,500 years ago.
The format is simple. Twenty people in a dragon boat paddle away furiously with the aim of reaching the finish line first.
It’s a sport that has gathered momentum, and here in the UAE the format has grown where 6,000 people have taken part in previous editions of the competition.
The races, split into different categories – novice, intermediate and premier – will begin at 09:00 with the last contest at 17:30. The winners, runners-up and third-placed teams in each category will be awarded trophies.
The free festival entertainment for spectators begins at 12:00, where you can begin the day with your family and friends by tucking into some delicious food at the seven licenced restaurants and lounges.
Young children will be fully occupied with the interactive musical fountains, dragon mask-making, face painting and tattoos from 12:00 to 18:00. And to get into the theme of the sport, Chinese lion dancers will perform from 16:00 to 18:00 while the races are taking place. T
o top the day off, after the awards ceremony, the weekly Kids Film Friday will take place from 18:00 to 19:30 followed by live music for adults from 19:30 to 22:00.
Jason McKenzie, technical director at UAE Dragon Boat Association, says everyone who attends will enjoy the day. “It’s different, it’s noisy and it’s exciting,” says McKenzie.
“It’s going to be a great spectacle for all those who come. Come along on the day and if you like what you see then you can take part in future races. Anybody can do it. It doesn’t matter what nationality you are, whether you are male or female, or old or young. It doesn’t matter if you’re very competitive or not. The event is very social, for everybody.”
He added: “It’s a fun atmosphere for everyone. It’s very sociable and it’s very inclusive. You can bring your families and friends. Previously, we’ve had families from all kinds of backgrounds. The competition is very athletic. Competitors take it very seriously and train very often, and it’s a good form of exercise.
“Although registration is closed for this leg, you can apply for the next leg of the tournament (date to be confirmed), or find out more information from coaches, if you like what you see on the day.
“If anyone is interested to register themselves for future races, then they can do that. We will be accepting registrations for anybody who wants to join the team from Abu Dhabi or Dubai. We have a variety of locations. Training takes place many times a week and most teams train three times a week,” says McKenzie.
What: Dragon Boat Race and Festival (free admission)
When: Friday, January 31. Races begin 09:00. Entertainment from 12:00 until 22.00
Where: Yas Marina on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: Visit www.dubaidragonboat.com or www.cnmarinas.com
