Nominating Ras Al Khaimah as the host for the prestigious America's Cup race is a pleasant surprise for this picturesque emirate and the UAE as well.

According to regulations that govern the competition, the defending champion is granted the right to choose the venue for the next America's Cup and Alinghi has endorsed the country's reputation as a top-flight sailing and sporting destination.

In retrospect, the decision to award the race was simply waiting to happen. The UAE ticks all the boxes when it comes to boasting state-of-the-art facilities for sailing and other water sports. Dubai led the way when it hosted the ISAF World Sailing Championships in 1997. Since then the country has grown in stature, organising one premier event after another. The America's Cup is simply the icing on the cake and the hosts have been duly rewarded for their interest and support.

The benefits to the sport of sailing - which has long been entwined with the UAE's culture - will be manifold.

Despite past experiences regarding projects in Ras Al Khaimah, we hope the America's cup will be a huge success for the emirate and the UAE.