2009-11-01 23:55:52
Abu Dhabi, Nov 01st, 2009 (WAM)- President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the presence of Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended today the 2009 Formula1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Sheikh Khalifa described Yas Marina Circuit as one of the most vital development projects implemented currently, along with the Saadiyat Island and other developments which are poised to boost tourism and business in the country and in the region.

He added that the UAE focuses on sport and leisure projects as key investments that will promote the country as a top cultural and sport destination.

Sheikh Khalifa indicated that Yas Island had embodied the government's drive for economic diversification. He emphasised the country's interest in exploring opportunities for partnership and joint investment with the world's leading companies in the different fields.

Sheikh Khalifa praised the role played by different entities and companies in organising the event according to the highest international standards within a very short span of time.

He said the event will enhance UAE's ambition to become a regional and international centre for business and trade.

The event was also attended by His highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain, His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Representative, General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, H.H. sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaiwain, H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor, Lt. general H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Works, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Omer bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President's Aide De Camp, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Etihad Airways, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department, H.H. sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and President of the Emirates Airlines, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Foundation, H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Brigadier H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Critical National Infrastructure Authority, H.E. Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikhs and senior officials.

Also present were Palestinian President mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazin, President Nursultan A. Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, President James Michel of Seychelles, King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, SultanTuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Malaysia, H.h. sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein, Nikoloz Gilauri, Prime Minister of Georgia, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, and representatives of brotherly and friendly countries.

WAM/MAB