Abu Dhabi reveals Volvo Ocean Race tourism plan

A specially-designed 'Destination Village' is being built on the Abu Dhabi Corniche breakwater in preparation of the city hosting the Volvo Ocean Race in January.

Thousands of fans are expected to descend on the UAE capital when the city welcomes the flotilla in early 2012.

Plans for the special village have been unveiled by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which has appointed Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to manage development of the site.

ADTA chiefs said on Monday that the site was being designed to serve as a sailing centre once the Volvo Ocean Race fleet sails out of the UAE capital next year.

TDIC will dredge a section of the Corniche lagoon to allow entry of the 4.5 metre keeled state-of-the-art race yachts and build permanent yacht pontoons.

Infrastructure work is due for completion this September and more than 130 Volvo Ocean Race team gear, hospitality and equipment containers will be installed in December.

The Volvo Ocean Race 2011/12 begins in Alicante, Spain, in October 2011 and ends in Galway, Ireland next summer.

The race sees professional athletes on board the Volvo Open 70 racing yachts sail around the world with the prevailing winds.

"This will ensure that our hosting leaves a lasting legacy for the emirate and will also boost our long-term ambitions to be recognised as a compelling winter sailing and watersports destination," said Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, ADTA, and managing director, TDIC.

The 'Destination Village' - which will be around the size of eight football pitches - will open free-of-charge to the public daily from December 30 to January 14, during which more than 100,000 visitors are expected.

The highly interactive village, which will leverage the maritime theme, will be packed with exhibitions, shows, simulators, hospitality, game zones, food & beverage outlets and merchandise shops.

ADTA said it is working with international tour operators, hotels, airlines and other stakeholders to develop compelling New Year-Volvo Ocean Race packages to the emirate.

"It will be the place to be at the beginning of 2012 and will be marked by a sensational New Year's Eve celebration," said Al Muhairi.

A special area dedicated to ADTA's Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the 11-strong race team which has made history as the first Arab entry in the race, will also be developed.