Dubai brought together the elite of seafarers and the international rowing community through a boat parade, where over 50 male and female athletes sailed the waters of the Dubai Marina Canal last Saturday. This event coincided with the country’s celebrations of the 52nd Union Day and the holding of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28-UAE).
The unique and pioneering initiative, which achieved its goals in raising awareness about environmental preservation, sustainability and climate issues, was organized by the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation (UAESARF) and the Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) in cooperation with the World Organization. The Global Canal Rowing Action 100+ Cities (from Sharm Al Sheikh Egypt to Dubai) an initiative launch by Deep Dive Action based in China aiming to promote the idea of sports, health and environmental protection by holding rowing events in canal cities around the world under the slogan of Zero Carbon = Clean Water.
The official ceremony of the initiative was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, and with the Board Members - Mohammed Harib, CEO of DIMC and Khaled Al Owais, Chairman of the Technical Committee.
International dignitaries was also present such as the French Olympic champion Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing and member of the International Olympic Committee, the Dutchman Rudy Van der Ween , President of Inland Waterways International , the Chinese 3. Wang Shi, Honorary President of Asian Rowing Federation, Founder of GCRA , Vincent Gaillard, Executive Director of World Rowing, Manal Bahman, Chief Operations Officer of Emirates Nature-WWF and Ken Lee, International Ambassador, Co-Founder of GCRA.
The parade ceremony commenced at the Dubai International Marine Club's headquarters, featuring the playing of the United Arab Emirates' national anthem. Following this, event guests were warmly welcomed, and a ceremony honoring dignitaries was conducted by the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, the Dubai International Marine Club, and the World Rowing Canal Organization. Subsequently, participants signed in support of the awareness initiative titled "Zero Carbon, Clean Water,". After souvenir photos were taken, participants were granted permission to embark on a journey to explore the waters of the canal using various rowing boats, including Olympic categories such as singles, doubles, and quads, as well as the renowned dragon boat where they sailed more than 3 km amidst the stunning view of Dubai Marina Canal.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, extended his congratulations to the leadership and people of the Emirates on the occasion of the 52nd Union Day. He emphasized the significance of the march as a contribution from the sports sector to raise awareness within society, coinciding with the COP 28 conference. The march aims to promote practices that support environmental preservation and sustainability. Sheikh Ahmed highlighted that sailing and rowing sports are environmentally friendly and contribute positively to society, meeting all criteria for success in the Emirates.
2023
Mohammed Harib, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai International Marine Club, expressed gratitude for the pivotal role played by partners in the success of the parade organized by UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, led by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, in collaboration with the World Rowing Channel Organization, and all participating clubs and teams. He underscored that the resonance of the march, echoing the themes of "zero carbon" and "clean water," was universally felt.
Adding to this sentiment, Harib stated that in the year 2023, as the year of sustainability, the Dubai International Marine Club is set to accomplish another significant milestone. This involves the inclusion of an influential community event—the splendid march bearing the title "Zero Carbon, Clean Water." The event not only attracted widespread participation from individuals of the maritime community and decision-makers globally but also witnessed the exceptional involvement of French Olympic champion Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, who experienced the shores of our welcoming country.
The parade was participated by both male and female stars from the national rowing team, players representing national clubs such as the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and Al Hamriyah Cultural Sports Clubs. The inclusion of Emirati girls, champion athletes Ohood Musabah Al Dhaheri, Dhabiya Al Mansouri, and Shamsa Adnan, was also prominently highlighted.
Water Melody
Chinese musician Professor Gao Kan, a professor of music education at the Central Conservatory of Music (Beijing) and the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and the winner of the Emma Hough International Award for Young Artists, the Naples International "Alberto Corsi" Violin Competition, and the Chinese National Grand Prize, participated in the march. He presented a piece of music, a wonderful performance titled "Water," during the official ceremony to launch the parade, receiving applause from the audience.
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Ken Lee, International Ambassador and Co-Founder of GCRA, stated that the initiative aims to promote canal culture and the concept of low-carbon environmental protection for sustainable development by extending its reach to over 100 cities and destinations worldwide.
Ken Lee added that the organization launched its initiative in September 2021 in the city of Yangzhou in eastern China along the Grand Canal, the longest and oldest canal in world history. He commended the success achieved, including the recent activities in the United Arab Emirates and the conclusion of the 2023 program in conjunction with the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change - COP28.
