Pippa's Images Dubai Grand Prix 1981

Did you know?

Mr Abdul Wahab Galadari provided the Citroen Cars for the Celebrity Race

Mr Galadari also owned the Hyatt Regency Hotel that was the centrepiece of the Grand Prix Race Track

He later conceded Hyatt Regency's ownership to Sheikh Mohammed as part of a Bankruptcy Settlement

Dubai Motor Grand Prix 1981 - Pippa Jarman's Images:-

Dubai's 1981 Motor Grand Prix was held near the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Grand Prix Co-Ordinator was Bunny Eastland also known as Sahar Masud.
I remember seeing Fangio, James Hunt and Stirling Moss, amongst others, compete.
Back then I was Operations Executive at Al-Nasr Leisureland,
We were involved in the organisation on this event. Many of my friends were dragged in to help!
These are the photos I have from that event.
Pippa Jarman

CLICK IMAGE to see Pippa's 1981 Dubai Motor Grand Prix Photos

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1981 Dubai Motor Grand Prix opened with a Race Track Parade around the Hyatt Regency Hotel
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1981 Dubai Motor Grand Prix opened with a Race Track Parade around the Hyatt Regency Hotel
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Floats were from many of the organisations in Dubai
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Al Nasr Leisureland had their Float in the Parade
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Public Stands were from scaffolding. Spectators had a clear view of the racing.
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One of the opening races was a Kart Race with mostly Drivers from Jebel Ali Kart Club
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First car race was for Production Cars - field was entirely Citroen CX cars provided by A W Galadari Company. Race developed into a Demolition Derby with few of Mr Galadari's cars being returned in a driveable condition.
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Race Cars prepare for the main event.
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Race Track was built specifically for Dubai's 1981 Motor Grand Prix around the newly opened Hyatt Regency Hotel.
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Stirling Moss stands near Mercedes Benz Race Car which Phil Hill demonstrated with a few laps around the track. Fangio suffered a heart attack after his practice run in this Mercedes Benz and was confined to hospital so missed driving in the Event,
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Mr Galadari counts the cost of providing his Citroen CX to go Motor Racing!!