An extreme sport followed by sailing enthusiasts the world over, this 9-month long tournament will be manned by a sailing crew from the Emirates in a specially built vessel for the event, a first of its kind in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Director General Mubarak Al Muhairi stated that "It is our ambition to include a UAE national in our crew who will be our ocean ambassador representing the Emirate's long seafaring heritage.

The locally-constructed boat will signal our potential as a new build and repair port, which will recall the heady days when vessels made on these shores set sail for months of pearling expeditions, and proved to be among the sturdiest afloat." Added Knut Frostad, CEO of Volvo Ocean Race, "We found in Abu Dhabi an incredible synergy. This destination has a long maritime history which it wishes to elevate to a new era ... There was a willingness to meet our requirements, an understanding of the participants' needs and an enthusiasm which simply stood out ahead of others."

The Volvo Ocean Race, widely considered as an extreme test of endurance and expertise, started back in 1973 and is considered today as the world's premier offshore sailing event. And now it is coming to berth in Abu Dhabi at a new marina being built at Emirates palace.

Sailing enthusiasts in the region will undoubtedly throng the capital's shores when the first yachts will begin to berth from Cape Town in January 2012, before taking off to complete the tournament.