RAK reaffirms safety for America's Cup amid Iran fears

Ras Al Khaimah has issued a statement on Sunday dismissing concerns from BMW-Oracle about its safety as the venue for the 33rd America's Cup in February 2010.

"The UAE and specifically Ras Al Khaimah is an extremely safe venue for the America's Cup,” said Dr Khater Massaad, CEO of RAK Investment Authority, the government agency responsible for the emirate’s economic development.

“The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has peaceful and friendly relations with all of its neighbours," he added.

His comments come after the US team BMW-Oracle on Friday rejected the Gulf emirate as the venue for its duel with America's Cup defender Alinghi, describing it as "illegitimate and unsafe" due to its proximity to Iran.

"In light of the developing situation in the Arabian Gulf region, Ras Al Khaimah is particularly unsuitable," Oracle's representative, the Golden Gate Yacht Club, said in a statement at the time.

Massaad said in a statement on Sunday: "It is quite reasonable to state that security for the America's Cup would be significant no matter where the event is held and in Ras Al Khaimah this event will receive the same level of importance with full cooperation from the navy, coast guards and the police services to ensure the safety and well being of all visitors to the Emirate."

Oracle asked the New York Supreme Court to order the race be held in Valencia, Spain.

Alinghi dismissed the claims as "tactics". "Their complaints as to safety are not truly held by them, demonstrated by the fact that they have relocated personnel to Ras Al Khaimah, and have equipment at the venue in preparation for the match," Alinghi skipper Brad Butterworth said in a statement.

Eighty seven companies currently operate in Ras Al Khaimah, which represents about 8 percent of the new firms in the emirate, RAK Investment Authority said.

"The local and federal governments have worked hard to transform the Emirates in to an investor's haven, with security as a core element," said Massaad.

He said work has already begun on installing infrastructure on Al Hamra Island – the base for the two teams during the race – and is reaching the final stages of delivery for Alinghi.

He said organisers are still waiting for direction from Oracle in regards to their requirements.

"We hope BMW-Oracle will reconsider their position and join us in Ras Al Khaimah for what will be one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the history of yachting," Massaad added.

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