Formula One Management said that Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has secured the rights to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2009.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said, “a Formula 1 Grand Prix is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. That is why this new partnership is such an exciting one for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE.”

“For Abu Dhabi, and indeed the whole of the UAE, the opportunities that are presented by increased international attention and connectivity will deliver very real macroeconomic benefits.”

Formula One™ Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone commented, “we are delighted to welcome Abu Dhabi into the Formula One family, and look forward to a long and successful partnership. Abu Dhabi’s hospitality, the genuine warmth of its people, and ever increasing number of world class facilities, will ensure that its round of the FIA Formula One™ World Championship is a wonderful addition to the Formula One™ calendar.”

The 2009 Formula 1™ Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track is being constructed by ALDAR Properties, one of the UAE’s leading property development companies, and designed by renowned Formula 1TM circuit designer Hermann Tilke.

Already under construction, the track is situated on a 2,550 hectare, natural leisure island, Yas Island, situated on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and only minutes away from the expanding Abu Dhabi International Airport.

source - sportbusiness.com