Abu Dhabi organizes three support motor races

The company also said that it will launch a motorsports academy, the first of its kind in the UAE, to be based at the Yas Marina Circuit and will be operational by the end of the coming motorsport action.

The three support races are Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, GP2 Asia Series and Chevrolet Supercars Middle East Challenge.

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the first of its kind in the UAE, will take place on the Yas Marina Circuit from the 30th of October to the 1st of November 2009 and expected to lure a large number of spectators and get a wide coverage from the local and international media.

Mr. Richard Cregan, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, said in a press conference organized recently:

"We are very pleased to introduce these three motor races for the first time in the UAE, thanks to the unlimited support of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Through these events we are looking forward at taking part in boosting Abu Dhabi's tourism sectors and creating more jobs for its residency and supporting all the economic activities."

This is besides supporting the efforts of Abu Dhabi government with regards to boosting the sports sector, particularly the motorsports.

Hamed Al Harthi, ADMM Spokesperson, said, "We have chosen these three races because they are the world's foremost races and very popular in the Gulf region."

He also pointed out that the company is looking forward to discover and nurture UAE national talented drivers to represent their country in all motorsports events worldwide. More than 60 competitors, from Bahrain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, France and Australia will take place in the two classes of the three support races, amateur and professional.

Mr. Cregan said that the launch of the academy "Highlights the keenness of the emirate's leadership, under His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at boosting Abu Dhabi's sports sector in general and the motorsports in particular."

The new academy will focus on discovering the young talented UAE national drivers and provide them with coaching so to represent their country in all the international motorsports events. However, he added "The academy will be open to motorsports enthusiasts from all nationalities".