First Audi A8's handed over to Dubai 2003 for VIP delegates

Audi is supplying a total of 250 of its flagship model, the luxurious A8, to transport VIP delegates in supreme comfort and style during the event.

Dubai 2003 General Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahim Belselah, had formally signed the partnership agreement with the Chairman of Audi AG, Dr. Martin Winterkorn, at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002.

The handover ceremony took place on September 11 at the prestigious Audi Centre, managed by Al Nabooda Automobiles. Also in attendance were Mr. Ali Bilaloglu, managing director Audi Middle East and Egypt and Mr. K. Rajaram, Chief Executive of Al Naboodah Automobile.

Mr. Ibrahim Belselah, General Coordinator of Dubai 2003, described the new Audi, "The car is just magnificent, and is ideally suited to the requirements of the event. The drivers have all been trained extremely well, and the professionals who came from Germany to train them have really got them to handle the car well. With so many features and luxuries in the Audi A8, the delegates are going to be travelling in style."

Audi driving experts from the Audi Driving Experience department in Germany recently delivered hands-on instruction to the selected A8 Chauffeurs, to ensure the delegates are transported in the highest standards of comfort and safety.

Audi's limousine service has been responsible for the luxurious transport of politicians, royalty and business leaders at the most prominent international events across the world. Most recently in Prague, where the brand with the four ring badge was the choice for the NATO Summit and at the event marking the end of Denmark's presidency of the EU on December 12 and 13 in Copenhagen. The A8 has also been deployed for the Greek presidency of the EU in the first half of 2003 and at sporting and cultural events such as the Kiel Regatta, the Salzburg Festival and the Cannes Film Festival

From mid September the new Audi A8 will become a regular fixture on the roads of Dubai as they transport VIPs from hotels to the Dubai International Convention Centre and other venues in the city.

The Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund were first held in Washington DC in 1946. They are hosted by an international city one year in three. The UAE and Dubai were selected because of their highly developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, growing importance as a financial hub and its established position as an oasis of opportunity.
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