Spectacular event opens doors of Middle East’s premiere Motor Racing circuit, patroned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister’s vision of Dubai and Dubailand took its first step towards completion last night, when Union Properties PJSC officially inaugurated the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park, in a spectacular cascade of fireworks and laser shows, followed by a sumptuous VIP dinner.
The first development to be officially opened in the AED18 billion Dubailand project, the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park is a dream come true for the Middle East, and for Union Properties.
Union Properties’ core business is Property Investment Development, which involves investing in and developing residential, commercial, industrial and retail property. The Dubai Autodrome, of which the company has invested AED350million in the first phase alone, is Union Properties’ most ambitious development to date.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Development and Investment Authority said, “Dubailand will be a world brimming with action, especially its sports and attraction worlds. We have ensured that whatever is launched in Dubailand will be top-of-the-line.”
“After having viewed the plans and designs, we can say that the Dubai Autodrome will provide a truly exceptional venue and a world-class facility that will draw motor enthusiasts from all over the world to Dubai,” Al Gergawi added.
Anis Al Jallaf, Chairman of Union Properties said, “I would like to express our sincere thanks to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister for his overall vision of Dubai and Dubailand, of which, the Autodrome facility is an integral part.
“The aim of the Autodrome is to provide the highest standard of facilities and wholly contribute to educating the Middle East in all aspects of motor and motor sports industry. Union Properties has once again proven its commitment to the region with the successful and timely opening of this outstanding development.”
The Dubai Autodrome is part of the recently launched Dubailand project, which will sprawl across 2 billion square feet creating a city of adventure, thrills, fun and fine living within the city of Dubai. Along with other projects, it aims to create a world destination for tourism, entertainment and leisure in Dubai.
Located just 10 minutes from central Dubai, the whole development will have an area of approximately 3 sq. km. It will provide racing facilities approved by the FIA and FIM, and will have a fully-equipped media centre and control tower, along with a world-class 5.39 km Grade 1 Racetrack and 7000 seat grandstand with VIP hospitality suites.
The official gala dinner of the Dubai Autodrome, which was held in conjunction with the Ayrton Senna Foundation, will go down in history as one of the most visually impressive events in the region. One thousand VIPs, from UAE dignitaries to worldwide motorsports personalities, gathered for a black-tie cocktail reception before being whisked outdoors for the official inauguration ceremony.
Although it was evening, the skies, and more importantly the Autodrome circuit, were lit up by what was considered to be one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks and laser displays, designed to reveal the length and shape of the circuit.
An opening speech from Anis Al Jallaf of Union Properties began the evening’s dining as guests were then invited into the huge dinner marquee that was set up specifically for the event.
As yet another first for the region, the evening concluded with a fundraising frenzy as the Ayrton Senna Foundation took centre stage for a spectacular charity auction. Ms Viviane Senna, sister of the world famous Formula One drive Ayrton Senna, addressed the audience with the panache and drive of her famous and tragically deceased brother. Guests were asked to put their hands in their pockets in aid of the charity, during the auction of collectors items that were donated by the Senna family and other sports and motorsports personalities. Up for auction were items such as an Ayrton Senna replica crash helmet featuring designs by the artist who painted Ayrton’s helmets throughout his career, a Dubai Autodrome shirt signed by Kimi Raikkonen, three limited edition Tag Heuer Link Senna watches donated by the Senna family, as well as other sporting items such as signed football shirts from Real Madrid stars Raul, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Zidane and Beckham.
Anis Al Jallaf concluded, “Now that the circuit has officially opened we will be inviting guests to a series of open days at the track, designed to attract those interested in locating their businesses at the Autodrome. We also have a number of motorsports events coming up over the next 12 months including the FIA GT Championship, as part of the LG Super Racing Weekend, in October"
