Record Numbers expected at Al Ain Dune Championship 2008

Al Ain is gearing itself up for the 2008 season of its Al Ain Dune Championship under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs of U.A.E, and organized by the Abu Dhabi Motors Club (ADMC) with Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, and Al Ain Municipality Support.

The event is being held on May 1st and 2nd in the area of the Al Saad Dune – about 30 kms from Al Ain city.

The first day of the event will concentrate on bike racing, which will include five categories: four stroke; second class; first class; open class; buggy class.

Car racing will be the attraction on day 2 with three classes: standard six-cylinder; modified six cylinder and eight-cylinder cars.

The General Manager of ADMC, Abdullah Al Qubaisi said, “We expect huge interest in these two days of racing. Already the numbers are in excess of 70 cars, 120 bikes and 20 buggies, and that is even before registration has closed. We are seeing strong interest from across the Gulf region, with particular attention from Qatar.”

Visitor numbers are expected to reflect the high turnout of the number of competitors, according to Ahmed Al Dhaheri, from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“Last year, over 50,000 spectators turned out to watch the racing, and this year we are projecting around 65,000,”  Al Dhaheri said. “Not only are local people showing interest in attending, but also many expatriates; and as it is taking place at the weekend, we expect many families also to make the journey out to Al Saad. At the end of the day, we expect the Al Ain Dune Championship to play a very positive role in the tourism of the region.”

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