Abu Dhabi powerboats added to Emirates Airline XCAT Grand Prix in Dubai

Ahmed Al Hameli and Scott Gillman will pair in one boat while Rashid al Tayer and Faleh al Mansoori will team up in the other for the final round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series.

Ahmed Al Hameli, left, will be among four Abu Dhabi powerboat drivers who will compete in Dubai this weekend. Courtesy Photo
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Dubai // Two Abu Dhabi boats have been granted wild cards to compete in this weekend’s Emirates Airline XCAT Grand Prix in Dubai.

Ahmed Al Hameli and Scott Gillman will pair in one boat while Rashid al Tayer and Faleh al Mansoori will team up in the other for the final round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series, which starts Thursday at Dubai International Marine Club.

“This will be the Abu Dhabi club’s first experience of XCAT, but the drivers in both the boats are very experienced,” said Salem Al Romaithi, the deputy general manager of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. “Ahmed Al Hameli is famous in F1 racing and Scott Gillman is a former F1 world champion.

“Both boats have very good drivers and we expect them to be on the podium on Friday and on Saturday. We have prepared them well.”

The addition of the Abu Dhabi boats will bring the total number of entries for this weekend’s event to 15.

XCAT action gets underway Thursday with official practice before the race for Emaar Pole Position on Friday morning.

The head-to-head, drag race-type Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will take place later that afternoon. The main event of the weekend, the Grand Prix, is on Saturday.

Free admission for powerboat fans

Entrance to the public areas is free of charge, with activities in between racing including a children’s fun zone and a heritage village.

The Ripe Food and Craft Market will be involved with the event, giving visitors to the XCAT village area the opportunity to buy organic produce while watching the racing.

For more information on the series, log on to www.xcatracing.com

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