Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - 10th December 2008 - Following the announcement by Saeed Hareb, Chairman of the World Professional Powerboat Association (WPPA) that Dubai was suspending all UIM sanctioned events in Dubai, I would like to make my position clear as the promoter of the  UIM World F1 series.

I have known Saeed Hareb for more than 20 years and have the greatest respect for him. He has raised the profile in the UAE to the highest professional level  and the sport of powerboating has benefitted greatly from his hard work.

The UIM World F1 Series sees the UAE as one of the foundation stones of today's powerboat racing and as such we have made Abu Dhabi our headquarters. I am fully aware of the close association of Abu Dhabi with Dubai and I sincerely hope the UAE powerboating associations can resolve their differences with the UIM to enable the sport to move forward in a professional manner.

New UIM President Raffaele Chiulli has, in a short space of time made an effort to repair the damage that was created between the UIM and WPPA by his predecessor but unfortunately because of certain controversial decisions by the UIM, another serious wound has been opened which has led to today’s situation to suspend UIM activity in Dubai.

It is imperative that this 'lose lose' crisis is resolved and I will do my best to assist in turning this situation into a 'win win' result and I’m sure once all the parties can agree on an amicable solution, the sport can move forward in a professional manner.