A very civilised sporting and social occasion is set to unfold in Abu Dhabi on Monday 25th February, when international cricket legends, Lashings World XI set up their wickets for the inaugural Emirates Palace Cricket Festival.
Organized by the award-winning hotel in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Zayed Cricket Stadium and Etihad; the Cricket Festival is yet another pro-active initiative that will promote the thriving capital as an international sporting destination.
Emirates Palace General Manager Hans Olbertz revealed that the event will be staged annually, and will be one of the many highlights of the hotel’s busy events calendar. “Over and above our world-class entertainment shows, Emirates Palace is delighted to be bringing world-class cricket action to Abu Dhabi as our contribution to establishing the capital as major hub of international sporting events.”
The first match, which takes place at the Zayed Cricket Stadium at 6:30pm on the 25th, pits Lashings World XI against Abu Dhabi Cricket Club’s Chairman’s XI. Comprising of UAE representative team members as well as promising under 19 talent, the Chairman’s XI side is under the direct management of HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, an avid cricket enthusiast and patron of the sport in the UAE.
In true Emirates Palace style, the following match against a Sponsors XI on the 26th will enjoy a stunning venue within the sprawling hotel grounds and premium refreshments from the palace kitchens, including the quintessential cucumber sandwiches and other such cricket favourites. Set to also become an important fixture on the Abu Dhabi social calendar, the Cricket Festival holds appeal for both men and women, and offers an opportunity to watch the sporting action, relax in the lush palace gardens, enjoy a day out with friends or even sneak off to the Anantara Spa for a little post match pampering.
Known as the gentlemen’s sport, cricket has long been a popular pursuit amongst the countries of the former British Empire and following this tradition, the Lashings World XI players also hail from these parts of the globe. The experienced provisional squad, includes Alvin Kallicharran (WI) – Manager, John Emburey (ENG) – Coach, Chris Harris (NZ) – Captain, Adam Hollioake (ENG), Marvan Atapattu (SRI), Philip DeFreitas (ENG)
Dinesh Mongia (IND), Devon Malcolm (ENG), Ed Giddings (ENG), Rashid Latif (PAK),
Chris Silverwood (ENG), Chris Cairns (NZ), Grant Flower (ZIM), Graeme Hick (ENG).
Abu Dhabi Cricket Club, CEO, Dilawar Mani stated that ADCC is extremely excited to be part of the festival, “There is a large community following of cricket and we greatly appreciate the role of Emirates Palace in bringing the Lashings World XI to Abu Dhabi. The festival is wonderful opportunity for passionate cricket fans to see these famed players pit their skills against the talented UAE sides”.
Kicking off on 23 February, the festival will commence with the Lashings World XI conducting a training session with over 200 youths, at the Zayed Cricket Academy.
Tickets for the 26 February game are available from the stadium ticketing counter at AED 30 for the stands and AED 20 for mounds. Entrance to the 26 February match at Emirates Palace is AED 100 per person, available for purchase in advance by contacting 02 690 7979 or andy.elliott@kempinski.com or at the gate on the day of the match.
Editors Note:
Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace has created an enviable niche in the luxury resort industry, welcoming holiday makers from all over the world and giving them a truly memorable leisure experience by providing luxurious facilities and amenities in comfortable surroundings and superior and personalized service.
Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private beach and surrounded by hectares of manicured lawns, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of fine dining options. The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools, a spa, tennis courts, and two state of the art fitness centres. Emirates Palace houses the most luxurious and technologically advanced meeting facilities in the region which include an auditorium with 1,100 seats, a main ballroom that can accommodate up to 2500 guests, over 40 meeting rooms, a Media Centre and a Business Centre.
Emirates Palace, since its inception, has quickly established an enviable reputation in the industry, winning many prestigious industry awards including -- Best Conference/Convention Center, Best 5-Star Leisure Hotel, Best 5-Star Business/Corporate Hotel - at the MENA Travel Awards 2007, considered the most prestigious and highly coveted industry recognition programme in the region.
About Kempinski:
Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels was founded in Germany in 1897. Kempinski’s impressive portfolio of distinctive properties includes historical landmarks, unique hide-away resorts and vibrant city hotels throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia. Rich in tradition, each Kempinski hotel celebrates the local culture and customs of its destination whilst maintaining the impeccable personalised service for which Kempinski is renowned. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning luxury traveller.
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