How the America's Cup ended up heading for Ras al Khaimah

by Khaleej Times, UAE on 17 Sep 2009 A wide-ranging interview by the Khaleej Times with the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah reveals many details about the choice of RAK as the venue for the 33rd America’s Cup and insights as to what this means to the emirate and to the UAE.

[The most interesting aspect of this interview is that Shaikh Saud says absolutely nothing factual, except that 'the America's Cup will be good for Ras al Khaimah', 'RAK has very good relations with Switzerland', and in the mountains of RAK in February 'it will be as if you are going to Switzerland'. That must be the connection... Ed]


Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, was quite specific about one thing: that the America’s Cup will benefit not just Ras Al Khaimah but all of the UAE and the entire Arab World. Swiss-based Alinghi named RAK, as everyone calls the northern emirate, as hosts for the defence of the world’s oldest trophy. The three-race event against American yacht Oracle is scheduled be held off the coast of Al Hamra Village in Ras Al Khaimah from February 8, 2010.


Excerpts from the interview with Shaikh Saud by Aruna Urs and Cherian Thomas.

Khaleej Times: What was the idea behind bringing the America’s Cup to Ras Al Khaimah?
Shaikh Saud: The America’s Cup is a unique sporting event. It is sought after by every sailing nation in the world. It will be a signature event on how the world will look at the whole Emirates in general, and Ras Al Khaimah in particular, as a destination. Of course, the weather in February in Ras Al Khaimah will be fantastic, unlike in Northern Europe. So we welcome the decision to play host to the America’s Cup here. Both the teams are most welcome. We will make sure the event is successful. We value Alinghi’s decision to make us host. And, of course, we will be more than happy to do whatever we can to make sure that the event is successful.

KT: Teams will start coming in November/December and journalists from all over the sailing world will be descending on the UAE. How do you feel about that?
Shaikh Saud: Good, this will make us work faster.

KT: What is the expected expenditure by the Ras Al Khaimah government for this event?
Shaikh Saud: We are currently working on a budget.

KT: What is the impact of America’s Cup in terms of employment creation?
Shaikh Saud: I am not really focussed on it. It is a great event for Ras Al Khaimah. It is a window from which we can see the world and the world can see us. It is a good moment as well in this economic climate that we move on. Hope with work is the cure.

KT: The whole sailing world will be here in January/February and people world over will be watching it on TV. The race was beamed to over 150 countries from the previous event held in Spain in 2007.
Shaikh Saud: The good thing is that we are in a much better location to get a large TV audience. India, China, Pakistan, Europe, Africa, Australia are within a five to seven hour time zone. For those who love sailing, they will see cutting-edge racing.

KT: How did you make this happen?
Shaikh Saud: We have good relations with Switzerland. We actually have a number of Swiss companies based here. I have high admiration for Switzerland. A land with no real mineral wealth, a land of multi-ethnicity and yet they forged together to create a successful country. So we are always keen to welcome Swiss ventures and teams. The whole package of the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was the main selling point for the race to be brought here — if you look at the weather, security and connectivity. It will be great for racing.

KT: You have a very beautiful view of the city from your palace.
Shaikh Saud: Unfortunately, you cannot see it as you should because of the haze today. In February, you will see the mountains. It is magical here. This is the unique thing about Ras Al Khaimah. Tell me one place where you have this mixture of geography – you have beach, you have sand dunes, you have plains, wadis and mountains — all in a very small area.

We are building roads to the mountains. Just imagine, it will be 40 degrees Celsius here (in the city) in summers and just a half hour drive away, it will be 20 degrees up there. This is Ras Al Khaimah. It will be as if you are going to Switzerland but just by driving for 30 minutes.

Full story: http://americascupinuae.blogspot.com/2009/09/rak-crown-prince-gives-inside-story-on.html