Mona Nasser of the QMSF

His Excellency Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation (QMSF), has praised the sterling work of his staff in Doha, Qatar in the build-up to the busiest few weeks of international racing in the history of the Doha-based federation.

Sheikh Hassan singled out Mona Nasser - the QMSF’s technical coordinator - for special praise. In the space of four hectic weeks, the QMSF is preparing for international races in Key West, the Oryx Cup – UIM World Championship, the two UIM F1 races in Doha and Sheikh Hassan’s attempt to set a new Trans-Gulf speed record.

"Nasser is the technical coordinator for all our international events and the Unlimited Hydroplane race is another string to her bow," said Sheikh Hassan. "She has shown great interest in QMSF events and, for that reason, she has taken on the responsibility of making sure that things get done," his Excellency said.

"Nasser coordinates with all government departments, obtains the relevant permissions, manages the site preparation, shipping arrangements and updates members of the (QMSF) board. She works on port authority shipping clearances and conducts a weekly meeting with permanent and temporary staff to make sure that everything is in place and working smoothly. She manages entertainment for the teams and works on preparations for gala dinners and award ceremonies."

Nasser joined the QMSF three years ago. "In that short time span she has proved that she is capable of delivering what is requested without delays," added Sheikh Hassan. "That has given her the respect from her peers within the QMSF and other government offices. She also works as an administrator on local events and is well known within both the F1 and Class 1 racing communities."

Nasser is currently liaising with the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) to finalise details for the arrival of 10 Unlimited Hydroplanes, which will run in the second race of its kind ever to take place outside the United States of America on November 19-21.

She is also working with the promoters of the UIM F1 World Championship (Offshore) to arrange the arrival of F1 race equipment from China, in advance of the next two rounds of the series in Doha on November 27-28.

In addition, Sheikh Hassan, Abdullah Al-Sulaiti and their Class 1 team are heading to Key West in Florida at the start of November and Mona has played an integral part in preparing the logistics of the exciting Qatar race program in the USA.

"Nasser is one Qatari girl who has proven herself in a tough, male-dominated sport and shown that, given the right support and good time management, she can make things happen," concluded Sheikh Hassan.

Sam Cole, Chairman of the ABRA said, "On behalf of the ABRA, I would like to echo our sentiments about Mona Nasser and also recognize ABRA's Taryn Baze who has worked in concert Ms. Nasser. Without these two women's work it would be very hard to have a race internationally."

Cole added, "We are all excited to be coming to Doha and thank Sheikh Hassan for having the vision of bringing the world's fastest racing boats to Doha, Qatar. His confidence in his staff at QMSF is demonstrated by the three major events they are coordinating."

Three titles – the Oryx Cup UIM World Championship, the Series Champion Team and the Series Champion Driver – will be up for grabs at what promises to be a thrilling race weekend in Qatar.