Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, the first stage of the Dubai International Rally will get underway on Friday, 20 November, with 17 rally drivers competing for the prestigious title.
The much anticipated motor sporting event was flagged off today by Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of Automobile and Touring Club and FIA Vice President, with a ceremonial start at Dubai Men’s College campus in Dubai International Academic City, in the presence of a large number of rally enthusiasts and media representatives.
Earlier today, the rally hosted a press briefing headlined by Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Dr Hashim Al Zaabi, Director of Dubai Men’s College, as well as several competing rally drivers including Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Sheikh Abdullah Al Qassimi, Mohamed Al Mutawaaand Abdulaziz Al Kuwari were also present at the briefing.
Addressing the media, Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his gratitude to the Ruler’s Court Office for its continuous support to the Dubai International Rally year-on-year, and to Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his sustained patronage of the event. He also extended his thanks to Dubai Men’s College, which is hosting the rally headquarters for the sixth consecutive year.
Commenting on this year’s competition, Ben Sulayem said: “We are pleased to see this number of participants in the 37th edition of Dubai International Rally. With the significant improvement in the speeds and performance of the younger drivers compared to previous years, the performance levels have became much closer and more competitive now. I am anticipating a very competitive race this year.”
Ben Sulayem also praised the development of motorspor tin the region in general and the UAE in particular,and pointed out that the Dubai International Rally will spare no effort in embracing new practices that will contribute to the advancement of the sport in the country,and ensure fair and safe competition among all participants.
For his part, Dr. Al Zaabi said: “”We are delighted to host the Dubai International Rally at Dubai Men’s College, an event we highly regard as one of the main sporting and touristic attractions in the UAE. Our students’ contribution to the organization of this international event and their involvement in the workshops provides a very rich and unique experience for them.”
Al Zaabi added: “We at the Higher Colleges of Technology are always keen on supporting all important sporting events that take place in the UAE, and we consider the Dubai International Rally as one of the most established events, and are always proud to play a role in making this event a success.”
The entry list for the Dubai International Rally 2015 comprises eight UAE rally drivers from a total line-up of 17 entrants that include Sheikh Abdullah Al Qassimi (Ford Fiesta RRC), Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Al Qassimi (Citroen DS3 RRC), Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulla Al Qassimi (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9), Mohamed Al Mutawaa, Mansour Bel Helei, Saeed Bin Towq (all Citroen DS3 R3), Rashid Al Ketbi (Ford Fiesta R5), and Mansour Bin Jabr (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10). Other drivers participating in the rally are Khalid Al Suwaidi from Qatar, Salah Bin Eidan and Mishari Al Thefiri from Kuwait, Nassib Nassar from Lebanon, and Omiros Terezopoulos from Cyprus.
It is worth noting that the Dubai International Rally is one of the main attractions of the third edition of Dubai Motor Festival. The 12 rally stages stretch across 1,000kms, with up to 255kms of special stages.
