Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Under Secretary of the Court of the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Higher Organising Commi-ttee of the Moreeb Hill Emirates International Championship is eyeing a world-class competition in the near future.

"This sort of racing is very popular in countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, South Africa and the U.S.A. I don't see any reason why all such countries cannot come together in the future and hold a world championship," Sheikh Abdullah said.

"We will definitely be looking at places around the world where similar races are organised. One thing is for sure. We want to have a competition which will attract worldwide interest and attention."

Though just one race old, the Moreeb Hill Championship has had a sound attraction, not only among the UAE nationals, but from enthusiasts from other parts of the Middle East.

"That's been the good part of this event. We've had a good response from racers from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait already despite the fact that we've not even started officially accepting the entries.

"So one can imagine what the response will be like once the entries open."

Entries for the competition will open for a period of 10 days starting from January 10, 2003.

Khalid Al Malik, General Manager of the Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF) has kept the doors open for hosting a GCC-level competition based on the lines of the Moreeb Hill Championship.

"It is not possible to have a championship only for the UAE as we do not have the setting for such an event in any other part but the Empty Quarter.

"But it is possible to have like-minded countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia, which share a border with the Empty Quarter, to come forward and we can have a GCC Championship," Al Malik stated.
"We will definitely take up the issue with officials from Oman and Saudi Arabia when they attend the second round."

A championship at the GCC level will pave the way for a bigger competition of this stature. "It would mean more venues for us to have the championship," Al Malik said.

The EMSF chief stated that they are most interested in the safety aspect at the races. "That is of prime importance to us and our number one priority," Al Malik stressed.