Winners of the UAE Rally Championship 2006 along with winners of the various other championships conducted by the Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF) in 2006 were honored at a Gala Dinner and prize distribution function held in Dubai on Monday night.

Chief Guest and Chairman of the EMSF HH Sheikh Marwan Bin Rashid Al Mualla and HH Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum gave away trophies to winners of the several championships that were held for the current year at this annual event.

EMSF Director General Mr. Khalid Al Malik while welcoming dignitaries, competitors, the media and guests, thanked all the various government departments and commercial organizations that have supported the EMSF in one way or another over the last several years.

Mr. Malik made a special mention of the media - local press, radio, television and magazines noting that they had followed all EMSF activities closely and had contributed by giving wide publicity to the various events.

“As we move into the new calendar we are pleased to endorse our commitment to improve motor sport in the UAE,” Mr. Malik said, adding that the Federation has drawn up a strategy to follow for the next three years in order to promote and upgrade the EMSF’s sporting activities to international standards.

To that end, Mr. Khalid said over the last several months experienced professionals have joined the EMSF and, should there be a need the Federation would not hesitate to further expand the existing team in order to ensure a high level of professionalism in conducting various motor sports events.

The director general told the gathering that in the past year the EMSF had re-launched its magazine, The Motorist/Assayar, in addition to also re-launching the Federation’s website – www.emsfuae.com – which is much more user friendly and contains not just news related to the EMSF but also covers international motor racing news.

Ahead of the trophy presentation, Mr. Khalid thanked Their Highnesses the Rulers and Crown Princesses of all the Emirates for the generous support that they have lent the EMSF over the years.

While extending his congratulations to all the winners, Mr. Khalid also thanked the Board of Directors of the EMSF, his team at the EMSF, its members, and all the marshals who voluntarily support the Federation’s activities.

A special mention was made of the sponsors - Caltex Alkhalij, Maj. Omar Al Shamsi, Bridgestone ME, Emirates Motorplex, Gulf News, Porsche ME, Al Nabooda Automobile and Roads and Transport Authority, and co-sponsors Al Futtaim Motors – Lexus, EMA, Lubricants, Radio 2, Jabra, Dubai International Airport, Emarat, Dubai Municipality and the FIA Foundation.