Dubai: A caravan of 850 vehicles set off for the annual two-day Gulf News Fun Drive on Friday morning.
Around 2,500 people gathered at the Emirates Motorplex in Umm Al Quwain for the 34th Fun Drive, from where the convoy began an eight-hour journey that will end at a sprawling desert camp replete with all modern amenities and entertainment facilities.
The participants embarked on the Fun Drive after having breakfast and their various goodies, that include one case of water per car, one goody bag per car and lunch boxes for all passengers in the car.
Under the stewardship of more than 80 marshals, the caravan is heading along a challenging route that was carefully chosen and marked by experts, offering participants impressive views of the desert.
The first vehicles of the convoy will begin to reach the camp by 4pm, where the participants will have tents for overnight stay, five star dinner and live entertainment.
The entertainment programme will include camel rides, circus shows, a magic show for children, DJ and live band as well as a belly dancer. Participants can also enjoy plenty of activities at the sponsors’ tents.
Next morning, participants will leave for their homes after breakfast, which will be served between 7am and 9am.
Gulf News has been organising Fun Drives since 1986 and this is the 29th year in progress. So far, there have been seven Day Drives, 22 Overnighters, one Abu Dhabi Day Drive and three Friday Fun Drives, thus making 33, with this event being 34th.
The main sponsor of the Fun Drive is Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota, while the checkpoints are sponsored by Amity University Dubai, Dubai Duty Free, Orient Travel, Pringles, Rexona, RSA, Total and Toyo Tires.
Fun Drive Numbers are by 3m Protected, while the Support Sponsors include Alco, Al Ain Water, Byrne, Cha Cha Chai, Emirates Flight Catering, Jebel Ali Golf Resort, IATC, and WOW – Emirates Wet Wipes.
The Fun Drive is being held with the support of Emirates Motorplex UAQ and the UAQ Municipality.
The Fun Drive is also eco-friendly and is being conducted adhering to the guidelines of ecological protection with the support of Environment and Protected Areas Authority Sharjah.