Press Releases

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Volvo Ocean Race (VOR)-winning team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) is celebrating after winning once more at a glittering final awards night ceremony in Gothenburg, Sweden on Saturday night.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Volvo Ocean Race-winning team – has finished the ninth and final leg of the gruelling round the world competition with a fifth place finish in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) champions-elect Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) has set off from The Hague in The Netherlands on the final leg of the round the world race after arriving in fifth place on Friday for a scheduled pit stop.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race – has set off from Lorient, France on the ninth and final leg of the round the world marathon assured of overall victory in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) extended its lead in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) In-Port Race Series (IPRS) with a fourth place in the French short course challenge in Lorient on Sunday. The result sees the crew, who also hold an unassailable lead in the overall series, top the IPRS by six-points with just the Gothenburg In-Port Race still to go.  The closely fought one-hour sprint saw Azzam in second place for most of the race before an unexpected windshift on the final leg dropped the Abu Dhabi yacht to fourth at the finish.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) extended its lead in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) In-Port Race Series (IPRS) with a fourth place in the French short course challenge in Lorient on Sunday. The result sees the crew, who also hold an unassailable lead in the overall series, top the IPRS by six-points with just the Gothenburg In-Port Race still to go.  The closely fought one-hour sprint saw Azzam in second place for most of the race before an unexpected windshift on the final leg dropped the Abu Dhabi yacht to fourth at the finish.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) are Champions Elect of the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race after the emirate’s team built an unassailable lead in the overall standings by finishing the punishing eighth leg from Lisbon, Portugal to Lorient, France in third place.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the emirate’s team competing in the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - has finished Leg 7 from Newport, Rhode Island to Lisbon, Portugal in fifth place after a tense light wind finish.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the emirate’s team in the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - is banking on a swift passage around the Atlantic Ocean light wind zone known as the ‘Azores High’ to help get them back in contention for a podium place on Leg 7 from Newport, Rhode Island to Lisbon, Portugal.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) entrant has left Newport, Rhode Island on Leg 7 of the 39,000 nautical mile race around the world.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) team from the capital of the UAE - surged back to the top of the In-Port Race Series (IPRS) leaderboard after battling back from last place to finish third in the American leg of the ‘sprint’ competition

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s crew contesting the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), could have to deal with boat-breaking conditions during the opening 48 hours of the seventh leg of the race around the world, which starts on Sunday and sees the yachts race from Newport, Rhode Island in the USA to Lisbon, Portugal.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) – will be looking to surge back into top spot on the In-Port Race series leaderboard when competitive action in the round-the-world challenge resumes this weekend in the United States.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - finished Leg 6 of the epic race around the world in second place after 17 days at sea on the way from Itajaí in Brazil to Newport, Rhode Island on the USA’s east coast.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s race-leading entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - has crossed the equator for the fourth and final time in the current edition of the epic race around the world.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) – has left Itajaí, Brazil on the round the world race’s sixth leg, to Newport, USA.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) were joined for the Itajai In-Port Race in Brazil on Saturday by legendary footballer Cafu – the only player to have taken part in three World Cup Final matches and who lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy on two of those occasions.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), is maintaining its intense focus on peak performance levels, despite enjoying a seven-point advantage at the top of the overall standings on the eve of the sixth leg of the epic, round-the-world yacht race.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) will be looking to cement its position at the top of the Volvo Ocean Race standings with a strong performance in the Brazilian heat of the In-Port Race series in Itajaí when competitive action resumes on Saturday

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - has established a seven point advantage at the top of the overall standings after winning the marquee fifth leg in the epic, round-the-world race, from New Zealand to Brazil.

Emirati sailing superstar Adil Khalid, from Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) contesting squad – is fit and raring to get back in the race after recovering from illness.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), has set a new IWC Speed Record for the current edition of the round-the-world challenge, racing 550.82 nautical miles in 24 hours as it approached Cape Horn on the fifth leg from New Zealand to Brazil.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - has safely rounded ocean racing’s most treacherous landmark - Cape Horn at the southern tip of Chile. The team is currently in second place, 12 days and 4,500 nautical miles after leaving New Zealand on Leg 5 of the round-the-world race.

There was a subtle yet keenly palpable extra layer of tension in the early morning air in Auckland, New Zealand as the six Volvo Ocean Race crews quietly climbed aboard their brightly coloured and identically built carbon racing yachts before the start of the fifth leg to Brazil.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entrant into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), left New Zealand for Brazil today as the postponed fifth leg of the round-the-world yacht race got underway 67 hours behind schedule after a ferocious tropical cyclone cut a swathe of destruction through the South Pacific. 

New Zealand rugby heroes Richie McCaw and Dan Carter threw their support behind Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) today as the crew, led by double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker, prepared to take on the notorious Southern Ocean on Leg 5 of the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR).   

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the United Arab Emirates’ entrant into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) – maintained its lead in the round-the-world race’s ‘short-course’ Series despite having to settle for sixth place in today’s New Zealand Herald In-Port Race in Auckland. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) will be looking to make it five-out-of-five podium finishes in the In-Port Race series to tighten its grip at the top of the leaderboard as Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) action resumes on Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) will be boosted by three of New Zealand’s most cherished sporting heroes when competitive action in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) resumes at the end of the stopover in Auckland this weekend. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) entrant from the United Arab Emirates’ capital – surged into first place on the overall leaderboard after coming in second on Leg 4 of the round-the-world yacht race, from China to New Zealand.

قام عادل خالد، البحار الإماراتي الأولمبي الرائد العضو في "فريق أبوظبي للمحيطات"، بزيارة لنادي الوحدة لكرة القدم يوم الأحد، 22 فبراير. وإلتقى عادل خالد خلال زيارته كلاً من المدرب الجديد للنادي أسطورة الكرة السعودية سامي الجابر، ونجم الكرة المحلية البارز اسماعيل مطر، بالاضافة إلى أعضاء آخرين بالنادي

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) entrant from the United Arab Emirates’ capital – is among the front-runners challenging for the lead at the halfway point of Leg 4 of the round-the-world yacht race, which takes the teams from China to New Zealand. 

The skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – Abu Dhabi’s entry into the 2014-15 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - is relishing the prospect of windier, conditions for the fourth leg of the race, which starts on Sunday from Sanya in China and takes the teams back across the equator to Auckland, New Zealand. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the UAE capital’s entrant into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - extended its lead in the In-Port Series with a second place finish in the Sanya In-Port Race in China on Saturday.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) held off the challenges of three Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) rivals to finish second in a thrilling final sprint for the Leg 3 finish line in Sanya, China, completing a hat-trick of podium finishes so far in the round-the-world race.  

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority-backed team and the UAE capital’s entrant in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - got off to a flying start on Saturday on the third leg of the race from its homeport Abu Dhabi to Sanya, China, looking to maintain its record of podium finishes so far in the epic, round-the-world race.

Abu Dhabi dominated the inshore course to lead the fleet on the way to China, leaving behind the UAE capital and a stopover that attracted 158,000 enthusiastic fans and visitors to the purpose-built ‘Destination Village’ on the Corniche Breakwater.

The world’s longest distance selfie was taken today, connecting thousands of miles between world number one Rory McIlroy and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing skipper Ian Walker. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 (VOR) – is in a close battle for a podium place at the midway point of the race’s third leg from the team’s homeport to Sanya in China.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the UAE’s entrant into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), has been forced to take trimmer and helmsman Phil Harmer off active crew duty on Azzam, the team’s racing yacht, for Leg 3 of the round-the-world race after the Australian suffered a wrist injury and fell prey to a persistent stomach bug. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the UAE capital’s entrant in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), got off to a flying start today on the third leg of the race from its homeport to Sanya in China, looking to maintain its record of podium finishes so far in the epic, round-the-world race.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race-entrant – finished third in its home In-Port Race and remain top of the Volvo Ocean Race In-Port Race leaderboard, after battling to the finish line behind winners Team SCA and second-placed Team Brunel in a contest delayed by extremely light winds off the city’s Corniche waterfront. 

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, today took a tour of Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village as it prepared for a packed weekend ahead, with fans and visitors flocking to the Corniche Breakwater to catch the racing action as well as enjoying the last two days of Village activities and excitement.

As Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race contesting team – prepare for Leg 3 of the round-the-world epic starting just off the UAE capital on Jan 3 for the race to Sanya in China – the squad which took Leg 1 and Cape Town’s inport race honours look back on a heady 2014.

Abu Dhabi city is readying for a spectacular weekend of international sailing activity as the UAE capital prepares to host the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) stopover Pro-Am race, the much-anticipated In-Port race and the spectacular ceremonial fleet departure when the Volvo Ocean 65 competing yachts set sail for Leg 3 of the round-the-world epic to Sanya in China.

A group of Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) fans from an Abu Dhabi school yesterday got an ‘Access All Areas’ pass for the Volvo Ocean 65 ‘Azzam’ high-tech, super yacht sailed by Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - the UAE capital’s entry in the 2014-15 race. 

Twenty-four-year Munich student Moritz Werb was left jumping for joy today when a call from Emirati sailing Olympian Adil Khalid announced the news that he’d won a trip to the capital of the  United Arab Emirates to “jump off” the Volvo Ocean 65 yacht Azzam as it leaves Abu Dhabi on the third leg of the Volvo Ocean Race to China on January 3.

A unique wall mural – measuring 20 metres by 3 metres and covering two walls at Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater - is to go on sale on January 3, the final day of the UAE capital’s hosting of the hardy VOR fleet with 50% of the proceeds going to charity.

 A trio of leading health organisations is harnessing pedal power at Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover Destination Village in a challenge to match the efforts of Emirati sailing Olympian Adil Khalid and to promote community wellness. 

Sweden – which next year will host the end of the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) when the hardy fleet sails into Gothenburg next June – will, on Sunday, December 28^th, be pressing home its own celebratory style when it brings a Swedish House Party to Abu Dhabi’s VOR Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater.

Dramatic and evocative works of one of the most acclaimed artists in Greece have gone on show in Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover Destination Village on the city’s Corniche Breakwater.

Visitors to the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater can try their hand at a myriad of challenges and could walk away with superb prizes – including trips to Sweden and the USA!

Demand for sailing lessons from Abu Dhabi schools is mounting following a students’ tour programme of the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover village on the UAE capital’s Corniche Breakwater.

The eagerly anticipated headline performance at ‘Jalsah Live!’ – the traditional ‘majlis’ music by the Arab world’s ‘Queen Of The Stage’ - Myriam Fares - is 8 days away. Scheduled for December 26, the star studded show will take place on the unique Skyline Stage built into the waters of Abu Dhabi Corniche as part of the city’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover programme, which runs until January 3.

Youngsters visiting Abu Dhabi’s free-to-enter Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village over the next week can build their own ‘boats’ in the new, hands-on LEGO and Duplo Zone.

The vibrant music, passion for sport and outdoor dining culture of South Africa comes to Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater this Monday (December 22).

Weekend visitors wanting to head down to the expansive, free-to-enter Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater can now arrive there by boat!

The Middle East's pop and rock phenomenon –Craig Perry - and his band will take to the unique Skyline Stage at Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village this Friday for the first free public performance of songs from his upcoming album, due for release in February.

17^th December 2014: UAE-born singer-songwriter Hamdan al Abri will take to the stage alongside his band, Funk Radius, on 23rd December for an evening performance of their signature funk-soul hits.  

Worldwide sailing fans are being given the chance to join an illustrious group of sporting superstars as Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the UAE capital’s entrant into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) – launches a facebook competition on its official page to win a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. 

15 December 2014 -  Abu Dhabi will be alive with the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of Spain on 18^th December, when the UAE capital’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover dedicates the entire day to the country with strong ties to the epic, round-the-world sailing race. 

Weekend visitors wanting to head down to the expansive, free-to-enter Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater can now arrive there by boat!

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater will march to the beat of a traditional Breton band on December 17 when the UAE capital’s Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village celebrates French culture in the ‘Vive La France’ national day.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) backed entry in the epic, round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race, received a hero-like homecoming welcome into the United Arab Emirates’ capital on Saturday after finishing the 5,200-mile Leg 2 from Cape Town, South Africa in third place.

Dutch Volvo Ocean Race contender Brunel was given a rousing Arabian welcome as it took Leg 2 honours in the epic, round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race which reached the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) capital 12.25 local time on Saturday, December 13.

HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Department of Transport, Government of Abu Dhabi, today took a tour of the UAE capital’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village as it opened its gates to the public.

The whole of the UAE is being urged to help cheer on the hardy Volvo Ocean Race(VOR)  fleet this weekend as it arrives  in Abu Dhabi at the end of the 5,200 nautical mile voyage from Cape Town in Leg 2 of the round-the-world epic.

A rousing, open-air performance of BBC Worldwide’s Blue Planet in Concert launched Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover festivities in style last night.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) today hosted a VIP preview tour of its purpose-built  Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village on its stunning Corniche Breakwater, which will open to the public tomorrow (Friday, December 12).

Visitors to Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village on the Corniche Breakwater can take part in free beach fitness beach sessions. Abu Dhabi-based fitness hub Fit & Flex Studios are running a classes that include zumba; ashtanga yoga; pilates; body combat; body attack; legs, bums and tums, boot camp and teen urban dance sessions.

The Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover, which begins a three-week run this weekend, will highlight conservation projects in the emirate i in a dedicated Environment Zone at the free-to-enter Destination Village on the UAE capital’s Corniche Breakwater. 

As the first boats in the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) approach Abu Dhabi to complete Leg 2 of the epic, round-the-world sailing challenge, volunteers from across the emirate have signed up for key roles at the Destination Village on the UAE capital’s Corniche Breakwater, to help visitors enjoy the race Stopover activities that start this weekend. 

As part of the legacy of Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) stopover, around 50 children from across the region will take part in a three-day sailing ‘clinic’, with expertise provided by the prestigious VOR Sailing Academy. 

Visitors to this month’s Abu Dhabi Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover at the free-to-enter Destination Village on the city’s Corniche Breakwater will be able to take a fascinating step back in time to explore the UAE’s rich and varied history in a dedicated ‘Heritage Zone’.

Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Destination Village which be open on the UAE capital’s Corniche Breakwater from December 12 – January 3 will be an adventure playground for children of all ages.

Schoolchildren across Abu Dhabi are getting the chance to get up close and personal with the Volvo Ocean Race – the round-the-world yacht challenge that is currently heading full speed towards the UAE capital – with the launch of a schools programme for the action-packed Destination Village being built on the city’s Corniche Breakwater.     

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s 2014-2015 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) entry, recently crossed the halfway point of the second leg from Cape Town, South Africa – engaged in an all-out battle for the lead, as the fleet races toward the finish line at ADOR’s home port of Abu Dhabi.

One of the Arab world’s biggest stars, Lebanese singing sensation - Myriam Fares – is to headline ‘Jalsah Live!’ – the traditional ‘majlis’ music gathering which will be performed on December 26 on the unique Skyline Stage built into the waters of Abu Dhabi Corniche as part of the city’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover programme.

With 13 days to go until its expected arrival in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entrant in the round-the world Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) 2014/ 2015, has sent congratulations to the Emirates on the country’s 43^rd National Day via a special video message from onboard its yacht ‘Azzam’.

The unique ‘Skyline Stage; is taking shape in the waters off Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Breakwater in readiness to host concerts at December’s  Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover. 

As the falcon-emblazoned main sail of Azzam, the Volvo 65 yacht of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) contestant, billows into view at the end of the race Leg 2 in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) capital next month, the real birds of prey – now the UAE’s national bird – will be waiting to greet the hardy fleet sailors.

Renowned guitarists, the Anglo-Argentinian Dominic Miller, English Jason Carter and Jordanian Kamal Musallam will perform together for the first time in an intimate guitar, harp guitar and oud concert on Tuesday, 16^th December as part of Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race Stopover. 

Olympic medal-winning skipper Ian Walker, from Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race contesting squad – recently took time out of his hectic schedule while he was in Cape Town, as the team prepared for Leg 2 of the race to catch-up with students at The British School Al Khubairat via a video call.

Volvo Ocean Race CEO Knut Frostad today officially opened an exhibition in Abu Dhabi that celebrates 40 years of the epic, round-the-world sailing race.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entry into the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) 2014–15, said farewell to Cape Town, South Africa by dropping one of the country’s favourite sons in its wake on Wednesday night. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entry into the Volvo Ocean Race 2014–15, cast off on the next leg of the epic, round-the-world race on Wednesday evening hoping to complete a hat-trick of victories in the best place possible – the team’s home port of Abu Dhabi

The hardy Volvo Ocean Race fleet – the seven contending yachts in the epic, nine-month, round-the-world, challenge –is now officially on its way to Abu Dhabi.

Young sailors in Abu Dhabi made sure to practice their ‘Go Azzam!’ cheers this week as Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entrant in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 - prepared for the next leg of the round-the-world yacht challenge – the race from South Africa to the UAE capital

Music lovers are in for a rare treat when the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover comes to Abu Dhabi next month with a live performance of the Grammy nominated ‘Lulu Project’, a collaboration between renowned Jordanian composer and fusion artist; Kamal Musallam and Emirati folkloric group ‘Sokoor Al Magabeel.’ 

Beach Touch Rugby – the on-sand version of the world’s most popular non-contact sport which originated in Australia – is to debut in the United Arab Emirates next month as part of the much-anticipated Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) Stopover Destination Village activities on the Corniche Breakwater. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)-backed entry in the Volvo Ocean Race – won the Cape Town In-Port Race on Saturday after a bold opening move proved decisive in wildly fluctuating winds up to 25 knots in Table Bay. 

A new photographic exhibition celebrating the first 40 years of the epic, round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race is heading to Abu Dhabi from the Volvo Ocean Race Museum in Alicante, Spain – the first time the expo has moved out of its home base.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) – one of Britain’s longest-established musical institutions - will perform for the first time in Abu Dhabi this December as part of the revitalised Abu Dhabi Classics international concert series. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s 2014–2015 Volvo Ocean Race entrant, made it through a nerve-wrackingly tense run-in to the finish line to win Leg 1 of the round-the-world race from Alicante, Spain to Cape Town, South Africa on Wednesday, 5th November 2014. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s 2014–15 Volvo Ocean Race contestor,  crossed the halfway point of the first leg of the Volvo Ocean Race in the lead as the fleet race toward the finish line in South Africa. Since setting sail from Alicante, Spain en route to Cape Town, ADOR has consistently led the pack of seven teams – often by several nautical miles.

A global photography competition has been launched by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to celebrate the emirate’s rich maritime heritage and its year-end stopover hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR).

As preparations ramp up for Abu Dhabi’s December/January Volvo Ocean Race Stopover and the yachts battle it out for glory from Spain to the Emirates via Cape Town, more than 200 volunteers are being recruited to help deliver the UAE capital’s 23-day watersports, entertainment and cultural event.

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16^th October 2014 - In the sixth full day of racing, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - Abu Dhabi's contesting team - receives a good omen as it chases the lead on its way to Cape Town, South Africa, as part of the 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race. Dolphins raced alongside Azzam, ADOR's yacht, as it rounded the coast of Morocco on its way to the first stopover of the race.

A weekend celebration of Emirati culture and heritage on 26^th and 27^th December will be a highlight of Abu Dhabi city’s 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover, which runs in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) capital between 12^th December and 3^rd January.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR), the emirate’s entry into the Volvo Ocean Race 2014–15, has set sail from Alicante, Spain on the opening Leg to Cape Town, South Africa.

With the nine-month, round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race due to start in Alicante, Spain, on Saturday (October 11) Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s race contender – is all set for the first, 6,400-mile leg to Cape Town, South Africa.

Emirati sailing hero Adil Khalid celebrates his 26^th birthday with his Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) colleagues – just days prior to the start of the nine-month, round-the-world, Volvo Ocean Race which begins in Alicante, Spain this Saturday.

The NSO Symphony Orchestra, Abu Dhabi will be the 75-piece, orchestra that will perform the emotional and evocative musical score conducted by multi-award-winning composer George Fenton at the Blue Planet in Concert Live events in the UAE capital this December. The concerts, which will take place on the Corniche breakwater on 12^th and 13^th December, will open the Abu Dhabi stopover of the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR).

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) contesting team – finished second in an electrifying Alicante In-Port Race on Saturday, losing out by just six seconds to the Turkish-American entry Team Alvimedica.

Emirati sailor Adil Khalid, trimmer for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) contesting crew – is now featured on giant billboards throughout Alicante Airport in Spain ahead of the race start on October 11. 

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) - Abu Dhabi’s entry into the Volvo Ocean Race - is primed and ready for its first Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) competitive clash this weekend - the Alicante In-Port Race on Saturday, October 4.

Tickets for the Arabian Gulf debut of BBC Worldwide’s highly anticipated Blue Planet in Concert, which will open the UAE capital’s stopover of the 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) on 12^th and 13^th December, are now on sale. 

 Emirati sailing superstar Adil Khalid and Olympic medal-winning skipper Ian Walker took time out from Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the emirate’s entry into the upcoming Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) - to give local schoolchildren a thrilling insight into the spectacular round-the-world yacht race. 

With 100 days until the daring, round-the-world 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race fleet arrives in Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, plans are being finalised for the expansive Destination Village on the destination’s Corniche Breakwater, which will come alive over the December/New Year festive season with concerts, entertainment, activities, education and sailing for the entire family. Dhow races and an Emirati Festival are the latest activities to join the three-week-long maritime celebration.

Five times Oscar nominated composer, George Fenton, is to perform with the highly acclaimed Blue Planet in Concert, which opens the Abu Dhabi stopover of the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) on December 12.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) triumphed in its class, despite injuries, in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race (RB&I) Friday, leading the fleet for most of the 1,800-mile course and finishing with more than a two hour lead on its closest competition.

UAE sailing superstar Adil Khalid – the only Arab sailor in 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race and an inspiration to budding Emirati mariners – came face-to-face with a motivational figure of his own when he shared the deck of Abu Dhabi’s Azzam race yacht with US paralympian sailor Keith Burhans.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) will take on four other Volvo Ocean Race teams in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race which starts from Cowes on the Isle of Wight on Monday, August 11.

A large UAE flag was hoisted yesterday in Cowes in the UK from the towering black carbon mast of Azzam, the Volvo Ocean 65 sailing yacht of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) to mark the Abu Dhabi-backed squad’s second Volvo Ocean Race campaign.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) has recruited British musician and round-the-world sailor Simon Le Bon for a tilt at this Thursday’s Artemis Challenge ‘Big Boats’ race at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) has completed its on board 2014/15 line-up with the appointment of Daryl Wislang as pitman and boat captain, and Matt Knighton as on board reporter.

BBC Worldwide’s highly acclaimed Blue Planet in Concert will open the Abu Dhabi stopover of the 2014/15 Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) on December 12 marking the show’s Arabian premiere.

A double leg amputee has been drafted into Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – Abu Dhabi’s Volvo Ocean Race competing team – to help take on the historic Artemis Challenge sailing race at Cowes Week in the UK this August 7.

A revamped and improved bilingual website dedicated to Abu Dhabi’s 2014/2015 Volvo Ocean Race campaign has been launched.

Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing (ADOR) – the Abu Dhabi backed entry in the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15 – has left Newport, Rhode Island, and embarked on its second transatlantic crossing in less than three weeks.