Even though the Desert Falcon Dragon Boat Team didn’t officially compete at the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival 2025, the Falcons’ spirit was very much alive on the water! 💪🚣‍♀️

Held at the stunning Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi on 25–26 October 2025, the annual race brought together some of the best dragon boat teams from across the UAE. While the Falcons were not able to field a full crew this time, several of our senior paddlers stepped up and joined forces with our sister teams — Damen, Aquaterra, and A-Team Knights (ATK) — to keep the Falcon flame burning bright.

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🏁 A Message from Our Captain

Our team captain shared this heartfelt note with everyone after the event:

“As communicated after our last training, Falcons will not be racing due to fewer available paddlers.

Anyhow, a few senior paddlers will be racing, supporting our co-teams: Damen & A-Team Knights.

I’m proud of each one of you who showed your sportsmanship supporting our sister teams Aquaterra and Damen.

Super proud of JJ, who pushed herself over the limit with back-to-back races, switching between ATK and Damen boats!

Kudos to Steve, Mikko, Tonette, JJ, Gin, Mahmoud, and Alnita — and last but not least, IS for being with the team during the race!

Hope I didn’t miss anyone! 🙈🙈🙈

Let’s focus now on EDBF Euro Cup, 12–14 December!”

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🏆 Falcons in Action – Supporting Sister Teams

Even without wearing our signature Falcon jerseys, our paddlers made their presence felt across multiple categories. Here’s how the action unfolded:

Open 200m

• Aquaterra – Semi Final: Steve, Mikko, Tonette, JJ, Gin
• ATK (A-Team Knights) – Final: Intan

Mixed 200m

• Aquaterra – Reps 2: Mikko, Mahmoud, Gin, Alnita, Tonette, JJ, Intan
• ATK – Reps 1: JJ, Intan

Women 200m

• Aquaterra – Semi Final: Alnita, JJ, Tonette, Intan
• ATK – JJ, Tonette, Intan

Corporate 200m

• Damen – Corporate Plate: Mikko, Mahmoud, Gin, Tonette, JJ, Intan

Every Falcon who joined a race gave their all. Showing true grit, teamwork, and passion for the sport. 💚
Your energy and dedication did not go unnoticed!

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💬 Highlights from the Race

It was a weekend full of excitement and pride.
Even though the team didn’t compete as “Desert Falcon DBT,” the unity and support from our paddlers stood out.

• Gin Willis made her first-ever race appearance — a huge milestone worth celebrating!
• JJ became the day’s powerhouse, racing in multiple categories and switching teams between heats.
• Steve, Mikko, Tonette, Mahmoud, Alnita, and Intan also gave solid performances that showed what true teamwork looks like.

The event was also a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the wider dragon boat community and to support our friends at Aquaterra, Damen, and A-Team Knights, who all paddled hard and made the Falcons proud.

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💡 Looking Ahead: EDBF Euro Cup in December

With the EDBF Euro Cup coming up on 12–14 December 2025, our focus now shifts to preparing for that big event. Training, teamwork, and consistency will be key as we head toward this next exciting challenge.

The Falcons’ journey has always been about more than winning medals — it’s about building strength, unity, and friendships both on and off the water. Every paddle stroke brings us closer as a team.

So, let’s keep training, supporting one another, and moving forward together. The next race is just around the corner — and the Falcons will be ready to soar again. 🦅💥

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📸 Event Credit

Special thanks to @sirendragonboat for organizing another successful Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Festival at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri.

To all paddlers, organizers, and supporters — thank you for keeping the dragon boat community strong!

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🐉 Follow the Falcons

Stay updated with Desert Falcon Dragon Boat Team as we prepare for our next big race.
Follow our journey and more updates on Desert Falcon Blog and our social media channels.