Traditional boat racing in Dubai

Traditional boat races held at Mina Seyahi in Dubai are a showcase to remind the youth of the UAE's heritage. See more at: http://gulfnews.com/gntv

Transcript

00:30and the final of the UAE traditional rowing championship.

00:35We already had four races and it's been a very interesting sports season.

00:39We started the season this year in Dubai International Marine Club in September.

00:43One of the features or why we organise so many water sports events here in Dubai is

00:49since 1992 and the creation of this facility which belongs to the government of Dubai,

00:54we host these events basically to showcase Dubai as a destination using future water sports.

00:59And the heritage side of these events is very, very crucial and very important.

01:05These boats, the traditional rowing boats, is one design class,

01:09so the length and the weight and the number of competitors is standard.

01:14We have a set of rules in terms of race management and safety.

01:18I mean it's a very tough and it's a very interesting activity.

01:22Whoever will cross the finishing line first is the winner, not even of this race but of the championship.

01:27The majority, they come from the United Arab Emirates, from the region,

01:31and they practice in different areas.

01:34Mainly they come from Ras al-Khaimah, Umm al-Khawain and Fujairah.

01:38There is a few teams from Abu Dhabi and Dubai,

01:42and they do practice a lot of course in their respective emirates.

02:27For more information visit www.dfid.gov.au