Press Release Details

ADNEC CONGRATULATES HUMAID AL DEREI ON QUALIFYING FOR LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

Publication Date: 12 Jun 2012

ExCeL London is preparing to host seven Olympic and six Paralympic Games across 100,000sqm of the venue - the largest competition venue at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

H.E. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Board Member of ExCeL London and Managing Director of ADNEC, said: “This is a historic achievement for the UAE. It is the first time in history that a UAE Judo competitor has qualified for the Olympics since Judo was incorporated into the UAE Sports Union in 2000.  Humaid Al Derei received a wild-card entry from his participation in the World Championship in France in 2011, and will compete in the men's 66KG category against 31 top champions from around the world.”

Following his qualification, Al Derei will compete in Judo at the London 2012 Olympics, one of many events which will be held at ExCeL London. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) has owned ExCeL London since 2008 and it has made significant investments in improving the venue in anticipation of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

More than 70,000 visitors per day are expected to visit London ExCeL during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event will be covered live by 26 TV stations bringing it to more than 1.5 billion people across the globe. More than 14,000 athletes from around the world will be participating in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, of which 2,736 will be competing at ExCeL London.

Al Derei has a tough task ahead as he strives to beat the competition and raise the UAE flag at ExCeL London. His goal is to take home one of the three medals in the men's 66kg category and hopes to be joined in the Games by other UAE champions. He said:

“The support and fantastic trainers that have been provided to me by the UAE have been key in helping me get to this stage. I am proud to be representing my country as I compete against the world’s best fighters at ADNEC’s ExCeL London.”

As part of ADNEC, the ExCeL London helps promote Abu Dhabi as a destination for exhibitions and international events in line with the Abu Dhabi government’s 2030 Vision.