The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, part of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, has introduced a curated lineup of hospitality packages for the Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi Stopover, running from December 12, 2014 to January 3, 2015. These specially designed experiences cater to corporate guests, event planners and watersports enthusiasts seeking premium access and authentic local hospitality during the race week.
Starting at $130, the hospitality options deliver a blend of VIP service and Arabian hospitality. Guests can expect front-row viewing of the high-performance yachts, guided boatyard tours that reveal behind-the-scenes preparations, exclusive meet-and-greets with crew members, professional race-day commentary and post-race team appearances. Each package is crafted to give visitors an immersive, informative and memorable view of offshore racing operations and team dynamics.
Abu Dhabi will complement the race with a lively calendar of watersports activities, marine heritage showcases and high-quality entertainment across the stopover period. Event organizers anticipate more than 200,000 local and international visitors over the Christmas and New Year period, making the stopover an ideal occasion for corporate hospitality, incentives and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) programming.
Mubarak Al Shamisi, director of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, highlighted the destination’s strengths: “Our emirate’s mild winter climate, with average temperatures between 69 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit, more than 150 miles of coastline, blue‑flag beaches, modern marinas, scenic natural islands and warm, clean waters make Abu Dhabi a compelling destination for watersports and maritime events.” These natural and developed assets position Abu Dhabi as a year-round venue for sporting events and corporate hospitality alike.
The hospitality packages are tailored to different needs and budgets, offering flexible options for small executive groups as well as larger corporate delegations. Typical inclusions focus on premium viewing, access to restricted areas for an up-close race experience, curated networking opportunities with sailing professionals and team representatives, and commentary from race experts to deepen guests’ understanding of tactics and fleet performance.
Beyond the on-water action, the stopover program integrates cultural and leisure elements that showcase Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and attractions. This approach allows visiting delegates to combine business and leisure, exploring coastal landscapes, marina precincts and curated local experiences that reflect Emirati tradition and contemporary lifestyle.
For corporate and event planners, the Volvo Ocean Race stopover represents a strategic opportunity to host client entertainment, incentive travel and team-building activities against a dynamic sporting backdrop. The stopover’s international profile and seasonal timing create an ideal platform to engage stakeholders, reward teams and build brand visibility during a peak visitor period.
With comprehensive hospitality offerings, Abu Dhabi aims to deliver a seamless guest experience that highlights both the excitement of world-class offshore racing and the emirate’s reputation as a premium destination for events. The combination of race-day access, expert insight and authentic local hospitality provides a compelling package for organizations seeking memorable and professionally managed hospitality solutions during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover.