Moving to Abu Dhabi beat in Galway

Galway, Ireland - July 8, 2012 (WAM) - Tens of thousands of fans in Galway, Ireland, danced to the Abu Dhabi beat last Thursday as the final stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, the gruelling nine-month round the world sailing odyssey, celebrated the emirate with a wealth of activities, competitions and heritage displays. Getting into the groove, a troupe of traditional Emirati Al-Ayala dancers, chanting national songs of the United Arab Emirates, of which Abu Dhabi is the capital, teamed up with six local dancers who were showing off their intricate and fast paced footwork, to blend the best of Arabian and Irish moves, wowing crowds outside Abu Dhabi's specially-built Race Village pavilion. Drawing on centuries of history, the Al-Ayala represents Abu Dhabi's deep-rooted horsemanship past and the notion of bravery in battle - all set to the beat of drums. The troupe launched Galway's Abu Dhabi day, as the emirate rolled out the red carpet to woo Irish visitors. Being spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Tourism '&' Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which backs Volvo Ocean Race contesting outfit, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and is the first Official Destination Partner for the Everest of Sailing, a wealth of on ground activities took place around the village. Two traditional Arabian sailing dhows were flown into Galway to take part in the celebrations. Travelling with them were 10 Emirati sailors as part of the UAE-Ireland Maritime Heritage Cultural Exchange to highlight social and cultural ties between the destinations. The project was a joint venture by the Galway Hooker Association, which promotes the use of Ireland's traditional Hooker fishing boat and the Emirates Heritage Club. Calligraphy artists were also on hand to turn names into works of art, whilst henna specialists painted intricate designs on visitors. Fans of the traditional Arabian falcon, which is Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's emblem, also got up close to the majestic birds. TCA Abu Dhabi is also handing lucky competition winners luxury holidays to the UAE capital at the end of the race, which finishes on 7th July with the final In-Port Race of the series. The VIP breaks will see the winners fly to the emirate with Etihad Airways, the award-winning airline of the United Arab Emirates, which now flies ten times a week from the Irish capital, Dublin, and stay in a luxury five-star hotel. Trips to see the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November are also up for grabs, as fans battle on a state-of-the-art simulator in the pavilion to clock up the best lap times. Over the course of the stopover, it is expected that 3,600 calligraphy names, 2,000 henna deigns, 1,000 photos with Fern and Ying, the two Abu Dhabi falcons, and 600 simulator rides will be done. And local fans have been queuing throughout to get a glimpse into the emirate's rich heritage. Seamus and Teresa Campbell said: "So lovely and warm. It's friendly, festive and warm. It's wonderful to see all the nationalities coming together." And echoing that, Melvin McGowan, added: "The Abu Dhabi tent is fantastic. It's great to have it in Galway. Abu Dhabi sets as example of how to give back to the public. It'd wonderful to have to have the art, calligrapher and falcons offering so everyone can get involved." – Emirates News Agency, WAM