The United Arab Emirates capital, Abu Dhabi, will become a host port for the 2010-12 Volvo Ocean Race. A racing team from Abu Dhabi will also take its place on the start line in Spain next year.

“This event will take Abu Dhabi’s marine leisure proposition to the world and will enable us to demonstrate, first hand, our powerful credentials to a highly influential professional yachting audience,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

The new marina is being built at Emirates Palace – the emirate’s signature hotel and among the world’s most opulent – and will be the focal point of the host port. The agreement takes Abu Dhabi into yachting history as the first Middle East port to host the event since its 1973 inception.

For more, visit www.volvooceanrace.com