DEATH OF HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF THE A1 GRAND PRIX OF NATIONS, SENTUL CIRCUIT, INDONESIA

The sudden and unexpected death of the Dubai Emir, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Tuesday 3 January 2006 has prompted the postponement, due to mourning, of the seventh leg of the A1 Grand Prix series originally scheduled for 15 January 2006 at the Sentul Race Circuit. A1 Grand Prix is working closely with the government of Indonesia who have been most supportive, to identify an appropriate replacement date.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum became ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minster of the U.A.E in November 1990. He was one of four brothers and the first son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. He was instrumental in overseeing many of Dubai’s initial infrastructure projects including the Dubai Airport, the installation of the country’s electricity grid as well as numerous schools and modern residential districts. He also funded a great number of charitable projects including orphanages in the developing world and the construction of schools both inside and outside the UA.E.

Tony Teixeira, CEO of A1 Grand Prix comments: “The entire staff, team owners and associates of the A1 Grand Prix family mourn the loss of a great visionary and benevolent ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh bin Rashid Al Maktoum. While difficult logistically, we felt it important to observe a respectable period of mourning for this beloved family member of our founder, president and chairman, Sheikh Maktoum. Condolences and sympathies are respectfully offered to all the peoples of Dubai.”

All Dubai Shopping Festival activities have been suspended during the mourning period for the late Dubai ruler.