NEWS RELEASE (#2025-06)
3rd MENA Championships 2025 set for April 11-13 in the UAE
The 3rd MENA Championships 2025, an IDBF recognised festival, will be held from April 11 to 13, 2025, at Al Khan Corniche Beach in Sharjah, UAE. This prestigious event will welcome top dragon boat crews from the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond, fostering competition and cultural exchange.
The previous editions, held in March 2023 and April 2024, saw 2000 competitors, showcasing the sport’s rapid growth. Organised by the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, the event has earned praise for its competitive level and success.
Race Categories & Distances
- Small Boat: Mixed, Open, Women
- Distances: 500m & 200m
IDBF President Claudio Schermi, who attended the previous editions, expressed strong support for the event:
“I really believe in this initiative that brings together Middle Eastern and North African paddlers. We see new nations from the Middle East and the continuous growth of Egyptian teams. I’m confident we will have a world-class event in the UAE thanks to the expertise of the UAE Dragon Boat and Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and we look forward to the development of dragon boat in Africa.”
With IDBF support and dedicated organisers, the MENA Championships promise high-level racing and international collaboration.
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, in Hong Kong China, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.