March 16- The Volvo Ocean Race, one of the world’s most difficult around the world yachting competitions, is expected to bring substantial benefits to Abu Dhabi, which will host the event in January 2012. The capital will be the first Middle East port to host the racers, and is spending billions of dirhams on its marinas and other leisure boating operations.  The Volvo Ocean Race, which was formerly known as Whitbread Round the World Race, will start in Alicante, Spain next fall.

Mubarak al Muhairi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said “This is a great day in our campaign to firmly establish Abu Dhabi’s credentials as a marine leisure destination.”  1.3 billion viewers watched the last race and race villages at host ports attract a huge number of fans.  Consultancy firm Deloitte reported that Singapore, which was a host port during the last race, had a direct economic impact of €20 million and total economic impact of €33 million.