Art in Motion: Abu Dhabi F1(TM) Circuit Unveiled at Emirates Palace

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --

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

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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(TM) 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 metres 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 centrepiece of the display, an interactive scale model of the track. In addition to showing the Formula 1(TM) track and its iconic landmark elements, the model also showcases Yas Marina Circuit’s many other facilities such as the Karting Track, Dragstrip, 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(TM) 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."

The exhibition will remain on display in Emirates Palace until November 30th. A specially created mobile version of the exhibition now heads east to Shanghai, where it will be located in the heart of the Formula 1(TM) Paddock at the Shanghai International Circuit and will be opened to the F1(TM) community from Friday morning onwards.

Notes to Editors

About Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM)

ADMM L.L.C. is a joint venture between the Government of Abu Dhabi and ALDAR Properties PJSC, the leading developer in the Emirate. Incorporated in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the company has been established to oversee the construction of Yas Marina Circuit, home of the 2009 Formula 1(TM) Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the successful ongoing operations of the track.

ADMM will manage the Circuit’s racing properties as well as all other facilities on the Circuit grounds, including the drag strip, and karting. ADMM’s management team, consisting of leading industry professionals, is committed to delivering a world-class and state-of-the-art motor sport venue.

About ALDAR Properties PJSC

ALDAR Properties PJSC is undertaking multi-billion Dirham civic projects to help develop Abu Dhabi, the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates, into an international business magnet and tourist destination. As the Emirate’s premier real estate development, management and investment company, ALDAR’ is creating unique and prestigious developments that can be used as a benchmark of quality, whilst adhering to the cultural and natural heritage of the city.

Since launching in 2005, the company has announced assignments worth more than $72 billion USD, in a property development portfolio diverse in scope and style, attracting considerable worldwide interest and inward investment.

The current property portfolio includes the Al Raha Beach development "the Ultimate Waterfront City", Yas Island, the Central Market, and a host of major developments and re-developments within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ALDAR are the development company in charge of building the Yas Marina Circuit which forms an integral part of the larger Yas Island development. The Yas Island project covers an area of 25km2 and is set to become a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s fast growing tourism industry. In addition to the racing circuit, the development will include Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a Warner Bros. Theme Park, five-star and boutique hotels, a water park, 356000 square meters of retail space, golf courses, marinas, restaurants, various entertainment facilities and luxurious residential property.