DEC 4
nov 27–29
nov 24–26
nov 12–14
Oct 7–9
2010:
DEC 7-11
The private sector, particularly those who appreciate the benefits of sponsorship and brand exposure opportunities, is extremely important, and we need partnerships with various private and public sector organisations to make these events happen. The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, staged every December, is a case in point. It brings together a whole host of supporters – private and public sector oriented – and we quite simply could not pull this event off without them. I would say make sure everything your undertake aligns with your brand, as well as your business goals, and that you can accrue sustainability through legacy benefits both tangible and intangible.
ABU DHABI EVENTS CALENDAR
DEC 10-15
What would be your advice to other destinations looking to stage major sports events?
DEC
to an international audience. Zayed Sports City Stadium, which holds a capacity of 50,000, and Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, which holds more than 40,000, were key facilities for FIFA Club World Cup Abu Dhabi 2009. Of course, Yas Marina Circuit, home of the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi GP, also plays host to some of the world’s top motor racing series year round including the GP2 Asia Series and the legendary V8 Supercars. Top fuel dragsters recently made their Middle East debut at the International Drag Racing Festival and the world’s top sports car series, the FIA GT Championship, has also taken place. Opportunities at Yas Marina Circuit extend well beyond the GP, with the Circuit being a state-ofthe-art mixed use venue that can be adapted to meet any event, exhibition or conference.
Adrenaline Sports Live & Barbican Turbo Car Show Venue: ADNEC
www.adrenalinesportslive.com / www.barbicanturbo.com Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix
Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island www.yasmarinacircuit.com Class 1 Powerboat World Championship
Host: Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club www.class-1.com Abu Dhabi Junior Golf Championship
Venue: Abu Dhabi Golf Club www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/sport/juniorgolf Abu Dhabi UIM F1 Powerboat Championship
Host: Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club www.f1h2o.com/calendar/ 13th Abu Dhabi International Motor Show Venue: ADNEC
www.admotorshow.com 4th Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
Venue: Across Abu Dhabi www.abudhabi-adventure.com Yas Drag Racing Festival
Venue: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/drag-race.html
2011: JAN
Venue: Al Ain www.alainaerobaticshow.com
Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
Venue: Across Abu Dhabi www.abudhabitriathlon.com 20th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Venue: Across Abu Dhabi www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com
TBC
7th Abu Dhabi Red Bull Air Race
Venue: Abu Dhabi Corniche www.redbullairrace.com
MAR APR
MAR
Venue: Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island www.theyashotel.com/area-attractions/yas-links-golf-course
Venue: Mirfa Beach, Al Gharbia www.algharbiafestivals.com
TBC
well as a large spa for massages and other treatments,” he told TTG. And with its numerous tennis and squash courts, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi even stages its own sporting events; this year the hotel hosted the Abu Dhabi Squash Tournament, and it also arranges an annual Beach Rotana Open Tennis Championships Tournament which is very well received by its frequent guests and members. Furthermore, the resort also works very closely with golf clubs in Abu Dhabi, such as Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – located just eight km away, to offer various packages to interested guests.
YAS Links Amateur Golf Championship
Venue: Yas Marina Circuit www.yasmarinacircuit.com
DEC
T
ailor-made packages, special requests, the arrangement of dietary foods, separate dining venues, world-class facilities – just a few examples of how Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is working hand-in-hand to drive the success of the emirate’s sports tourism sector.General manager, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Moritz Klein explained what allows the property to cater so well to sports travellers. “We have excellent gym facilities, water sports, a diving centre with PADI courses, temperature-controlled pools, private beach, personal trainers, as
Al Ain Aerobatic Show
Rally Abu Dhabi
JAN 2012
CATERING FOR ALL NEEDS
MAR 12
FEB 13-17
JAN
Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Venue: Abu Dhabi Golf Club www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com
Volvo Ocean Race
Al Gharbia Water Sports Festival
FIA GT1 World Championship
SPORTS TOURISM
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