Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge
Abu Dhabi Welcomes International Competition
Rob Howard / 29.11.2007
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Adventure takes place from December 9th-14th and racers from 18 countries will be flying into the city of Abu Dhabi to prepare for their desert adventure. They will also be competing for $200,000 US in prize money to be shared equally between all teams – the team finishing 30th will win $1600 and the winners $40,000.
The new race, which is set to become a fixture on the calendar, is being jointly organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Community, the French outdoor sport events management specialists who over 15 years global experience organising the Raid Gauloises and X Adventure series.
'This demanding event will showcase the stunning geographic diversity of this emirate including the islands around Abu Dhabi, the historic coastal town of Mirfa, the meandering terrain of the Liwa desert, and the rugged splendour of the Jebel Hafeet heights outside of the Garden City of Al Ain,' said His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, ADTA.
'This is the latest strategic initiative in our international campaign to raise the emirate's global profile and position the UAE capital as a world-class leisure and major events destination.�
The race will be a stern test of endurance credentials, with massive bivouacs awaiting competitors at the end of each days action. The logistics for the bivouacs stretch from huge communal majlis tents, extensive medical facilities, press and TV production sections, and team camp bases designed for 100 tents.
'Endurance and adventure challenges are growing in popularity the world over, and the logical expansion into Abu Dhabi - where sea, deserts and mountains create a perfect backdrop for competitive action - is the talk of the sport,' said His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA.
With the Challenge zigzagging the entire emirate, UAE sports fans, the people of Al Ain and those living in and around the Liwa Desert are expected to line the various stages to cheer on the daring athletes.
'This challenge will be true test of character for all the participating teams, many of which will be coming to the UAE for the very first time. We have carefully crafted the course to take in the contrasting terrains on offer, from mountain passes to far-stretching desert to brilliant blue seas,' said Alain Gaimard, Executive Manager - Outdoor, Community. “I believe that Abu Dhabi has all the right pedigree to become one of the most unique and challenging destinations on the global adventure racing circuit.�
[SleepMonsters will be reporting live from the race, with daily news and photographs.]
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