Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi on Monday became the Middle East's first ever host port for the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race and also confirmed an Abu Dhabi team for next season's championship.
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) Director General Mubarak Al Muhairi and Volvo Ocean Racing CEO Knut Frostad signed an agreement here at the Emirates Palace hotel in the presence of Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, ADTA Chairman.
The race crews will arrive in the UAE capital in January, 2012 as Abu Dhabi makes global yachting history as the first Middle East port to host the event since its inception in 1973.
The new marina being built at Emirates Palace will be the focal point of Abu Dhabi after its bid was selected from 80 port cities which bid to play host to the event.
