Kerala’s famous boat race comes to the UAE

Senior Reporter

Kerala’s famous annual boat race is sailing across to UAE waters this Onam. A mini version of Kerala’s Nehru Trophy boat race, a tourism attraction attended by almost 200,000 people annually, will be held in Ras Al Khaimah tomorrow. The regatta, named RAK Nehru Trophy Boat Race, is being organised by the Ras Al Khaimah International Marine Sports Club (RAKIMSC) in association with the Kerala Government and NMC Royal Medical Centre. “This race is similar to the famous one in Kerala,” said Aaref Ebrahim Al Haranki, executive manager of RAKIMSC and head of rowing at the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation “But, instead of snake boats, we are using dragon boats which have been custom-made to look like the snake boats.”

The idea was pitched to him by RAK-based Indian expat Riyas Kaattil, Al Haranki said. “We flew down to Kerala, met the chief minister and tourism minister and received their approvals to officially name the race after Kerala’s own boat race.” He said the government of RAK also offered their support. While members of various community groups of Keralites have formed nine teams, the other 10 teams have a mix of nationalities including Emirati professional rowers.

The professional teams will take part in the morning races while the novice Keralites will compete in the afternoon.

Al Haranki said they have received 820 registrations and 3,000 people are expected to witness the event.

The races will start at 8am and be completed by 6pm.