Dubai: The fun didn't stop on the dunes for participants of the 30th Gulf News Fun Drive on Friday, as the event was an Overnighter adventure.
Some 2,500 keen off-roaders who had driven in convoy across the desert dunes in their 4x4 vehicles, were treated to a camping extravaganza on Friday night — which proved a welcome rest for those who had done a lot of tyre digging-out during the day!
While many cars were stuck in the sand, more than 50 experienced marshals were on hand to help participants dig out, and off-roaders had smiling faces. Being stuck is all part of the fun!
Hot tea and soup provided refreshment for campers as they arrived at the site and off-roaders arriving set up their own tents or selected a place in one of the community tents provided at the campsite.
Variety show
A DJ entertained campers while others arrived. Later in the evening, under the open skies of the desert sky, belly dancing, a whirling dervish performance, a fire and magic show, face painting for the younger campers and camel rides entertained participants into the night.
Children enjoyed themselves with other activities including a dancing competition.
A specially-baked Gulf News cake was cut to mark the double celebration of 30 drives and 25 years of the event. Saturday morning, campers awoke to the aroma of breakfast and made their way home after a good night's sleep. Catering was provided by Emirates Flight catering and Jebel Ali Hotel.
Al Futtain Motors-Toyota were the main sponsors of the event, as they have been for the last 21 years.
See Monday's edition of tabloid! for more on Gulf News fun drive.
