Dragon Boat Alive and Festival Centre have stated that this year’s Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival (DIDBF) will be bigger and offer more activities than that of 2008.

The DIDBF will be held at Festival Marina on April 3 and 4.

The event promises two days of thrilling races, as well as plenty of onshore activities to ensure thousands of spectators and competitors during the weekend.

“Last year’s Dragon boat festival was a huge success and this year’s will be bigger and better,” said Phil Blake, of Island Global Yachting (IGY), and marina manager of Festival Marina.

“An event like this is a perfect opportunity for residents of Dubai to come down and see the marina and Festival City.”

Jason McKenzie, technical director Dragon Boats Alive, said: “Dragon boating has a big following in the UAE, with new converts to the sport yearly. Dragon boating is a dynamic and strategic team sport but perhaps more importantly it is great fun.

“DIDBF is a perfect opportunity for friends, colleagues and families to join together in a boat and compete.”

There will be a range of activities at Festival City over the two day period to create a carnival atmosphere, including food and beverage stalls, children’s activities and a fun fair.  

“Festival centre is a major attraction for the marine community with its accessibility to Festival Marina,” said Tom Miles, director of shopping centres, Al Futtaim Real Estate.

“The DIDBF 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 being planned for the two days.”

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 helipad and WiFi. – TradeArabia News Service