Abu Dhabi: The 35th Gulf News Fun Drive, one of the region’s biggest and longest running off-road events, will begin tomorrow morning in Liwa.
The annual two-day event, which is in its 30th year, is expected to have over 2,500 people and over 800 cars join the eight-hour drive through some spectacular terrain of Liwa.
The event begins with participants meeting at 6am at Al Fathiya on Hameem Road on Friday morning.
Following a hearty breakfast, a completion of formalities and a safety debriefing by marshals, every participating car will be provided with a goody bag, a case of water and lunch boxes for all passengers in the car.
Every vehicle is then expected to deflate tyres with the help of marshals after which the adventure will be flagged off at 7.30am.
Camp site
After navigating the eight-hour route through some beautiful terrain in Liwa, the first vehicles will start to arrive at the destination at the base of Moreeb Dune in the Liwa area by 4pm where they will be greeted by a fully equipped campsite and an evening of fun and enjoyment.
Gearing up for #GNFunDrive.Staff and volunteers in full preparations efforts now.@gulf_news https://t.co/0KSD2nsXAO pic.twitter.com/ZMOKj1cjHt— Abdul Hamid Ahmad (@AbdulHamidAhmad) January 13, 2016
The line-up for the evening’s entertainment includes a BBQ dinner, camel rides, circus shows, a magic show for children, a DJ, live bands and a belly dancing performance.
After a sumptuous breakfast the next morning, the Fun Drive concludes.
As has been the practice with the event from its inception, marshals will be accompanying the convoy of vehicles all along the route looking out for the safety and requirements of the participants.
This year’s event has 90 marshals, many of whom have been involved with the Fun Drive for many years.
One of the longest attending marshals, Mitch Perera, 48, has been volunteering for the event for 27 years and has marshalled for 32 Fun Drives.
“I keep doing it because I love the event. I think it is the pinnacle event on the social calendar for the entire outdoor community [in the UAE},” said Perera.
“The team work, that’s what keeps me going ... I think Gulf News has done an incredible job to sustain this event this long,” he added.
Safety
Perera stressed that people’s safety is their top priority and offered some tips for participants.
“My No 1 safety tip for participants is to keep adequate distance between cars so you have time to react should something go wrong.
“Having the right tyre pressure also makes a world of a difference. Even one or two PSI can make a huge difference [to the quality of the off-roading experience],” he added.
Another marshal returning to the Fun Drive for the seventh time is 39-year-old Mohammad Al Shamsi from Sharjah. Al Shamsi is looking forward to the event in Liwa as he believes the area is the best place in the UAE for off-roading due to its enormity and its “magnificent scenery”.
The reason he keeps returning to the event, he said, is the pleasure to be derived from helping people have an enjoyable experience. “Most of the marshals are there to help, although they are not paid, we love to help.”
This year, a track has been created to mark the Fun Drive’s route and Al Shamsi has a tip for participants. “Stick to the track. Because people can get lost (when they don’t). In off-roading, if you are away (from the convoy) for 2km, it means you are totally lost.”
Gulf News’ commercial director, Rajeev Khanna, is looking forward to the weekend event.
Liwa spectacle
“This is the 35th Gulf News Fun Drive and we are thrilled that we have been able to do sustain our special event for 30 years now. We wish all the participants a safe and enjoyable Fun Drive through the spectacular Liwa region and we request everyone to respect the environment and the rules of the desert,” he added.
The Fun Drive, which has been growing year by year, has been made possible by the support of a number of organisations and sponsors.
These include, Al Futtaim Motors (Toyota), Pringles, BF Goodrich, Dubai Duty Free, Total, Orient Travel, Ritz by Danube, Mentos, Fine, De Longhi, Wildcraft, The Off Road Company (TORC), Byrne, Emirates Water, Jabel Ali Hotel and resorts, Mafraq Hotel, Liwa Hotel, Medeor Hospital, Total, Amity University and with the support of Al Gharbia Sports Club and International Automobile Touring Club (IATC).
