Sponsored by Al Futtaim Toyota, and under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, the Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive is one of the highlights on the Gulf News calendar, and this year it’s expected to be bigger and better than ever.
Registration for the event has now closed.
2015 Gulf News Fun Drive review
Event details
Start point Al Fathiya, Hameem Road End point Moreeb Dune camp, Liwa
Dates Friday January 15 to Saturday January 16, 2016Check in 6am Departure 7.30am
Before departure Before the convoy heads off into the desert, participants will enjoy a breakfast at the start point.
Route The route is kept secret until the morning of the event when each car is issued with a navigational booklet. This year’s route is brand new and very challenging in. It promises to be a true test of desert driving skills as the route traverses tricky and tough sand dunes almost throughout the entire drive.
A guide car will lead the convoy.
Cars Your car must be 4-wheel-drive and roadworthy so as to cope with the off-road terrain.
Passengers Each car may carry up to four occupants, and these must have been registered when signing on for the event.
Participants In 2015, some 2,500 people in 850 vehicles joined the Fun Drive.
What is the Fun Drive?
The original idea behind the Fun Drive was to give people the chance to experience the desert. Unlike today, there were more unknowns off-road in the UAE, and very few people dared to venture.
Explore parts of the desert you never knew existed
The convoy sets off from the start point at 7.30am and runs through the day and into the night until the end-point is reached. The overnight camp will offer a great evening of food and light entertainment, and the following morning participants will head to the road and return home.
Year on year the popularity of the Fun Drive has increased. The main appeal is that it is not a race, but an experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family. It serves as a safe way to enjoy desert trekking as participants follow experienced guides and are part of a convoy.
It’s a fantastic way to make new friends who share similar interests.
Camp
All basic amenities such as water, toilets and showers will be available at the camp. There will also be tents set up which can be occupied on a first-come-first-served basis. If you want to bring your own camping equipment then there will be plenty of space to accommodate you.
Tents are available on a first-come-first served basis
Live entertainment will run from 5pm to midnight and an elaborate dinner will be laid on for everyone.
Important information
The 2016 Fun Drive is a long distance “endurance” event and is likely to be tougher than most believe. Children under 6-years of age and the very elderly are not recommended to participate. Participants will have the option to abandon the drive at any checkpoint and continue over asphalt to the camp.
The Western Region boasts terrain like you've never seen before
An accurate GPS system in your car is advised and every passenger must wear a seatbelt at all times during the Fun Drive.
At registration at the start point, all participants must present their valid Emirates ID or driving licence.
Sponsors
Al Futtaim Toyota are the main sponsors of the event, just as they have been over the last 28 years. Checkpoints are sponsored by Toyota, BF Goodrich, Dubai Duty Free, Orient Travel, Pringles and TOTAL.
Gulf News isn't alone in ensuring the Fun Drive is a success
The Fun Drive numbers are sponsored by Amity University. Support Sponsors include Byrne, De Longhi, Emirates Water, Liwa Hotel, Mentos, Ritz by Danube, Torc and Wildcraft. Catering for the event is by Jebel Ali Resorts & Hotels and Mafraq Hotel. Recovery is by IATC. Entertainment is by Ciel Marketing & Events.
The Fun Drive is being held with the support of the Al Gharbia Sports Club and International Automobile Touring Club.
Start point
