UAE to host world's richest ride

GulfNews
By M. Satya Narayan. Staff Reporter

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi (2nd right), Sulaiman Al Fahim (2nd left), Walid Al Masri (right) and Lara Sawaya of ADEC during a press conference.
UAE to host world's richest ride









Abu Dhabi: The 2007 edition of the His Highness The President's Cup Endurance ride, to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday, will enter the record books as the richest endurance ride in the history of the sport.

A whopping Dh1.2 million will be on offer for the annual FEI CEI 160-km three-star ride, which is being sponsored by the National Bank of Dubai, Hydra Properties and Al Awani Trading Enterprises.

Giving details of the world's richest endurance ride, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC), said Saturday's ride will be one of the biggest events on the endurance circuit.

"There is a lot of prestige associated with this event and there is also big prize money on offer. In keeping with this we have invited 16 of the world's top riders to take part in the event," he said.

"Riders from the US, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and many other countries will be in the fray. Over 100 riders will be starting in this event," Adnan added.

Walid Al Masri, Head of Corporate Communications for the National Bank of Dubai, said: "Our sponsorship of this championship is proof of our unfaltering commitment towards our community. It is also part of our contribution towards developing this sport in the UAE, the region and the world.

UAE tradition

"Endurance racing has always been an integral part of the Arab heritage and UAE tradition," he said.

Hydra Properties is supporting a sporting event for the first time and its CEO Sulaiman Al Fahim said: "We are overwhelmed to be part of this great event that truly reflects the great heritage of our great nation.

"A new leader in the UAE real estate market, Hydra Properties is a key sponsor of the event and we wish all the participants the best of luck in this trek of endurance," Al Fahim said.

Saturday's event will be run in six stages of 34, 32, 30, 24 and 16 km and will get off to a mass start at 5.45am at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

"There are a lot of prizes for the spectators. Etihad Airways will be giving away five return air tickets to European destinations through a raffle," said Lara Sawaya, Marketing and Sponsors' Liaison.

"Hydra Properties have also announced Dh10,000 to be raffled away in the form of 20 prizes free to the public, while a large number of watches will also be distributed to the raffle winners," Lara said.
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