Dubai: The inaugural Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go a long way in delivering a strong and clear message to the entire world, according to the head of motorsport in the UAE.
"The UAE will set an example of true Arabian hospitality when the F1 race is held in Abu Dhabi," Mohammad Bin Sulayem, President of the UAE Automobile and Touring Club (UAEATC) told Gulf News.
"We want to make a statement through this race. We want to welcome people from across the globe and show them how this country is run. We want to stand by our principles and ideals and set an example for all," Bin Sulayem added.
Bin Sulayem has been among the most famous faces in the UAE and the Middle East given his amazing run of 14 Middle East Rallying titles over a career spanning more than two decades.
As president of the UAEATC, which has a direct affiliation with world governing body for motorsport, the FIA, one of Bin Sulayem's tasks is to oversee motorsport activities in the country.
"We have a responsibility and we have some good news for the whole world: we have nothing to hide here. As Arabs, we are all about hospitality and culture. And all the people attending the race from all over the whole world will be able to witness and taste this aspect," Bin Sulayem promised.
Retracing the early stages of his career in rallying, Bin Sulayem pointed out that the seeds for staging the F1 race here were sowed way back in 1991 following his meeting with President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone flew in to the UAE way back in 1991 to discuss the possibility of hosting a race here.
"We had to wait for so long since then. It took time to get a proper study done. It was like cooking it over a slow fire. And now that it has come here, I feel this is the right time for it and we need to make the best of it," Bin Sulayem affirmed.
"In 1992, we went on to organise the first-ever UAE Desert Challenge, and I believe that the F1 race in Abu Dhabi is the fruit of more than 25 years of motorsport in this country," Bin Sulayem stated.
"Hosting a F1 race here is not just about the time taken, but about the commitment shown by each and every one concerned and connected. We will always stay indebted to General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as it is his vision that is being translated through this race today," he added.
"And now that we have it, we need to maximise our efforts in giving out the right message to the whole world. Formula 1 racing is not just about motorsport, it is top-class entertainment and there will be plenty of it in Abu Dhabi."
