Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development participants attend seminar on 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix

Senior executives of Yas Marina Circuit facilitated the presentations, while participants also joined a familiarization tour of the circuit during the day-long activity, which aimed to acquaint participants with the management practices and techniques adopted by the prestigious event's hosts and organizers.

Serving as speakers at the seminar were Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, who discussed the challenges of preparing and managing the track for the most famous race cars in the world. The HBMPSLD participants were also shown a specially prepared animation of the entire circuit.

"We are honored to host HBMPSLD participants at the Yas Marina circuit. Their keen interest in every aspect of the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix shows how we can capitalise on events such as this to sharpen learning skills, which in turn will help develop the expertise of the UAE community as a whole," said Cregan.

Adel Al Shared, Executive Chairman of HBMPSLD, said,

"As one of the biggest sporting competitions to be held in the country, the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will establish a new benchmark in organizing and hosting major events in the UAE. The HBMPSLD participants have definitely learnt a great deal from the people behind this premier racing event, which will help expand their knowledge and expertise in promoting the growth of sports in Dubai and the rest of the country."

Noura Al Ansari, participant of HBMPSLD, said, "Abu Dhabi's hosting of the F1 Grand Prix later this year is an important milestone in our country's continued pursuit of sporting excellence. I believe that we will gain so much in terms of experience and global mileage as a leading international sports destination. The exclusive seminar was an exciting opportunity for all HBMPSLD participants to have a much deeper understanding of the various requirements and the process of organizing and ensuring the success of such a major sporting event."

MBRCLD has been established in line with the vision and directions of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; who has underscored the critical importance of a highly competent national professional workforce to ensure the country's global sustainability.

Initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development is an administrative and managerial leadership program for all sports fields. The key objectives of HBMPSLD include ensuring a long-term systematised leadership development in sports; initiating changes for a progressive and productive sport society under the 'Change Agents Program'; convening an elite group of sports leaders to help participants in the program benefit from their experiences; sharing insights about individual leadership styles and values; and helping Dubai Government to successfully implement the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.