Abu Dhabi to Host Formula 1(TM) Grand Prix in 2009

Abu Dhabi to Host Formula 1(TM) Grand Prix in 2009

February 05, 2007

Thousands celebrate Ecclestone confirmation at F1 showcase
on Abu Dhabi streets


    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 5
/Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- In front of an elated crowd of tens
of thousands of people, Formula One(TM) Management today
announced that Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United
Arab Emirates, has secured the rights to host a Formula
1(TM) Grand Prix from 2009.

    On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and in the
presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the announcement was
made to the public who had gathered to watch the sport's
elite at the first-ever Abu Dhabi F1(TM) Festival --
featuring the largest gathering of current Formula One(TM)
drivers and cars ever assembled outside of a Grand Prix.

    An official signing ceremony immediately followed at
the stunning Emirates Palace Hotel by the Chairman and CEO
of Formula One(TM) Management, Mr Bernie Eccelstone and the
Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA),
His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, in the presence of His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi.

    "A Formula 1(TM) Grand Prix is one of the world's
most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as
an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms
of continuous global resonance. That is why this new
partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the
entire UAE," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Zayed Al Nahyan.

    "For Abu Dhabi, and indeed the whole of the UAE,
the opportunities that are presented by increased
international attention and connectivity will deliver very
real macroeconomic benefits."

    Abu Dhabi, the capital, and largest of the seven
Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, will
provide an idyllic location for one the world's most
popular sport. With over 200 natural islands, offering some
of the most untouched beaches in the region, it is fast
becoming one of the most sought out destinations in the
world.

    Formula One(TM) Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone
commented: "We are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into
the Formula One(TM) family, and look forward to a long and
successful partnership. Abu Dhabi's hospitality, the
genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of
world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the
FIA Formula One(TM) World Championship is a wonderful
addition to the Formula One(TM) calendar."

    The 2009 Formula 1(TM) Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is
being constructed by ALDAR Properties, one of the UAE's
leading property development companies, and designed by
renowned Formula 1(TM) circuit designer Hermann Tilke.

    Already under construction, the track is situated on a
2,550 hectare, natural leisure island, Yas Island, situated
on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and only minutes away from
the expanding Abu Dhabi International Airport.

    "Abu Dhabi will bring its own unique culture,
landscape and fans to the F1(TM) experience," said HE
Khaldoon Al Mubarak. "The track design alone is an
indication of the visionary approach we are taking and I am
confident we will deliver something truly special," he
added.

    "Spectators will enjoy high speed action played
out on three distinct sections of the 5.6km circuit,
including high speed areas ending in tight overtaking
turns, a street section and a marina section. Each section
of the circuit combines to deliver an unrivalled viewing
experience."

    Note to Editors

    -- A five minute video news release of this event will
be made available
       to Reuters and SNTV for their clients to access
after 16.00 GMT
    -- This is rights free material

    For further information and images please visit
http://www.abudhabigp.com  


    For more information, please contact:

     Alec Peck
     Tel:   [phone]
     Email: [e-mail] 


SOURCE  Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA)