• A sublime bestowal of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates

• Attended by Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman Abu Dhabi Racing Company

• Al Qubaisi receives "Medals of Loyalty" award for his sport achievement winning Dubai 24hrs Endurance Race twice in a row, and Gulf 12hrs race in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, 17 April 2014 - H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attended the eighth annual ceremony to honour the holders of sporting achievements in 2013, which was organized by the General Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee. The world renowned Emirati champion Khaled Al Qubaisi made stage to receive his "Medals of Loyalty" award by H.H Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his achievement in successively winning Dubai 24hrs Endurance Race (2012 & 2013), as well as winning Gulf 12hrs race in Abu Dhabi.

"It's a very nice gesture and a wonderful surprise, especially since this recognition happened a day before my departure to Great Britain to compete in the first rounds of World Endurance Championship 2014" Khaled Al Qubaisi commented after receiving his award, and added: "This award is a great honour for me and Abu Dhabi Racing in general, and signifies the achievements realized by the company and those we will achieve in the future through our various programs and drivers."

H.H Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed took stage to personally honour sports figures who provided outstanding services to the youth and sports sector, namely the spouse of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi , Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah and President of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Ladies Club for her contributions and support for women and family sports in the country which has had a significant impact on the Women's sports achievements. His Excellency Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Health, first Deputy Chairman of the National Olympic Committee President of the Executive Office, was also honoured for his contributions in taking the UAE sports to a prominent place. His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed also honoured 94 national sports men and women who achieved Asian and Continental sports awards for their country.

The ceremony which was held at the National Theater in Abu Dhabi witnessed the presence of Sheikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Mohammed bin Rachid Al Maktoum Foundation Chairman of National Olympic Committee; Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development; Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research; Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan; Sheikh Khalid Bin Faisal Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman Abu Dhabi Racing Company; and a number of Sheikhs, Ministers and officials and heads of sports federations.

-Ends-

Abu Dhabi Racing
Abu Dhabi Racing is an Abu Dhabi-based company working on a number of initiatives designed to bolster the emirate's presence in global motorsport.

Abu Dhabi Racing has agreed a five-year partnership with multiple World Rally Championship-winning manufacturers, Citroën, to create the new Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team and Abu Dhabi Citroën Total World Rally Team.

Via strategic relationships with Abu Dhabi-based motorsport stakeholders - including Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority - the primary objective for Abu Dhabi Racing is to increase Emirati participation in various global motorsport series, including off-road and circuit-based disciplines.

About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate's tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate's heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination's development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

Abu Dhabi Racing, Public Relations
Rami Joudi
E-mail:rami.joudi@adr.ae
Mob:0097150 7590897

Newgate Communications
Habib Bacha
E-mail: habib.bacha@newgatecomms.com
Mob:0097150 1113799

© Press Release 2014