The UAE capital is enhancing its position as an emerging Arabian Gulf marine leisure hub by becoming a host port for the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.
A racing team from Abu Dhabi will also take part in the race.
The Volvo Ocean Race has been contested by professional sailors since 1973. It is recognised as the world’s premier offshore sailing race and Abu Dhabi will be the first Middle East port ever to host the event.
“This event will take Abu Dhabi’s marine leisure proposition to the world and will enable us to demonstrate, first hand, our powerful credentials to a highly influential professional yachting audience,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
“Via the expansive international media coverage the race enjoys, Abu Dhabi’s name will ride high on another world-class sporting wave.”
Team Abu Dhabi, a crew specially selected by ADTA will tackle the ‘Everest of sailing’, in a newly designed boat, which will be built by the Abu Dhabi Mar Group.
The new marina at Emirates Palace will be the focus of the host port.
Mubark Al Muhairi, ADTA director general (second left), signed the race agreement with Knut Frostad,Volvo Ocean Race CEO (centre), in the presence of other officials