Festival Centre, the heart of Dubai Festival City and one of the region’s most exciting retail, dining and leisure destinations, will play host to Dubai’s first ever Annual Dragon Boat Festival on 4th April 2008. The event is expected to engage a broad spectrum of the UAE community including corporate and competitive teams, as well as, community groups and universities.
Tom Miles, Senior General Manager Retail, Dubai Festival City said: “We are thrilled that Festival Centre will 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.”
The highlight of the festival will be the fierce dragon boats racing in a vibrant spectacle. These races will undoubtedly become one of Dubai’s most popular
events, drawing thousands of spectators. It will boast more than 50 participating teams. Each boat, which measures approximately 10 metres, will have ornately carved and painted "dragon" heads and tails, carrying 18-22 paddlers.
Tom Meyer, Area General Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group, Dubai Festival City said: “The Chinese Dragon Boat races have existed for the past 2500 years and will always be a symbol of Chinese culture and spirit. As one of the three largest Chinese festivals of the year, I’m extremely pleased that we will be hosting this legendary celebration at Dubai Festival City, right in front of our newly opened hotels – InterContinental and Crowne Plaza – which will provide a fantastic backdrop to the scene“.
Festival Centre is providing an opportunity for companies and other social teams to enter and realize the benefits of increased team spirit, and mental and physical fitness. The event will offer various
water sports such as kayaking, rowing and a variety of on shore activities to enjoy.
Jason MacKenzie, Dragon Boat Festival organizer 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.”
The popularity of Dragon boating is growing at a surprising rate throughout the region. It is a great way for companies or groups to learn to work as a team. Everyone is invited to come and visit Festival Centre to experience first-hand the energy and dynamism.
Teams or individuals can register at Festival Centre, Concierge Desks or can contact Jason McKenzie on 050 7634 008. For more details, log onto www.dubaifestivalcity.com.