Dubai: The much-awaited 32nd Gulf News Fun Drive, taking place on January 12 and 13, is headed to the Northern Emirates after a gap of three years.
Starting at the UAE Motorplex Umm Al Quwain, the post-breakfast drive, supported by Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota, has charted an eight-hour route through the desert in a ‘loop’ which will bring participants back to UAQ, to the Al Aqran area, where the camp will be located.
As always, the drive will cover challenging terrains, including sandy and hilly areas, while offering participants a breathtaking view of the desert.
Check-in formalities
With registrations complete for the event, participants are requested to arrive at the Motorplex by 6am, park in designated spaces and complete their check-in formalities and breakfast. Each car will be given a goody bag and a box of water. The lead car will be flagged off at 8am and convoys will follow. The first vehicles are expected to be back at the campsite by 4pm.
An overnighter, the camp will provide community tents, portaloos, food and beverages. Camel rides, a DJ and live band, a belly dancer and other forms of entertainment will also be offered..
After the overnight stay, breakfast will be served between 7-9am, after which participants can leave.
A fun-filled event, the drive is expected to be a smooth affair thanks to the charted route, detailed instructions and help at handover. About 3,000 people are scheduled to stay at the camp which will offer five-star catering, live entertainment and an opportunity to bond with the community. The Fun Drive which began as a day drive on March 28, 1986, has come a long way to include seven day drives, 25 overnighters, one Abu Dhabi day drive and three Friday Fun drives.
The last time the Fun Drive was in Umm Al Quwain was in 2015, covering Sharjah and Ajman as well. It also covered the old Ras Al Khaimah road, across Mohammad Bin Zayed road, and offered a thrilling time in the hills of Maleha, where the Hajar mountains meet the desert sands. In 2016 and 2017, the Fun Drive was flagged off from Al Fathiya on Hameem Road in Abu Dhabi and ended at the base of one of the world’s tallest dunes - Moreeb Dune – in the Empty Quarter.
