SHEIKH Khalid Al Qassimi is the UAE’s most successful World Rally Championship (WRC) driver in terms of points scored. He is also Abu Dhabi’s motorsports ambassador and the only Emirati rally driver for the BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team.
The WRC is one of the pinnacles of international motorsport and a championship that has a vast fan-base around the world. With Abu Dhabi’s strong rallying tradition, the ambassadorial partnership was a natural choice for Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) back in 2007.
“It is of great honour to be able to represent your country. ADTA and its efforts to boost the emirate in the global tourism market are well known and it is a great privilege to be able to uphold Abu Dhabi’s core values,” said Sheikh Khalid.
From golf and horse racing to motorsport, triathlon and sailing, the emirate offers a calendar full of sporting events and, while the Grand Prix has given Abu Dhabi international exposure, Sheikh Khalid believes holding a World Rally Championship (WRC) event, which could attract 800 million viewing fans from across the world, would give the emirate additional kudos.
“The ADTA’s investment in rallying plays a key role in Abu Dhabi’s positioning of the emirate as a global motor-sports hub – and, of course, the hosting of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix is the ultimate testimony to that status,” he said.
“As a motorsports driver, my dream would be to see the WRC come to Abu Dhabi. Having participated in various rallies, I know the requirements for a world championship terrain and strongly believe that the region can match any international terrains.”
Sheikh Khalid says the awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination has grown in leaps and bounds because of the efforts out of ADTA. “Today I meet people who are aware of the emirate and what it offers. From culture and heritage to sports and adventure, Abu Dhabi is on the forefront of tourism globally.
“I foresee a future where Abu Dhabi will be the hub for motorsports in the world. That will be a personal achievement and a dream come true.”
Sheikh Khalifa mentors four young Emirati rally drivers who are part of ADTA’s motorsport development programme and he is also on a mission to encourage safe driving among youngsters.
“As a professional rally driver I know how dangerous speeding is. I urge our youngsters to be responsible, not only for their lives but also for others,” he added.
The 2011 FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) will start with Qatar on February 3 to 5. Followed by Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus and the final in Dubai.