Sports | Tuesday 25 October, 2016 1:12 pm |

As they paddled with paddles adorned with team symbols, in handcrafted boats decked with magnificent dragons, over sixty teams participated in what has been the largest Dragon Boat Festival on record. 
The Shangri-La Hotel in Qaryat Al Beri was the site for this very unique racing competition, which attracted thousands of spectators to the hotel’s private, scenic beach overlooking the legendary Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Attendees also enjoyed a chance to listen to music, play a few recreational activities, get a free massage or just people-watch and mingle. 
The Dragon Boat Festival was a tradition that began nine years ago at the Shangri-La Hotel as a way of enhancing community spirit. Each year the competition has grown, as more teams participate in the event. This has attracted corporate, individual and repeat competitors, as well as more spectators who come to enjoy the beautifully adorned boats and scenic locale.

The winners are as follows:

Premier Division – Mixed
1. Dubai Paddle Club
2. Atlantis
3. A Team

Ann Butler Memorial Race 
1. A Team

Premier Division – Women Overall
1. Titans
2. Dubai Paddle Club
3. A Team

Premier Division – Open
1. Atlantis
2. Dubai Warriors
3. Firebase Alpha

Corporate Shield
1. Stroke of Genius 2

Corporate Bowl
1. DP World – Head Office

Corporate Plate
1. Dragon Slayers

Corporate Cup
1. Emirates Steel Dragons
2. Daman Dragons
3. Traders Qaryat Al Beri

The Dragon Boat Race was originally a water sport first developed in China over two centuries ago, but it has quickly gained recognition and popularity in Abu Dhabi as an exciting festival and event. Next year’s Dragon Boat Festival will also take place in October, 2017. Date to be announced.

 

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 98 hotels under the Shangri-La brand, with a room inventory of over 40,000. Traders hotels cater to today's savvy and passionate traveller with brilliant simplicity and warm sincerity. They provide a friendly yet professional environment designed to complement guests at work, rest or play. Based in major business centres in Asia and the Middle East, Traders Hotels are the practical choice for business and leisure travellers.
Traders Hotels are located in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Changzhou, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, Cambodia, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar and Sri Lanka. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.tradershotels.com.