1.958393-2136287365
Around 800 vehicles are expected to participate in the popular event this year. Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

Dubai: Registration for the Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive, which will be held from January 13 to 14, is now open and participants can sign up between 9am and 2pm at the Gulf News offices on Shaikh Zayed Road every day, including holidays.

Abu Dhabi participants can register at the Gulf News Abu Dhabi office between 9am and 1pm today and Saturday, and at the same time from Monday to Wednesday.

Al Ain participants can register at the Gulf News Al Ain office between 9am and 11am today and then from Monday to Wednesday at the same time.

The rates are Dh300 for an adult and Dh175 for a child. The Fun Drive is an event for four-wheel drive vehicles only.

A maximum of four passengers plus driver are allowed.

Participants are reminded to ensure that there are enough seat belts for all passengers.

Entry for the Fun Drive is open to all, but preference will be given to Gulf News subscribers.

Fun Drive itinerary

This year's Fun Drive centres on Abu Dhabi and will start at the Mafraq Hotel and end at the Moreeb Dune camp in Liwa.

Check-in starts at 6am at the Mafraq Hotel where breakfast will be served before departure to Liwa. The route is more than 300km-long and participants are expected to take at least eight hours to reach the camp at Moreeb Dune, where they will spend the night. Dinner and live entertainment will be arranged at the camp.

The route for the Fun Drive is particularly challenging, with plenty of very high and
tricky dunes in the Liwa region.

Al-Futtaim leads way

Al-Futtaim Motors — Toyota are the main sponsors of the event, just as they have been over the last 22 years.

Checkpoints are sponsored by Toyota, AXA, Al Masaood Bridgestone, Dubai Duty Free, Motorola, Nescafe, Orient Travel, United Arab Bank.

The Fun Drive numbers are sponsored by 3M Protected. Wheel covers are being provided by Danube Buildmart.

The Fun Drive is supported by Al Ain Water, Alco, Byrne, DAW Ironman 4x4, E-Max, IATC, Intersport and Multilink.

Entertainment is by MainStage Music and Events. Catering for the entire event is being done by Mafraq Hotel, Abu Dhabi.