|
The purpose-built Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village’ on the Corniche breakwater is the focal point for a wealth of on and off water activities, entertainment, concerts, rides, sailing schools, games and competitions, as well as Volvo Ocean Race action. The free-to-the-public Destination Village -- the size of eight football pitches - is open daily from 11am-11pm, with extended weekend hours.
The Destination Village was opened by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan, Chairman, UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation; His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA; General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Director General, Central Operations, Abu Dhabi Police; Salem Rashed Amer Al Romaithi, Vice President, UAE Sailing & Rowing Federation, Knut Frostad, CEO, Volvo Ocean Race, and Peter Baumgartner, Commercial Director of Etihad Airways.
Kick-starting New Year celebrations will be seven-time Grammy Award winning rock band, Coldplay, who will take to a purpose-built stage adjacent to the main village. Throughout the two week Volvo Ocean Race hosting, a raft of top local and international performers will also woo Abu Dhabi crowds, including global DJs, Little Louie Vega and DIPLO, in free-to-attend concerts.
For sailing fans of all ages, the village is hosting a number of top sailing clinics to give both those new to the sport and seasoned veterans a chance to get involved.
And for those not wanting to get out on the water, Volvo Ocean Race has its ’Life At The Extreme’ exhibition, which includes The Ride, a state-of-the-art simulator that gives the feeling of being onboard a Volvo Open 70 yacht at speed in extreme conditions whilst being bombarded by strong winds and spray.
The six-strong Volvo Ocean Race fleet – which includes the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team –will compete in the in-port race on the 13th January. Whilst in the capital, the stunning Volvo Open 70 race yachts, the fastest in the world, will be on display at the Destination Village, allowing fans to get up close to these ultimate sailing machines, and to get behind the scenes and see the shore teams carry out repairs and modifications.
A weekend of traditional dhow racing will also take place over the 6-7th weekend, with more than 130 22 foot and 60 foot dhows competing off the coast for top honours.
A traditional Arabian market - Souk Al Mamsha - greets village visitors, giving them the opportunity to experience and take home their own piece of Arabia from one of its many market stalls.
Bus shuttle services are available to take visitors to the village and free parking is available at Marina Mall – a short, pleasant walk away from the village. Full details are available on: volvooceanraceabudhabi.com
|
New
Review
Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
