65,000 expected to attend Al Ain Dune Championship 2008

Over 70 competitors have already signed up for the different car categories, whilst over 120 will take part in the bike trials and 20 in the buggy class.

It is the largest entry for the competition since its inception four years ago.

The ADTA's Events Manager, Gavin Gabrielson says a full program of sports, events and entertainment is planned which will support the emphasis that Abu Dhabi places on supporting tourism in the country.

'These Dune Championships have been gaining in popularity over the past three years, and they have become an important tourism draw in the Emirates,' he explains. 'And these championships in particular are encouraging yet more tourists to explore the garden city of Al Ain together with the full programme of sports and entertainment that are being staged.

'They are also discovering - and rediscovering - the beautiful desert areas and oases in that region. And at the same time, it is proving to be a great encouragement to the local young people to participate in all kinds of sports.

'But this championship isn't just for the participants,' Gabrielson continues. 'It is also a great draw for everyone to enjoy, including all family members, with much for them to see and do. We have increased the facilities available to cater for the expected large numbers attending and at the same time, we have added extra parking areas. The idea is that everyone should feel they have been made welcome and that they should go away at the end of the two days of events well satisfied with the way things have been run'.

For his part, Faisal Al Sheikh, the Head of Events Section at the ADTA, says the championship has succeeded in earning for itself a place on the events map of the UAE.

'It has joined the long list of sports and tourism events that are so important in promoting the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular to visitors from across the Gulf and from around the world.

'This event has proved itself by the increasing numbers turning up year after year and at the same time it is increasing awareness about Al Ain and turning the spot light on its beautiful and stunning scenery.

'And all of this is at the same time encouraging young people in their chosen hobbies and giving them the opportunity to practise safe driving in a secure and safe environment'.

As well as the UAE, contestants are coming from as far afield as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.

There are three classes of car trials taking place on the second day - May 2nd - eight cylinders, six cylinders and modified six cylinder cars, which are racing against the clock on the second day of the event.

On the first day - May 1st - the bikes and quad buggies are racing in five categories.