Abu Dhabi: Thousands of motorists attempted to set a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of decorated cars on Monday during a National Day parade on Yas Island. There was a huge tailback on the road before the scheduled start time of 5pm. Prizes for the best decorated cars were an attraction but many motorists said they were more excited to be taking part in a record-breaking attempt.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which organised the event, said 3,000 cars were expected. Guinness World Records judges inspected all vehicles to ensure at least two sides of the car were fully decorated.
The prizes and result of the record-breaking attempt will be announced later.
Mohammad Al Khoury, 22, told Gulf News that it was exciting to see thousands of cars attempting to set a world record.
Expatriates as well as Emiratis took part in the parade. One expatriate who has won several prizes for his car in National Day parades in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the past six years, including second prize for the best decorated car during last year’s parade on Yas Island, was among them.
“This is to express my gratitude to this country and people; because all my fortunes in life were given by the UAE,” Iqbal Abdul Hamid, 33, an Indian businessman who has lived in Dubai for the past 20 years, told Gulf News.
“That’s why I am joining the people of this country in their happiest moments,” he said.
He did not reveal how much he had spent on decorations. “I have never disclosed it during the past six years.”
But he said help from professional designers made his decorations unique.
“More than that it is the love towards this country that helps me create unique decorations. Then God’s grace and luck too.”
This year he is driving a Range Rover Vogue. Last year he drove a BMW and during 2008-2012 a Nissan Patrol. I began with a Toyota Camry in 2008,” he said.
There were many other participants from other emirates. Ahmad Rashid Al Mazroui, 26, drove all the way from Ras Al Khaimah with his friends and family.
“It is a great time of year when you have the chance to gather with your friends and family members and celebrate this great occasion,” he added.
Ali Al Hammadi, a 13-year-old Emirati from Abu Dhabi joined the Yas parade with his father as a way of demonstrating his gratitude to the UAE.
“I hope we can achieve the world record,” he said.
