Dubai: Participants in the 33rd edition of Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive are all enthusiastic and expect to have loads of fun this time.
The 209.5km drive through scenic sections in three emirates — Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah — may prove a bit daunting, but they are ready for the thrill-a-minute drive as they get a chance to drive over a range of challenging dunes around Fossil Rock.
The event supported by Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota will start at the Emirates Motorplex in Umm Al Quwain and participants will depart after breakfast on an 8 hour-drive in a ‘loop’ which will bring them back to UAQ, to the Al Aqran area, where the camp is located.
At this time of the year the weather is relatively cool and free of rising sand and this gives excellent visibility to appreciate the desert and mountains and greenery, and of course lots of camels, sheep and if lucky Arabian gazelles. There are a couple of steep down-slopes to test the nerves and also the technical skills of the person behind the wheel. But you would expect that as this is the Fun Drive.
Participants will pass 10 checkpoints and the cut-off point is at No 6. Those arriving after 2.30pm will be directed to take the tarmac to reach the camp site. This is to avoid driving in the desert after dark.
For safety reasons, vehicles with infants and toddlers will not be allowed to participate and their entry will be refunded. Tents are provided on a first come first served basis. However, those reaching the camp late can use the community tents or can pitch their own tents.
There are more than 60 marshals and 4 Forward and Rear Sweep teams to guide and assist the participants. In case of an accident or a vehicle breakdown IATC will provide the recovery services and those participants will be transported to either the camp or Dubai on Toyota buses.
Route director Jum Ali Khan and deputy route director Saliya Jayaweera charted the route assisted by project leaders Gary Wheeler, Mark Leonard and Mitch Perera.
Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota are the main sponsors of the event, just as they have been over the last twenty four years. Checkpoints are sponsored by Toyota, American Garden, Dubai Duty Free, Orient Travel, RSA, Total, Toyo Tires. The Fun Drive numbers are sponsored by 3M Protected. Total are also the lubricants sponsor. Support sponsors include Alco, Al Ain Water, Byrne, Cha Cha Chai, Emirates Wet Wipes, Fitness First and Sadia.
Catering for the event is by Food Craft and Jebel Ali Resorts and Hotels. Entertainment is by George &Burnell Events.
The Fun Drive is being held with the support of the Emirates Motorplex UAQ and the UAQ Municipality.
Miriam De Wolff from Holland said she and her husband Bernard had been reading about the Fun Drive and have registered for the drive to “have fun, basically”.
“If more than 700 people are participating it sure must be fun”, she said adding “Hope we can make it to the end.”
June Park and her husband Keith, who have participated in the past five Gulf News Fun Drives, are back again — this time with their son Daniel. The Parks, who generally try to complete all the checkpoints on the drive, enjoy just going off road and assisting others. “We have all the equipment to help others out,” June said.
Shabbir, who has participated in three Gulf News Fun Drive events has roped in his friend Huzaifa this time. The latter is bit apprehensive but is game for challenge. “I don’t know what to expect, but whatever comes our way, we are ready for it and hope to have lots of fun,” he said.
