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In its opening week, more than 100,000 visitors have flooded into the Abu Dhabi Oasis pavilion at the Alicante Volvo Ocean Race Village, as the emirate makes as big a splash on-land as it has been on the water with its record-breaking Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team.
Since opening its doors on October 14, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) 200m² Abu Dhabi Oasis has seen never-ending queues of people scrambling to get inside to have their names etched in calligraphy, henna designs applied to their hands, the team logo painted on to their faces and to meet Fern and Ying – a pair of peregrine falcons which are show-stoppers in their own rights.
The Abu Dhabi Oasis is receiving more than 15,000 visitors daily, and expects to attract the lion’s share of the 1 million race fans passing through the Alicante Race Village over its three-week opening period.
Visitors have also been lining up to see the sweeping model of Abu Dhabi’s Destination Village - a scaled version of the eight-football pitch large centre which has been built on the UAE capital’s Corniche breakwater to host the sea-hardened race fleet, a fortnight of attractions, entertainment and hospitality as well as 100,000 expected fans this New Year.
Ricardo Lopez, 22, from Barcelona, was one of the first visitors to the Oasis.
"It was amazing to see what Abu Dhabi culture has to offer. The highlight for me was the falcons - I have never seen one before so it was great to see them in real life here in Alicante," he said.
Abu Dhabi Oasis activities have also been appealing to all ages, with visitors sampling a wide range of Arabian heritage.
Juan Hernandez Garcia, 30, from Madrid said: "The Abu Dhabi stand was so exciting. Lots to see and do. I now have a falcon print on my arm so it looks like I will be cheering on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing at the start of the race."
And nine-year-old Alejandra Sanchez from Alicante added: "I liked the falcon - the one called Fern is my favourite. I also have henna on my hand - I’m excited to show my friends."
Abu Dhabi’s Destination Village is also causing a stir with visitors, with many hoping to make it to the emirate this New Year to join in the Volvo Ocean Race celebrations. Abu Dhabi’s Destination Village will open free-of-charge to the public from 31st December this year to 14th January next year and marks the Middle East’s first hosting of the 39,000 mile, nine-month round-the-world sailing race fleet.
Maria Grau Martinez, 57, from Alicante said: "Thank you Abu Dhabi for the authentic Arabian gifts. The picture of me with the falcon is a great memory and I will frame my calligraphy artwork. I hope to get to Abu Dhabi to see it first hand."
And Jonas Linde, 38, from Norway said: "The Abu Dhabi Oasis is something really different, by far the busiest stand and I see why. The activities are great and it’s been interesting to learn about Abu Dhabi. The model of the Race Village looks very impressive - I would love to try and get there for New Year."
ADTA, which is behind the emirate’s race fleet hosting and is Team Principal of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, is running the Oasis daily in Alicante until the race fleet embarks on the opening leg to Cape Town on 5th November.
Plans are well progressed for the Abu Dhabi New Year hosting. The highly interactive village, which will leverage the maritime theme, will be packed with activities and entertainment including exhibitions, shows, simulators, hospitality, game zones, restaurants and cafes and shops.
ADTA has also developed tailored holiday packages, which will be announced shortly, to cater to international travellers looking to take advantage of the UAE capital’s fortnight-long hosting.
For more information visit: www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com
Also, stay up-to-date with all Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing news, exclusive competitions and content via
• Facebook (www.facebook.com/abudhabioceanracing);
• YouTube (www.youtube.com/abudhabioceanracing) and
• Twitter (www.twitter.com/adorlog)
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