MENA

Qatar is to upgrade its Losail International Circuit, which is best known for hosting major motorcycling events, to cater for Formula One.

The Dubai Sports Council has confirmed the programme for the 3rd Dubai International Sports Conference to be held in Dubai, May 31 - June 1, 2008.

Rugby World Cup Limited appointed Emirates Airline as the Principal Partner for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 in Dubai.

Qatari real estate firm, Al Emadi Enterprises, has signed as the ‘golden sponsor’ of Qatar’s leading club football knock-out competitions, the Emir’s Cup and the Heir Apparent’s Cup, for the fourth season in succession.

Sela Sport agreed a new $40million deal that will see the company become the exclusive Official Saudi Arabian Teams Sponsor.

ESPN created a new consolidated TV advertising sales team for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Al Jazeera Sports Channel secured exclusive TV rights for the UEFA Champions League in a four-year deal from 2009 to 2012.

Formula One team bosses have thrown their support behind the inaugural Motor Sport Business Forum Middle East and will take major roles in the event on April 1-2 , 2008. Ron Dennis, Frank Williams, Nick Fry, Christian Horner and Colin Kolles have all confirmed their participation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Gullivers Sports Travel, trading under the business name 'Cricket Logistics', to act as its exclusive licensee of official travel and tours services for ICC events.

The Motor Sport Business Forum has chosen Bahrain as its Middle East home for the next five years.

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 will feature Etihad Airways as the Formula One race’s title sponsor as part of a three-year deal.

The Emir of Qatar has passed a decision to establish a public corporation under the name ‘Aspire Zone’ to run the sports and leisure precinct formerly known as the Sport City - the main venue for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

Real estate developer Hydra Properties will sponsor the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation until the end of the current season.

The population of Qatar has demonstrated overwhelming support for the Doha 2016 Olympic and Paralympic bid.

Tiger Woods has elected not to take part in the European Tour's Dubai World Championship, the new end-of-season tournament with prize money of $10m.

The Heads of State of all the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries pledged their unanimous support for the Doha 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Bid at their summit in Doha this week.