Dubai: Organisers will hold nothing back while trying to reassure challengers BMW Oracle when a seven-member delegation arrives in Ras Al Khaimah tomorrow.
Dr Khater Masa'ad, adviser to Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, told Gulf News that there was no reason for the BMW Oracle team to see the UAE in a bad light. He said: "They should come and see for themselves and I am glad they [will] come here this week. This visit is crucial for us as we will have the chance to explain to them that Ras Al Khaimah is part of the UAE and that our country is a friendly place."
A delegation from the BMW Oracle team, most probably led by CEO and skipper Russell Coutts, is expected to arrive in the UAE on a fact-finding mission tomorrow. "They are supposed to be here for two days," Dr Masa'ad said.
Among other things, the BMW Oracle set-up, led by owner Larry Ellison and Coutts, had voiced concerns over the safety of the crew and visiting members due to the venue's proximity to Iran.
"We will spare nothing [in] convincing the team that the UAE has an excellent relationship with the US and with all the countries of the region. In fact, we have never ever had a security problem or even problems with our neighbouring countries," he said.
"In addition, we get more than 10 million tourists visiting each year and there are so many nationalities that co-exist in peace and harmony in this country. So there is no reason to be worried. I hope this will be enough to convince BMW Oracle."
The official also insisted that both teams will be treated well. "We are here as a venue and both teams will be treated well, equally and fairly. We will also tell them [BMW Oracle] that we will make sure that both teams are comfortable and happy here," Dr Masa'ad stated.
Meanwhile, Alinghi member Will MacCarthy has been in the UAE for the past couple of weeks. Dr Masa'ad said the team was studying the area and winds and compiling the necessary data to move base.
