The World ‘Rally’s’ Around Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea

Published March 26th, 2008 - 06:45 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

The World ‘Rally’s’ Around Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea

 

Motorsports enthusiasts are in for a wild ride this April 24th-27th, when Jordan hosts the World Rally Championships (WRC) on the shores of the Dead Sea.  A historic moment for the sport, Jordan will become the first ever Arab country to host this high profile race event.

In the heart of the action, the stunning Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea offers the perfect vantage point for race spectators and participants.  Over one hundred cars will race along the winding roads and through the rocky terrain of the Dead Sea, allowing guest’s front row seats to this fantastic event from the comfort of a five star hotel.

The hotel is gearing up to accommodate an influx of international and regional rally enthusiasts, offering a tantalising mix of track-side action and pure pampering luxury. Elegantly draped over luxurious enclaves set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools, the hotel has 318 rooms, suites and villas as well as an enviable collection of eateries, lounge venues and leisure facilities. Just a stones throw away from the resort, guests will find the race starting line.

“This is a very exciting time for the Jordan and the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea as the world’s rally community, spectators and media will descend upon us, thus significantly boosting our global profile.  As an emerging destination for all facets of tourism including sporting and adventure travel, this event will firmly put us on the international circuit,” enthused Duncan O’Rourke, General Manager of Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea.

The Middle East has seen its fair share of racing, with the Bahrain (Formula One), the UAE (Off-road World Championship) and the soon-to-be-initiated Abu Dhabi Formula One and the Qatar (Moto-GP). Jordan has participated in smaller regional events such as the Al Hussein Rumman Hill Climb, but the popular World Rally Championships is likely to outshine all prior events. HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, the Chairman of Jordan Motorsport comments “We have worked hard for this moment and this is a timely opportunity to focus on the final touches that need to be made in order to make the Jordan Rally one of the worlds very best.”

This race will not only mark an historic event, but will be the most thrilling and diverse course in the world with drivers reaching the lowest point on earth, at almost 400 metres below sea level,  then rising to the high altitudes of Mount Nebo.

Just a short flight from the UAE, Jordan offers the ideal weekend escape for both relaxation or adventure pursuits.  To be a part of the world rally action and enjoy the comforts of the very special Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, visit www.kempinski-deadsea.com or call 00962 5 356 8888.