The Dubai International Rally has received a major boost from Sharjah Sports Council as the UAE’s longest running international sports event prepares to deliver an intriguing climax to the 2014 FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Sharjah Sports Council General Secretary, Ahmed Al Fardan, has confirmed that Sharjah will provide major logistical support for the event when it rounds off the Middle East series from 27-29 November.
“The Dubai International Rally is an important part of the UAE’s sporting history and it is an event which brings together competitors, volunteers and others from across the Emirates,” said Al Fardan.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the FIA Vice President, said: “We’re indebted to His Highness, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, for his encouragement and for the overall support that we are being offered by Sharjah Sports Council.
“This is essential for the event, and it reflects how highly the Dubai International Rally is valued by the authorities in the UAE as a whole.”
The 36th edition of the Dubai International Rally, traditionally the final and decisive round of the FIA Middle East Championship, is being held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoument.
Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi, the last UAE driver to win the event, must aim to end an eight-year wait for his third victory in Dubai if he is to snatch the FIA Middle East title for a second time.
The Emirati driver enters the sixth and final round of this year’s regional series trailing defending champion Nasser Al Attiyah by six points.
Barring a disaster for the Qatari, only a win is enough for Al Qassimi to capture the Middle East crown in Dubai.
His compatriot, Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, is just three points further adrift in third place.
While, Al Attiyah has dominated the event for the last seven years, Al Qassimi will be determined to add to his back-to-back Dubai Rally victories in 2005 and 2006.
With 25 points going to the winner and 18 points for second place, he will be assured of the Middle East title if he can find success on home territory.
In 2010 a blown engine put him out of the event after he had powered his way into an impressive first leg lead.
Last year, a double puncture at the end of the final stage ended his challenge after he had won the first four of the second leg’s six special stages in his Abu Dhabi Racing Citroën DS3 RRC to go within 15.4 seconds of Al Attiyah.
The rally gets under way with a ceremonial start at Dubai World Trade Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday 27 November before two days of desert special stage action in the Al Dhaid, Kadra and Mileiha areas.
