The Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival returns for the second time to Festival Marina on Friday 3rd April and Saturday 4th, following on from the success of last year’s inaugural event. With hundreds of participants expected to take part - cheered on by thousands of spectators - the Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival promises two days of thrilling races at Festival Marina. Organized by Dragon Boat Alive and Festival Centre, the event is sponsored by TOTAL Lubricants Middle East with the support of the InterContinental, Dubai Festival City and Four Seasons Golf Club, in association with Island Global Yachting (IGY).
Registrations are now open at www.dubaiflyingdragons.com for teams and individuals eager to compete in this year’s Dragon Boat races - a watersport full of adrenaline, sportsmanship, strategy and technique. Participation in the Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival is a great way for families, colleagues and friends to compete, socialize and have a great time together. Would-be participants can either sign up as a complete team of up to 20 people, or register as an individual.
The team participation package includes two one-hour dedicated training sessions with an international dragon boat coach, supply of the dragon boat and equipment, a Friday night barbecue at Four Seasons Golf Club and prizes for winners, donated by InterContinental. Entry for teams range from 10,000 AED per team through to school and university teams at 2,000 AED per team or 500 AED for an individual.
Jason McKenzie, Technical Director Dragon Boats Alive, said:
“Dragon boating has a big following in the UAE, with new converts to the sport yearly. We are really keen to encourage new and existing dragon boat athletes to take part in the festival and so we have put together an exclusive package to ensure a great competition but also two fun days for all participating.”
The festival will also feature plenty to entertain spectators on shore - with a bouncy castle, face painting, volleyball tournament and food and beverage in the Igloo; plus a live MC providing a full run down of all the action on the water as it happens.
Tom Miles, Director of Shopping Centres, Al Futtaim Real Estate said:
“Festival Centre is a major attraction for the marine community with its accessibility to Festival Marina. The Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival will be a chance for residents and visitors to experience the vibrancy of the area whilst also getting involved in the fantastic activities and events over the two days.”
Pierre-Marie Paumier, Marketing Manager of Total Lubricants Middle East, said:
“We are proud to sponsor the Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival. This event will attract a variety of groups, each with great team spirit, determination and enthusiasm. We are looking forward to a long relationship supporting the festival and sport.”
Phil Blake, of IGY, and Marina Manager of Festival Marina added:
“Last year’s Dragon Boat Festival was a huge success and this year’s will be bigger and better. An event like this is a perfect opportunity for residents of Dubai to come down and see the marina and experience Festival City.”
Built, designed and managed by IGY, Festival Marina is a unique yachting destination in Dubai. Located at the heart of Dubai Festival City, on the banks of Dubai Creek, Festival Marina forms part of the retail resort which offers convenient access to the wide range of entertainment, shopping and eating options in the surrounding area.
The Mediterranean inspired Festival Marina encompasses 74 permanent berths with state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate 15 to 35 metre yachts. The custom-designed marina has a number of special features including extra wide pontoons, a helicopter pad and WiFi.
Overlooking Festival Marina, Festival Centre has become a major attraction for the yachting circuit. The retail resort is home to over 400 shops including 15 anchor stores and 60 restaurants and cafés, a 12 screen Grand Cinemas complex and Bowling City. The waterfront promenade links Festival Marina to the world renowned InterContinental and Crowne Plaza Hotels and Events Centre, all with prime waterfront views over Festival Marina, Dubai Creek and the city’s skyline.
