According to the Dubai’s newspaper Xpress, Dubai may well benefit from a Team NZ victory by becoming its base.

The newspaper said that Emirates have confirmed they would like Dubai – and not New Zealand – to host the 2010 America’s Cup after pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the joint Arab-Kiwi sailing team Emirates Team New Zealand since 2004.

Boutros Boutros, Emirates Group Vice-President of Sponsorship, told that they will formally ask the team to defend their title in Dubai if they beat Alinghi in July.

"Emirates Team New Zealand is considering coming to Dubai," Boutros said. "They believe Dubai can host the America’s Cup."

Dubai’s 350 hotels and rich sailing conditions would prove ideal for hosting one of the world’s most lucrative and prestigious sporting events.

"Dubai has the infrastructure, we have everything already,” Boutros said. "The publicity that Dubai and the UAE would gain, you cannot put a value on".