Spectators of Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai set for memorable trip

Dubai: Residents and spectators looking to get a ringside view of the action during this week's Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 will be given a special ride to the venue, courtesy of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The Dubai Sports Council, organisers of the week-long competition, have made arrangements for special, free-of-charge water buses to ferry spectators from a designated station next to Jumeirah Beach Park to the purpose-built stadium along the Umm Suqeim beach.

This is the first time ever that such a mode of transport is being used to ferry spectators to a Fifa sporting event.

"We wanted to ensure that the entertainment and excitement of the Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup began as soon as spectators set out for the stadium and offering such a unique way to travel, arriving by sea, will help to heighten the sense of drama as they draw close to the shore and see the amazing stadium set against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab," explained Dr Khalid Mohammad Al Zahed, deputy tournament director and director of Maritime Projects Department at the RTA.

"It's important that such a prestigious event is given the level of support that it deserves and as the RTA, we wanted to demonstrate our commitment to making this a success for the UAE and for the many visitors that will travel to Dubai to support their teams and experience our warm Arabian hospitality," Dr Khalid added.

In business style, air-conditioned comfort, up to 36 passengers per trip can enjoy the sea view as they travel up the Jumeirah coast on a six-km trip that will take approximately 20 minutes, with boats departing every 20 minutes, throughout the duration of the tournament.