Jordan Rally set for spectacular Abdali launch 15.04.2014: Big spectator event to be held in the new downtown of Amman on May 1

Big spectator event to be held in the new downtown of Amman on May 1



The Jordan Rally is returning to the heart of Amman when the 2014 event is launched with a huge spectator event on Thursday, May 1 in Abdali.


A thrilling stage, around 1km in length, has been specially created within the impressive Abdali development, which is set to become the new downtown of Amman when it opens in June.


But first, rally fans and TV viewers across the Middle East will be treated to a mouthwatering festival of thrills and spills when the region’s fastest drivers take on the first stage on what promises to be a memorable night.


“The Jordan Rally has become established as a leading round for the FIA Middle East Championship but many of the stages, whilst easily accessible, are held in the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea areas so we wanted to bring the action closer to the public,” said HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Chairman of Jordan Motorsport.


“We look forward to hosting a spectacular launch for the rally right in the heart of Amman and Jordan Motorsport sends an open invite for all to attend.” The entertainment will get underway from around 4pm with the first cars expected on the ramp at 5pm. The first car will then tackle the specially created spectator stage from 6pm.


“It is our pleasure to host the Jordan Rally for the first time at Abdali, the new downtown in Amman,” said George Amireh, CEO Abdali. “Given the project’s strategic location and sheer size, Abdali is destined to become the perfect location to hold such prestigious events.  We look forward to welcoming the participants and we are confident that they will be delighted with what they will find at Abdali. We hope that they will come back next year for some more fun.” 


Every car will complete one circuit before returning to the Dead Sea overnight and launching into Day 2 from the Dead Sea Service Park early morning on May 2.


In total, the Jordan Rally consists of 21 timed stages, with 10 being held on each of Day Two and Three.


Reigning Middle East driving champion Nasser Al Attiyah is the red hot favourite for retaining his Jordan crown, but will face a tough battle from the region’s best drivers.




Middle East driver standings (after two rounds)

1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT) 50pts
2. Khalid Al-Qassimi (ARE) 33pts
3. Yazeed Al-Rajhi (SAU) 27pts
4. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT) 26pts
5. Abdullah Al-Kuwari (QAT) 14pts




About Abdali:

Abdali, the new downtown of Amman is the largest mixed-use urban development ever constructed in the heart of the Jordanian capital. Spanning over 384,000 m2 with a built-up area of 1,800,000 m2, Abdali represents the exceptional synergy of residential, commercial, hospitality, retail outlets, entertainment hotspots, and serviced apartments in one vibrant hub.


Abdali is a smart city center converging media and telecom infrastructure to enable the delivery of state-of-the-art technologies to each and every home, office and outlet, while offering district energy solutions and central gas systems to guarantee a sound and friendly environment in addition to the large savings in energy cost.


Traffic solutions and pedestrian friendly road networks have been implemented to ease congestion and direct smooth traffic around and within the premises for more than 100,000 residents and visitors every day. 




About  Boulevard:

Strategically situated at the heart of the new downtown of Amman, The Boulevard is a mixed-used project that consists of a 370-meter-long and a 21-meter- wide outdoor pedestrian spine, bordered by 12 buildings that offer unique high-end retail outlets that promise a new shopping experience, luxurious serviced hotel apartments built to the highest standards, scenic rooftops that embrace a variety of facilities and avant-garde office spaces. The


Boulevard is set to complement Abdali’s vision in redefining modern living in the Jordanian capital and blending business, pleasure and contemporary urban lifestyle into a single prestigious address, entrenching its strategic location with economic, touristic and residential developments as well as other multifaceted establishments. www.boulevard.com




- Neil Perkins, also photo