There were some reservations however, and Sebastien Ogier's co-driver Julien Ingrassia pointed out that the number of fans was a bit sparse at times and he believes the event will need to work on its publicity to get more spectators out on the stages in 2010, when it returns.
"This is a good rally. The organisation was very good and it was different. There were not too many people on the stages. They need to know more about rally," he confirmed.
While that may have been the case though, it was still very well received and the organisers' achievements were recognised when they were presented with the 'Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally' award at the finish.
"This weekend marks the culmination of years of hard work by Jordan to host a round of the World Rally Championship - the world's most dramatic form of motor-sport," said HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein.
"The Jordan Rally has proven to be worthy addition to the WRC calendar and has tested the skills of the best drivers the world has to offer. Abu Dhabi's recognition of our efforts is a timely tribute and we look forward to strengthening our ties with the UAE as the two principal Arab supporters of the World Rally Championship."
Jordan's bid to host a round of the WRC was announced in Monte Carlo in 2005, and after three years of lobbying and bidding by HRH Prince Faisal and Jordan Motorsport, the dream became a reality last weekend.
With over 1,000 people involved in the inaugural WRC Jordan Rally's management, officials from the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority paid tribute to organisers for demonstrating the Arab world's capacity to successfully host leading international sporting events.
"In presenting this award to HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority recognises Jordan's monumental efforts to achieve its dream of hosting a round of the World Rally Championship," said Ahmed Hussein, deputy director general of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
