A look through my lens

For the past five years, Gulf News reader Bala Kumar, an Indian national, has been participating in the Gulf News Fun Drive. He loves the thrill of driving through the desert and facing the sand dunes — and makes sure to take plenty of photographs while he's at it.

Having purchased his four-wheel drive in 2006, Kumar decided to take it to the test by going for the Fun Drive.

He said: "When I applied for the drive, I was initially added to the waiting list. However, I luckily got through and was so impressed. That day I decided that this is something I wanted to do every year.

"This year, I had made up my mind that I want to reach all the checkpoints, because last year I missed an entire section.

‘Help a few people'

"A lot of cars were getting stuck in the sand. Having been in the desert several times, I managed to help a few people. But this was affecting my timing."

Towards the end of the drive, Kumar and his friends got lost for about half an hour.

He said: "After driving an extra kilometre, I finally found the route. I think that you have to get stuck in the sand or lose your way to truly enjoy the experience."

Kumar has been having a great time at each Fun Drive and hopes to continue participating in the coming years.

He said: "It is a wonderful experience! I read about a person who has participated in 30 Fun Drives. I would like to achieve the 30 mark, too."