Abu Dhabi: Over 2,500 people took part in the 35th Gulf News Fun Drive yesterday, that witnessed over 800 cars drive 240km in the spectacular Liwa desert.
Participants finished testing their desert driving skills by late afternoon and by around 5pm started arriving at the overnight campsite, which was at the base of Moreeb Dune, one of the world’s tallest dunes.
The fully equipped Fun Drive camp site had a range of activities through the course of the evening for everyone to enjoy including, camel rides, a live DJ, belly dancing and a magician who was a massive hit with the children.
After enjoying a grand dinner, the crowd gathered in the dance area to see the Fun Drive cake cut by the Gulf News commercial director, Rajeev Khanna. The cake’s sheer size and creative four-wheel drive decoration did not disappoint, in presentation or taste.
After a raffle draw the live DJ blasted the music and the party was in full swing.
One of the event’s longest serving marshals, Abdul Hakeem Ali Meer from Sharjah, had returned to the Fun Drive for his 19th year because he said he enjoys helping people specially if they are stuck in the sand.
While enjoying the evening feast he said he also loved the event because of its cosy and festive atmosphere. “It’s like sitting at home specially when you see the kids running around [the dinner tent] and screaming. You don’t feel that you are in the desert or that you are alone,” he said.
The overnight campers woke up somewhat tired from the previous day’s actions to a chilly and misty morning. However, that did not seem to get in the way of them enjoying a very physical climb up Moreeb dune, which is over 300 metres high, with friends, family and children.
The breakfast tent was buzzing as people got together one last time during the event before heading off home.
Having returned from climbing the dune, first timers Hasna Douafi and Mounia Lamshal said they had participated in the event with over 20 of their friends and were really pleased that they had been part of the experience. Although they admitted that during the challenging twists and turns on the dunes there were times that they had felt car sick.
“We became a bit sick but luckily we ended up in a really nice place [the overnight campsite], with great entertainment and met lots of people from everywhere. And the organisation, the marshals and every part of this big organisation was great,” said Lamshal.
The girls, who said they would definitely return again next year, left discussing whether they would camp for another night or check into a hotel for some pampering.
Few participants were still too hyped to stop the dune bashing and were testing their skills on the other side of the dune.
Veteran Fun Drive participants 32-year-old Mohammad Sameer and 30-year-old Awais Ali, who had travelled from Ajman, said they had decided to go out in the car again that morning because they had not managed to ascend on some of the more technical dunes due to being part of a big group that included novice desert drivers.
“We wanted to see if we could drive on such a high dune, it looks easy from below but it’s not,” said Sameer.
Ali’s brother, 22-year-old Bilal Ali, had travelled all the way from Pakistan just to take part in the event. Although he had travelled to the UAE previously it was his first time in the Liwa desert and he was visibly overwhelmed by its stunning scenery.
The participants slowly started to disperse and by around 11am yesterday empty tents were all that was left except for a few people who were struggling to come to terms with the fact that it was all over and they had to wait another year to do it all over again.
“Of course I’ll be back next year. I don’t want to go home, I am just sad that it’s all over,” said Saritha Pradeep.
Al Futtaim Motors Toyota are the main sponsors of the event, just as they have been for the past 26 years. Checkpoints are sponsored by Toyota, BF Goodrich, Dubai Duty Free, Orient Travel, Pringles and TOTAL.
The Fun Drive numbers are sponsored by Amity University. The Lubricants sponsor is TOTAL. Support Sponsors include Byrne, De Longhi, Emirates Water, Fine, Liwa Hotel, Mentos, Ritz by Danube, Torc and Wildcraft.
Catering for the event is by Jebel Ali Resorts & Hotels and Mafraq Hotel. Medical support by Medeor 24x7 Hospital Abu Dhabi. Recovery is by IATC. Entertainment is by Ciel Marketing & Events.
The Fun Drive is being held with the support of the Al Gharbia Sports Club and International Automobile Touring Club.
