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Winners of the UAE’s newest sailing event – the Sir Bani Yas Offshore Race – will receive exclusive experiences at Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover (VOR AD), the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) programme being planned for the December/January hosting of the round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race fleet.
The new race, which runs April 10 – 19, will see 13 teams of UAE-sailors compete on a 160 mile course through the crystal turquoise waters around the UAE’s coastline - from Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace and Sir Bani Yas Island and back to Dubai.
“To honour the sailors’ winning spirit, skills and efforts, we’re looking forward to welcoming the winners to sample our famed hospitality with in-port race experiences that money can’t buy,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Bureau Director, TCA Abu Dhabi.
The winning team will receive VIP invitations to the Destination Village’s exclusive Seashore Lounge, where they will enjoy fine hospitality, before boarding a boat and taking in unparalleled views of the in-port race from the sea. The winning skipper will also receive an exclusive invitation to the Azzam Lounge, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) and TCA Abu Dhabi’s corporate hospitality lounge, where he will enjoy the finest hospitality and have a chance to meet and mingle with the ADOR crew, and learn of their experiences and expectations for the nine-month round-the-world race, known as the Everest-of Sailing.
The Sir Bani Yas Offshore Race is being organised by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), and is sponsored by TCA Abu Dhabi. The new partnership sees two of the UAE’s most ambitious sailing projects join forces in a bid to highlight Abu Dhabi’s credentials as a leading winter water sports destination.
Sir Bani Yas Island, which is at the core of the Desert Islands, in Abu Dhabi’s Western region is an 87 square kilometre island originally developed as a wildlife reserve by the late United Arab Emirates’ founder and President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to ensure the survival of Arabia’s endangered species. Today the island is a unique tourist destination with three resort hotels, a dedicated Anantara Spa and a range of nature activities based around its Arabian Wildlife Park inhabited by herds of free-roaming animals.
Visitors to Sir Bani Yas can take wildlife drives by 4x4 to watch elegant gazelles make their way through the savannah, gaze at rare Arabian Oryx, one of the world’s most endangered species, or catch a glimpse of exotic giraffes. Wildlife walks, archaeological tours or mountain bike rides are also popular, whilst a kayaking trip is not to be missed. The quiet waters are also perfect for paddling across, and provide a true appreciation of the stunning nature. Other activities available include snorkelling and scuba diving, horse-riding at the Sir Bani Yas Stables, and an array of treatments, massages and spa packages in a true oasis of tranquillity at the Anantara Spa. The island is only a short direct flight from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, via Rotana Jet, or a drive with boat transfers.
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