Thousands of competitors and spectators with teams are expected to mark the fifth year of the Dragon Boat Festival scheduled to take place next week in Dubai Festival City.

The festival, planned for April 6 and 7, includes DJs, a kid’s corner and a whole host of other activities for everyone’s enjoyment.

McDonalds is offering face painting and colouring activities for children, Toys R Us Mascot “Jeffrey” will make special appearances across the weekend and Welcare Medical Clinic will be offering health checkups in conjunction with World Health Day which falls on the same weekend as the event.

One of the leading teams in the region is the Steelcraft Dragons, led by Captain Mohammed Al Mulla, an Emirati national student who has been paddling for over five years and led his team to the top eight at the 2010 World Championships.

They will be joined by international teams, such as the American Dragons of Singapore and local teams including Abu Dhabi Mar, Daman Dragons, Tenaris Steel Dragons, NYU Abu Dhabi and Xpert Learning, among others.

Jason Mackenzie, technical director of the UAE Dragon Boat Association, said: “This is our fifth year and it is becoming more popular year after year. It is a fantastic sport that brings the whole family together for a day of excitement. We encourage everyone to come join us for a great couple of days at one of Dubai’s favourite water sports events.”

Bernice Boshoff, general manager of Festival Centre, said: “We are very excited to be hosting the fifth annual Dubai Festival City Dragon Boating Festival this April. We are looking forward to welcoming back the UAE Dragon Boating competitors to Festival Marina for what promises to be a fun filled weekend, with activities both on and off the water. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community.”

A Belgian Garden Cafe will be organised by the Belgian Beer Cafe at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, which will host the Dragon Boat after-race party on April 6.

Yannis Anagnostakis, area general manager at InterContinental Hotels Group Dubai Festival City, said: “It is a pleasure for us to be involved in events that support the community and we’re sure the Belgian Garden Café will provide a chance for everyone to come together and enjoy this special day.”

Matthew Bate, director of Operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY, the operator of Festival Marina said: “This is our fifth year and we are very proud of this event and its growing popularity within our community. We are honoured to have the opportunity to play a positive role in our community through a great festival such as the Dragon Boat race.”

The event is hosted by Festival Centre, the UAE Dragon Boat Association, Siren Events, UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, in association with Mourjan Marinas IGY, the luxury marina developer and management company. – TradeArabia News Service