In pictures: UAE Dragon Boat racing enthusiasts paddle for the win in Dubai

The two-day event was held at the Waterfront Market in Deira

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  Participants at the Dragon Boat Challenge at the Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The two-day event saw 70 teams from across the UAE compete in a 200-metre race. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Teams for the Dragon Boat Challegen were divided into four race categories: Open, Mixed, Women and Corporate. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Onlookers at the Dragon Boat Challenge, held at the Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Teams for the Dragon Boat Challenge are usually made up of 10 members each with an additional helm. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Dragon Boat racing originated 2,500 years ago in China. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Dragons, alongside the sun, are traditionally revered in Chinese culture and Dragon Boat racing are meant to pay homage to these ancient beliefs. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Dragon Boat Challenge was held on Friday and Saturday at Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  For each race category at the Dubai event, the teams competed in heats, semi-finals and then the finals. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A race in action at the Dragon Boat Challenge, held at the Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Participants of the Dragon Boat Challenge at the Waterfront Market on Saturday, April 3, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Teams raced for 200 metres at the Dragon Boat Challenge. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Competitors came from all over the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Participants racing to the finish line. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Dragon Boat Challenge was held for two days over the weekend. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The second and final day of the Dragon Boat Challenge concluded on Saturday at the Waterfront Market in Deira, Dubai.

As part of the two-day event, more than 70 teams from across the UAE competed in a 200-metre race while paddling a boat in teams of 10. Teams were divided into four race categories: Mixed, Corporate, Open and Women. For each race category, the teams competed in heats, semi-finals and then the finals.

Dragon Boat racing originated 2,500 years ago in China. Dragons, alongside the sun, are traditionally revered in Chinese culture and Dragon Boat racing are meant to pay homage to these ancient beliefs.