Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge 2026 Makes Global Debut in Dubai

Dubai witnessed a vibrant celebration of sport, culture and international friendship as the fourth Hong Kong Dragon Boat Challenge was successfully held at Dubai Creek on January 24 and 25, 2026, marking the world’s first Hong Kong dragon boat races of the year.

Presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), the two-day event brought together over 1,500 competitors from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds, highlighting Dubai’s status as a truly global city. The races were organised with the support of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai.

This year’s edition achieved a major milestone with a record 62 participating teams, including representation from all seven emirates of the UAE for the first time. Adding to the spirit of unity, the Dubai ETO and the Consulate General jointly formed teams made up of members from the Hong Kong and Chinese communities living in the UAE, underscoring strong community engagement and cross-cultural collaboration.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony, Mr Simon Chan, Director-General of the Dubai ETO, emphasised that dragon boat racing represents far more than athletic competition. Rooted deeply in traditional Chinese culture, the sport symbolises strength, resilience, teamwork and unity. He noted that hosting such a large-scale event in Dubai — where participants and spectators from varied cultural backgrounds shared the excitement — reflected the growing people-to-people ties and expanding cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the UAE.

Beyond the thrilling races that drew large crowds along Dubai Creek, the event offered an immersive cultural and tourism experience. Visitors enjoyed lion dance performances, traditional cultural showcases, and a wide range of authentic Hong Kong cuisine, including Hong Kong-style milk tea, pineapple buns with butter, curry fish balls and dim sum. These attractions proved hugely popular, with long queues forming throughout the venue.

To further promote Hong Kong as a global tourism destination, the Dubai ETO and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) set up dedicated promotional booths, offering visitors information about Hong Kong’s attractions, experiences and upcoming international events.

Mr Chan, together with Ms Ou Boqian, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, presented awards to winners across various race categories. The top-performing team was congratulated with a special invitation to compete in international dragon boat races in Hong Kong later this year, organised by the HKTB.

“This event not only deepens our connections with different sectors across the UAE, but also opens an exciting pathway for friends here to visit Hong Kong and experience the extraordinary charm of Asia’s world city firsthand,” Mr Chan said.

Looking ahead, the Dubai ETO reaffirmed its commitment to organising more initiatives across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, aiming to strengthen cooperation in trade, business, culture, tourism and education, while further enhancing Hong Kong’s global engagement.