Abu Dhabi wins bid to host Volvo Ocean Race

Abu Dhabi has won the bid to be one of the host ports for the 11th Volvo Ocean Race. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) yesterday signed an agreement with Volvo Ocean Race to mark the Middle East's debut for this regatta.

ADTA Director-General Mubarak Al Muhairi and Race CEO Knut Frostad sealed the deal at a ceremony at Emirates Palace yesterday.

A racing team from Abu Dhabi will also take its place on the start line in Alicante, Spain, in autumn next year.

A new marina is being built at Emirates Palace for the participating teams.

"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 ADTA Chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

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