Two Team Abu Dhabi boats to join XCAT spectacle

10 December 2014, Dubai – Two Abu Dhabi boats have been granted wild cards from the WPPA to compete in this weekend’s Emirates Airline XCAT GP in Dubai. The two boats, numbers 4 and 5, will see four hugely experienced pilots taking to the water for the final round of the 2014 UIM Skydive Dubai XCAT World Series at DIMC from 11-13 December. And expectations are high.

Rashid Al Tayer and Faleh al Mansoori who will be in boat number 5 for Abu Dhabi

Paired together in boat 4 are Ahmed Al-Hameli and Scott Gillman while teaming up in boat 5 are another talented pair in Rashid al Tayer and Faleh al Mansoori. “This will be the Abu Dhabi club’s first experience of XCAT, but the drivers in both the boats are very experienced,” said Deputy GM of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, Salem Al-Romaithi. “Ahmed Al-Hameli is famous in F1 racing and Scott Gillman is a former F1 world champion. “Both boats have very good drivers and we expect them to be on the podium on Friday and on Saturday. We have prepared them well and we are very happy to be racing in Dubai as it is one of the most famous cities in the world and half the world will be watching. “Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both representing the Emirates and we share the same purpose and strategy to showcase a top standard of sport in the UAE,” added Al Romaithi. “We are thrilled to welcome the Abu Dhabi boats to be part of the Emirates Airline XCAT GP this weekend,” said H E Dr Saif Al Ketbi, President of the WPPA – organisers and promoters of the Series. “I believe their participation in the event – and the entire Series next year – will make it even more exciting and competitive and I look forward to seeing them in action.” The addition of the two Abu Dhabi boats will bring the total number of entries for this weekend’s event to 15, with both teams planning to continue their participation into the 2015 XCAT Series. XCAT action will get underway on Thursday, December 11 with Official Practice before the race for Emaar Pole Position takes place on the morning of Friday, December 12. The thrilling head-to-head drag race-type Dubai Duty Free Speed Cat Run will then kick off later that afternoon. The main event of the weekend, the Emirates Airline XCAT GP, will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, December 13. Entrance for the public areas is free of charge and, as always, there will be plenty on offer to keep the crowds entertained with exciting activities both on and off the water in between racing, a kids’ fun zone, heritage village and other attractions. Also, for the first time, the Ripe Food and Craft Market will be involved with the event, giving visitors to the XCAT village area the opportunity to browse and buy a variety of items ranging from the best locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables to cheeses, honey, nuts, spices and oils as well as art, crafts and photography, household items, jewellery and beauty products.