Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority are all set to host the World Championship of the year

As the F1 powerboat drivers arrive, spectators gather to witness for sheer exhibition of breathtaking power and speed.

The F1 Sharjah Grand Prix 2006 World Championship is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The event which has been hosted in Sharjah for the seventh year, will take place from December 14-15, at the Khaled Lagoon. First and second trials will take place on Thursday December 14, from 10am -5pm. The main race is scheduled to start at 3:45pm on December 15.

The prestigious 'F1 World Powerboat Championship' attracts over 700 million viewers worldwide and places Sharjah once again, centre stage in the local and international sporting community. Sharjah is selected as one of 12 cities around the world to host the impressive event.

"We are very pleased to host a world-class event such as the F1 world Championship. We at SCTDA strive to promote the UAE and the emirate of Sharjah locally and internationally. With a successful promotional campaign we are adamant that we will attract visitors from around the world. The event guarantees to attract up to 50,000 visitors. We hope we can achieve The Best Organizer Award through our ongoing efforts, abilities and facilities" said H.E. Mohamed A. Al-Noman, General Director of SCTDA. Al Noman added, "The event is catered for everyone whether it's for sports enthusiasts, families or tourists. We can assure a full-filled event for all. There will be lots of activities as well as a unique fireworks display on December 14, 8:30pm."

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority, (SCTDA) promises even more exciting entertainment and activities at this year's 2006 Grand Prix Championship. For the first time in the Middle East, SCTDA and UAE Balloon will host a unique festival of balloons with participants from all over the world.

The Balloon festival is expected to receive VIPs and Balloon enthusiasts from around the world. UK, Russia, Italy, Ukraine, Poland, Germany and Brazil will be among several countries that will fly across Sharjah's Sky line in their decorative hot air balloons.

The Balloon festival will take place from December 13 -15 2006 in Al Majaz Park, Sharjah. World champions will be participating at the event such as Russian Balloon Champion Vladimir Andre and world champion Magdalena Bronoski from the Netherlands.

"On behalf of UAE Balloon, I would like to thank Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Authority, (SCTDA) and H.E. Mohamed A. Al-Norman, General Director of SCTDA, for giving us the opportunity to participate in such a world-class event," said AbdulAziz Al Mansoori, UAE Balloon President.