ABU DHABI // The Volvo Ocean Race will leave a lasting legacy in the capital, according to organisers.
A model of the event's Destination Village, where the seven yachts arrive on New Year's Eve during the race around the world, was on display in the UK this month.
"It's fantastic and the coolest thing is that it will leave a superb sailing legacy on land in the heart of Abu Dhabi," said Knut Frostad, the race's chief executive.
The two-week stopover will include concerts, a welcoming ceremony for the arrival of the first yacht and in-port and pro-am races next to the village, which is under construction next to Marina Mall. More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the village, which will be the size of eight football pitches.
Mr Frostad said the Abu Dhabi skyline will add to the backdrop of the race.
"It is shaping up to be one of the most efficient stop-over locations. From the Corniche, the sight of the race village with the boats lit up on the water at night will make for a very stimulating picture."
The race begins in Alicante, Spain, in October. There will be nine additional ports, including Abu Dhabi, and the race will finish in Galway, Ireland.
The Destination Village model will go on display in the capital soon, according to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
Abu Dhabi's entry, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, will be skippered by the Olympic double-medal winner, Ian Walker, and the UAE Olympian Adil Khalid.
The village will be open from December 30 until January 14.
eharnan@thenational.ae
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
SPECS
Mini John Cooper Works Clubman and Mini John Cooper Works Countryman
Engine: two-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 306hp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: JCW Clubman, Dh220,500; JCW Countryman, Dh225,500
AIDA%20RETURNS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company%C2%A0profile
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Racecard
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
9.30pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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