Registrations are now open for individual participants and teams looking to join 11th Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival, set to take in October.

The mega event, hosted by Shangri-La Hotel and Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, will be held on October 5 and 6.

Organised in partnership with Siren Events, UAE Dragon Boat and UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, the Dragon Boat Festival is an annual fixture hosted every October at the Shangri-La Group’s Qaryat Al Beri complex to embrace its Asian roots while creating unforgettable moments for residents and visitors in the UAE capital.

Registered participants will be supplied with a dragon boat and all necessary equipment for race days in addition to two training sessions with an internationally-acclaimed coach. Each team can have a total of 20 members of which there can be a maximum of 16 men.

Prices start from Dh500 ($136) for individual entries. Teams from schools, universities and international groups can register for Dh2,500 ($680.5), while corporate and social teams can enter the race for Dh10,000 ($2,722).

Jason Mackenzie, Dragon Boat Festival race director, said: “We are thrilled the event keeps growing. It attracted over 1,800 residents and visitors to the capital during the 10th edition we hosted last year. It also improves our community relations by creating a positive vibe through this event which brings the culture and traditions of the East to Abu Dhabi.”

Every year, the Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri sees up to 2,000 participants. More than 20 international teams and 100 local teams have taken part in the race over the years, making it the largest dragon boat event in the region.

In addition to the spirited competition along its 1km stretch of beach, spectators and competitors can also enjoy cultural entertainment, music and a host of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day.

As part of the action-filled weekend at the complex, a special Dragon Boat Festival edition of the Friday Smoking Vibes BBQ party will be held at Afyä, the beachside restaurant at the neighbouring Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi for all participants to continue the celebrations of the centuries old Chinese tradition. The barbecue is also available to guests attending the festival for a fee of Dh170 ($46.2).

Ulf Bremer, general manager at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival has always attracted many strong teams and we are excited to host the 11th edition of this incredible event. Dragon boat racing is a sociable sport and is emblematic of strength, energy and team spirit. As in the previous years, our own teams, Shangri-La and Traders Dragons, have registered to compete at the Dragon Boat Festival.”

Early bird offers are available on room bookings as well. The code “Dragon Boat” should be used while making reservations to avail discounted rates for stays during the race weekend. - TradeArabia News Service