Hundreds of participants aboard 4X4 vehicles converged for the 42nd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive – The Tilal Swaihan Experience. The event saw adventure-seekers conquer the seemingly endless sand dunes from sunup to sundown, creating an unforgettable desert experience for families and friends. Relive the thrilling adventure by following all the awe-inspiring moments:
First-timers share their amazing experience
Indian breakfast at the Gulf News Drive
Breakfast is served
Cake cutting ceremony
People enjoy a beautiful Tanoura dance
Entertainment at the Gulf News Fun Drive
GWM Tanks on display
Participants enjoy evening activities
Kids at the XBOX booth
A view of the stalls at the camp
Participants return to the camp
Distinctive beauty of the desert
Bird's-eye view
Enjoying the sun and sand
Marshals come to the rescue
Taking a break
Oldest car in Fun Drive 2024
Up close with camels
'Tank 300 is an amazing car'
Participants make merry in the desert
Marshals on duty
Thrilled first time participants
A glimpse of the beautiful sand dunes of Tilal Swaihan
Dune bashing begins
Marshals in action
It's flag off time
‘It’s a family event’
A DJ in action
CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News greets participants
Freebies at Karcher stall
Breakfast time
An event manager explains the meal plans
Gulf News supplement is distributed
Food distribution arrangements
Pulsating atmosphere at the campsite
Early preparations
Families make early registration
Marshals ready to tackle the dunes
The mood is set!
Marshals check-in
Team Gulf News ready, waiting for participants
Option for an easy route
The Gulf News Fun Drive this time is a 142 km route and has been designed as a loop. The start and finish of the Drive is the same location as the Tilal Swaihan camp site.
The route - designed by John Spiller with a long history of planning desert rallies – promises to bring thrill and adventure to all. Newbies on the desert have the option to take on an easy route and quench their adventure on the Tilal Swaihan dunes.
Seasoned off-roaders can put their prowess to test on the Tilal Swaihan desert in the ‘extra fun’ section designed by Spiller which is bound to set the adrenaline pumping.
Where is Tilal Swaihan?
Tilal Swaihan, approximately 70 kms from Al Ain, is a tourist destination and recreational campsite that blends local resources and UAE’s rich culture with world-class amenities and attractions.
Participants registered must download the Fun Drive Tracker App. The App allows participants to follow their route as well as follow the route set by John Spiller. Emergency calling number is available on the app as well. A control room with senior marshals are manning the entire route via a digital map. Help from marshals is available at any given time.
The campsite will be ready to welcome participants and their families at any point in time. Participants can head back to the camp anytime where several activations are set up. The evening will see an entertainment lined up along with a sumptuous buffet dinner.
- With inputs from Anjana Kumar, Senior Reporter; Irish Eden R. Belleza, Senior Visual Editor; Virendra Saklani, Chief Visual Journalist; Balaram Menon, Senior Web Editor; Ahmed Ramzan, Senior Visual Journalist; Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor; Jaya Chandran, Online Editor; Anas Thacharpadikkal, Senior Visual Journalist; Clint Egbert, Senior Visual Journalist
Read more on Gulf News Fun Drive
- 42nd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive: Explore the ‘Tilal Swaihan Experience’
- Gulf News Fun Drive: Revisiting 38 years of dune bashing and fun
- Gulf News Fun Drive: How to wind down after a thrilling drive
- Gulf News Fun Drive: Passion for the desert became his business
- Gulf News Fun Drive: Pilot became the youngest marshal at 18
- 'Gulf News Fun Drive is close to my heart'
- Desert calling: Fun Drive sparks off-roading passion
- Gulf News Fun Drive: Your safety in the desert is this man’s obsession
