Dubai: Hundreds of off-roading enthusiasts enjoyed an action-packed day in the desert yesterday, with Gulf News' 26th Fun Drive taking drivers on a challenging 160km route from Nad Al Sheba to Hatta.
After showers were forecast for much of yesterday, participants and organisers alike were delighted with the largely sunny outcome of the event, with some describing it as a "great day out".
The desert-crossing flagged off at 7.20am, with the drive traversing through wadis, oases, and past remote camel farms and villages.
Motorists navigated through areas of Sharjah, Al Aweer and Al Mahdah, on a route that included flat, open planes, impressively steep sand dunes, and for the first time, a mountain section.
After recent spells of rain, the desert was dotted with green shrubs, with some puddles and muddy tracks remaining.
"Overall it was a great success," said Duleep George, Gulf News marketing and sales director. "We were having jitters [on Thursday] because of the weather, so we went out and bought things like raincoats and umbrellas ... it did drizzle a bit, but nothing major.
"Overall it was a very successful event, especially thanks to the project leaders the mountain stage really was the 'real' thing. Also, it is always nice to end the day with the barbeque at the Hatta Fort Hotel where the first Fun Drive ended as well."
Like most motorists, Abu Dhabi-resident Wolfgang Ochocki from Germany and his wife Meriam approached the final checkpoints by early afternoon.
"We've been here in the UAE since 1982, but this is the first time we've taken part. Especially the last sand areas were very good fun and it is really nice to see everyone come together," he said.
Sami Yousuf, 27, who has taken part in the event for the past four years, said he preferred the end of the drive, as it was the most challenging.
"It was good, but we didn't need 4WD for some of the areas. The end was the best by far because I like the larger dunes, which I would have preferred more of."
However, first-timer Danesh Beg, 34, from India, said he became stuck a number of times.
"We really enjoyed it a great day out. It's the first time we've been desert driving though, but I would definitely recommend it."
The Gulf News Fun Drive was launched in 1986 with only 75 vehicles taking part, journeying cross-country from Jebel Ali to Hatta.
