Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival at Festival Marina, Dubai Festival City in April

Notes and media contacts

About Dragon Boats Alive (UAE)

Dragon boating in Dubai was founded by Dragon Boats Alive in July 2006 - the first time that dragon boats have entered Middle Eastern waters. Since then, there have been thousands of people in this region who have tried dragon boating for the first time. There are currently three annual dragon boat festivals in the UAE.

About Dubai Festival City

Dubai Festival City is an Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate development project. Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is part of Al-Futtaim Group, one of the region's most progressive businesses with more than 80 years operating experience in Asia, Africa and Europe. Dubai Festival City is a world-class waterfront mixed-use urban community encompassing the finest, easily accessible shopping, dining, entertainment, homes, schools, hotels, offices and leisure in one place.

Dubai Festival City covers 1300 acres and stretches 3 kilometres along the historic Dubai Creek. It epitomizes the thriving and visionary spirit of Dubai. This self-contained metropolis will be the centrepiece of the new Dubai - a progressive urban community offering a lifestyle unmatched in terms of luxury, comfort, exclusivity, convenience, and value.

Festival Centre, a landmark 2.8m square foot urban retail resort forms the epicentre of Dubai Festival City and promises to be one of the UAE's most exciting retail, dining and leisure attractions. Festival Centre offers an unsurpassed selection of international and local retail brands, an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafés, including the largest al fresco dining experience in the UAE, as well as a rich variety of entertainment options all within an architectural masterpiece. The shopping centre is connected via the Marina Promenade to two international hotels, an Event Centre and the luxury Festival Marina which will dramatically transform the retail and tourism landscape of Dubai.

In addition Dubai Festival City comprises 8 international hotels, residential communities, two international schools, business parks, automotive showrooms, an 18-hole championship golf course and Four Seasons Golf Club.

About Island Global Yachting (IGY)
From the islands of the Caribbean to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and other beautiful yachting destinations around the world, IGY is redefining the very idea of luxury marina experiences. Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, controlling and/or servicing luxury-yacht marinas and the surrounding upland real estate properties. Island Global Yachting marinas operate under the signature Yacht Haven Grande collection and the IGY series brands, as well as several private labels.

Headquartered in New York, NY, IGY also has offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; St. Thomas, USVI; and Dubai, UAE. IGY is an affiliate of Island Capital Group LLC, a real estate merchant banking firm led and founded by Andrew Farkas, former chairman of Insignia Financial Group.

About Intercontinental Dubai Festival City

Located on Dubai Creek and with stunning views in every direction, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City is a new city landmark, connected to the world-class Festival Centre and the luxury Festival Marina via a waterfront promenade.

At 36-floors high, the InterContinental Dubai Festival City property boasts 498 exquisitely designed rooms, including 121 suites and three Presidential Suites. All rooms have a choice of views including the Dubai Creek, the Festival Marina or the world-class shopping centre. Meeting rooms and conference facilities are available to suit all needs in the 3,800sqm Event Centre.

Visitors can take advantage of the InterContinental's spa, gym and swimming pools, as well the hotel's dynamic and innovative restaurants. These include Anise, an all-day dining restaurant with live cooking stations, fine French dining at Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, the Parisien Café experience at Bistro Madeleine, and a new addition to the city's thriving high-end Lebanese dining scene at Al Sultan Brahim Beirut. Two exclusive bars with stunning views complete the luxury experience.