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

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



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.

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Neil Thomson – THE BIO

Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.

Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.

Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.

Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.

Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.

Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.