Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's (Adta) dynamic Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater will give a warm Arabian welcome to the Volvo Ocean Race fleet tomorrow.
The first yacht to make it to Abu Dhabi after the second leg from Cape Town is expected to sail into the village pontoons at around 3.30pm and the crew are in for a real ‘Emirati' welcome, Adta said.
Traditional dhows, manned by Emirati crew chanting ancient songs, which once spurred on pearl divers as they endured months and months at sea, will accompany the racing yachts into the harbour.
The race yachts will dock alongside dhows which will be decked out for the occasion, Ayala traditional dancers will perform as the crew members come ashore and girls in traditional dress will shower the crew with confetti in the colours of the UAE flag as they make their way up the pontoon to the welcoming committee.
They will then be greeted by a welcome delegation of Adta dignitaries and stakeholders as well as Knut Forstad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race.
The yachts will arrive at various times throughout the afternoon and early evening with Adta planning a celebratory welcome firework show at 6pm.
"The arrival of these yachts will be seen around the world by those who are following the race on various networks and through the Volvo Ocean Race website. It is our chance to give TV and online viewers, radio listeners and newspapers a taste of what this emirate is all about and that is distinctive hospitality, freely given," said Faisal Al Shaikh, events manager, Adta.
Day to remember
"This is a day when Abu Dhabi writes its way into sailing history annals as we are the only Arabian Gulf city ever to host the race and we are determined it will be a day to remember for all the right reasons and that it is shared with all possible."
The Volvo Ocean Race fleet will be in Abu Dhabi until January 14, when it sets sail for Sanya in China. Until it leaves, Destination Village, which is as big as eight football pitches will be open 11am until 11pm daily with extended hours at weekends.
