With the support of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival 2022 was held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on October 8 and 9 (Dubai time) in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
 
     There were 35 teams per day with a total of more than 1 200 competitors participating in races of various categories during the two-day event on the shores of Dubai. The Dubai ETO also formed a team consisting of members of the Hong Kong community living in the UAE to take part in the festival.
 
     Speaking before the award presentation ceremony, Deputy Director of the Dubai ETO Mr Alvin Wong highlighted that this was the first dragon boat festival held by the Dubai ETO. "Dragon boat racing has its roots in southern China and dates back to more than 2 000 years ago. Hong Kong has long been home to the world's premier sports events, and is recognised as the birthplace of modern competitive dragon boat racing. We are thrilled to bring one of our renowned events to Dubai to share a taste of Hong Kong with the local community, and look forward to crafting this festival as an annual flagship event," he said.
 
     To provide the latest information about Hong Kong to racers and spectators, including details of Hong Kong's diverse array of cultural, sports and tourism offerings, the Dubai ETO also set up a booth at the venue. Adding to the festive joy, souvenirs commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR were distributed by the Dubai ETO while its representatives engaged with the local community.
 
     The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival formed part of a series of celebratory events that the Dubai ETO has planned in the member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. Under this celebratory theme, the Dubai ETO will continue to organise seminars to highlight business opportunities for companies in the region, as well as a film festival to showcase talents of the Hong Kong film industry and facilitate cultural exchange.

Ends/Monday, October 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:20

NNNN