Yas Marina Circuit Launch

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) today proudly unveiled Yas Marina Circuit, the home of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, in an unique Art Exhibition at the Emirates Palace, where it will remain until the end of November.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was amongst VIP guests and regional and international media who attended the opening of a unique exhibition showcasing Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. The exhibition features a selection of images of Yas Marina Circuit’s facilities that have been transformed into pieces of art. Philippe Gurdjian, CEO of ADMM and the project’s creative director, guided guests through distinctive features of a track that is set to become a highlight of the Formula 1™ race calendar from 2009.

Highlights of the exhibition include the stunning Yas Marina Hotel with the track running right through it, the Sun Tower 60 meters above the track allowing VIP guests the perfect view of the action and the Marina with a Yacht Club. The Yas Marina Circuit is being developed by ALDAR Properties as part of the overall development of Yas Island.

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of ADMM said: “Yas Marina Circuit represents a significant investment in leading edge sporting infrastructure.

It is a state-of-the-art piece of engineering, design and construction. The circuit and its surrounding footprint join an expanding collection of home-grown initiatives that will positively change the shape of Abu Dhabi in the months and years ahead. It has therefore been conceived, designed, and is currently being built according to the particular needs and features of the city in which it will belong."

Guests were able to review the centerpiece of the display, an interactive scale model of the track. In addition to showing the Formula 1™ track and its iconic landmark elements, the model also showcases Yas Marina Circuit’s many other facilities such as the Karting Track, Drag strip, Business Park, Team Buildings and all the circuit’s innovative Grandstands. Speaking on behalf of ALDAR Properties, Chairman Ahmed Al Sayegh said: “The Yas Marina Circuit is a cornerstone of the development of Yas Island. The unique tourist destination will complement scores of residential, business, retail, and other community-oriented projects that will contribute to Abu Dhabi’s long-term development. The Yas Marina Circuit is a particularly exciting project for ALDAR to deliver, because of its global significance and its innovative and intricate design."

Commenting on the launch, Philippe Gurdjian, ADMM CEO, said: “Yas Marina Circuit took over my life more than a year ago, and now I’m very proud that Abu Dhabi can present one of the most sophisticated Formula 1™ race tracks in the World. A hotel which spans the track, a marina with a beautiful yacht club, and with grandstands which are 100% completely covered – this has never been seen before."