Old Bastakia

First Dubai Grand Prix Circuit 1981

In mid 1970s Diera Coastline was extensively eroded. Beachside roads and buildings were threatened. Residents complained. Dubai Creek was silting up, restricting Dhow traffic and adversely affecting trade. Sheikh Rashid resolved two problems with one solution by dredging Dubai Creek to 20 feet depth to make it navigable and using the dredged material to reclaim Diera's disappearing coastline.

Newly reclaimed Diera Corniche was intended for Foreign Embassies, Consulates and quality Hotels. First and only substantial building built on Diera Corniche to date is Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Diera Corniche Road Motor Racing Circuit

This newly reclaimed Corniche was ideal for Dubai's first motor Racing Circuit in 1981. Circuit was laid out using newly constructed roads around the new Hyatt Regency Hotel. Road system remains almost the same today as it was for Dubai's First Motor Racing Grand Prix. Only the traffic's speed has changed!

David Piper and Nick Mason racing past the Hyatt Regency Hotel in a supporting event for Dubai Motor Racing Grand Prix 1981.

Historic Video of the Racing

This is the only video of the racing that has been located to date. No one knows who took the video. Do you? Watch carefully and you will see the Hyatt Regency Hotel flash past!

New Dubai Autodrome

Dubai is now in the forefront of World Motor Racing with the opening of its Dubai Autodrome and the A1 Grand Prix Series.

Sheikh Rashid