Dubai: While the deserts of Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah proved quite exciting for participants in the 33rd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive, the campsite in UAQ’s Al Arqan area had all the comforts a person craves after an eight-hour drive through a 210-km route.
Arrangements were made to ensure the overnighters’ stay in the spectacular desert setting was as comfortable as possible. The venue had a carnival-like atmosphere where warmth was palpable in the chilly evening.
People young and old had a host of activities to make them feel at home. While children made a beeline for face painting or henna painting or a camel ride, others headed off for a relaxing exercise in a fitness centre or participated in games that offered freebies or discount vouchers.
There was never a dull moment as the evening was packed with events to keep the people engaged. A North African group involved the people in a drumming session. It was fun to watch some people missing the rhythm and the lead drummer making faces. A DJ, circus show, plenty of action at the hobby centre, the continuous screening of Superman and Batman films in the cinema tent and, above all, belly dancing, without which a desert safari is never complete, entertained the fun drive participants.
The campsite was equipped with all the amenities including toilets with hot shower, tents, lighting, ample parking space and a covered dining area. The barbecue dinner from Jebel Ali Hotel on Friday, hosted by Al Futtaim Motors-Toyota, the main sponsors of the Fun Drive, had a delectable spread catering to both non-vegetarians and vegetarians. And then there was enough fruit and vegetables to satisfy the vegans, too.
To mark the success of the event a huge celebratory cake was cut by Shaikh Marwan Bin Rashid Al Mualla and Duleep George, Executive Director, Strategy and Marketing, Gulf News, on Friday night. Organising an event on such a scale is no mean task and the credit goes to Naheed Patel, Promotions Manager, Gulf News.
