• AD Ports Group is the latest exciting addition to the event’s partners portfolio joining the likes of Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council

• SailGP comes to Abu Dhabi for the first time in the global leagues sporting calendar, taking place from 13-14 January

AD Ports Group, one of the leading facilitators of global trade, logistics, and industry, announced their role as an Official Port Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

SailGP, the world’s most exciting racing on water, will kick off the 2024 season in style with Zayed Port taking centre stage as the Race Stadium for the Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix. Fans will be provided with a spectacular viewpoint to immerse themselves in the adrenaline-fueled action as the high-tech, high-speed foiling F50 catamarans fly metres away from the shoreline, right in front of fans at the Dhow Harbour.

SailGP’s Race Stadium will host an array of hospitality options, right on the waterfront with a range of food and beverages, family entertainment and activations. Fans will witness the ten national teams vying for points over two days, across five races, before a final showdown featuring the top-three teams, which will decide the event’s ultimate winner.

To amplify the fan experience, global music superstars, Take That, will make a special appearance in Abu Dhabi in a historic moment for SailGP – as it will be the first time the global league has combined its high-speed racing action with live music entertainment to create a truly memorable fan experience.

Zayed Port, one of the main and largest ports in Abu Dhabi, has been recognised as one of the pioneers of the maritime industry in the region for over five decades. In addition to its core role as a commercial port, Zayed Port has expanded its usage in recent years to encompass tourism. The Group’s success within this sector was recently recognised with Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, located at the heart of the port, being named the World’s Best Cruise Terminal at the 2023 World Cruise Awards, making it the perfect venue for the most exciting racing event on water. 

Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer, Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group is delighted to be the Official Port Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and host SailGP at Zayed Port. Supporting and promoting this international sporting competition demonstrates our commitment to further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination for world-class ports and leisure. Furthermore, our premier port, with its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, is the ideal venue for this exciting and dynamic event. The port’s 14m depth spread over an area of 5.3 sqm, makes it the perfect platform to support one of the world’s fastest growing sport and entertainment properties. We look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators alike to experience the thrill of this sport in our beautiful city for the first time.”

Andy Thompson, Managing Director, SailGP, said: “Abu Dhabi is no stranger to hosting world-class sporting events, and so we are delighted to add SailGP to this prestigious line-up of events. Introducing AD Ports Group as our Official Port Partner for the first ever Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council allows us to create a Race Stadium at Zayed Port, which will provide a spectacular amphitheatre for SailGP. We will besailing in deep waters, but close to the shore on the race perimeter, allowing fans to view the racing in extremely close proximity. We are also expecting some fantastic acing conditionsthat time of year; all the perfect ingredients for both the athletes and the fans to experience SailGP at its full potential.”

Fans will not want to miss the first experience of SailGP in Abu Dhabi. A number of ticket categories and experiences are available such as Premier Waterfront Grandstand – offering an elevated experience and complimentary food and beverages – and Waterfront Grandstand, right on the edge of the action. Fans can also book an exclusive team base tour where they will go behind the scenes and get up close to the F50 and the athletes that sail them. Finally, those with their own boat, can enjoy on-water viewing right on the racecourse perimeter.