H.H.Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has received a huge tribute for establishing the Emirates as a major player in world sport.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the UAE’s most successful individual sportsman, says the country has become a leading international sporting venue, with a portfolio of events which is the envy of many nations, thanks to Sheikh Mohammed’s vision and drive.
The 14-times Middle East rally champion revealed that Sheikh Mohammed provided vital backing to help Sulayem build a record in international rallying that is unlikely ever to be matched.
And he said Sheikh Mohammed has been the real driving force behind the UAE Desert Challenge as patron for the event which is set to feature its strongest ever entry when the 16th edition takes place in November.
“Basically, the event would not have got off the ground in the first place without Sheikh Mohammed’s generous support and personal encouragement,” said Sulayem, chairman of the organising committee.
“He quickly recognised the event’s potential when we were putting together plans to launch it in 1991 and within two years, because of the backing he provided, we were able to take it into the World Cup.
“He has been behind us ever since, as he has been with so many other events which have made the UAE one of the most exciting sports destinations in the world.
Challenge 2
“I owe him a great deal for the way he supported and encouraged me throughout my career, and the UAE as a whole has benefited enormously from the contributions he has made, and continues to make, to sport.”
In April, under Sheikh Mohammed’s patronage, motor sport in the Emirates was brought under the overall control of a new-look Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE.
New ATCUAE president Sulayem has since been formulating plans for the future development of all branches of the sport. For the time being at least his priority is the Desert Challenge, which has recieved a big sponsorship boost this year from Dubai’s premier property developer, Nakheel, and could be most competitive and spectacular yet.
Defending cars champion Stéphane Peterhansel leads a powerful Mitsubishi challenge backed by fellow-Frenchman Luc Alphand and Japanese star Hiroshi Masuoka. But a big international force is gathering and Sulayem is expecting to announce some more big names shortly to add to the starting line-up.
With the event also marking the climax of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World
Championship, series leader David Casteu will be up against the world’s other top riders.
The field includes reigning world champion Marc Coma, former world title holders Cyril Despres and Pal Anders Ullevalseter, and Isidre Esteve, the 2004 winner in the UAE.
This year’s Desert Challenge is also sponsored by Nissan Middle East - with the Nissan Patrol the rally’s official car – FedEx, Castrol, Hertz UAE, ADNOC, and Emarat.
Following the super special spectator stage in Dubai on 5th November the event officially gets under way from Abu Dhabi the following morning. Ahead lies a 2,443-km route across some of the Middle East’s most dramatic desert terrain, finishing back in Dubai on 10th November.
