Partners in off-road adventures

In 1986, an enthusiastic band of 75 off-road buffs set out on a drive that took them through tough desert terrain and ended at the Hatta Fort Hotel. The Gulf News Fun Drive has been on a popularity upswing since then. A major partner in the Fun Drive has been Al Futtaim Motors

The Gulf News Fun Drives have been in existence now since 1986, when a small group of 75 off-road enthusiasts set out on a desert day drive on a route designed by off-road guru Fraser Martin, ending at the Hatta Fort Hotel. Such was the success of this inaugural event that the following year a more ambitious route, starting at the Dubai Hilton and ending at the Fujairah Hilton, was programmed.

There is an old saying that 'from the little acorn the mighty oak doth grow', and so it had been with the Fun Drive. Nowadays when an Overnighter is staged, the numbers of 4x4 vehicles taking part, in one form or another, exceeds 750.

In 1989, the first Overnighter was held with a large campsite set up on the Jebel Ali to Hibab road catering to over 1,000 people.

As the event grew in stature and numbers, so the need for supporting partners became obvious. Because of the nature of the event and the exclusive involvement of 4 wheel-drive vehicles, support and sponsorship was sought - Al Futtaim Motors, the agents of Toyota, readily accepted the opportunity.

Al Futtaim Motors' decision to participate as a major partner in the Fun Drive was a good example of the policy of the Al Futtaim Group, at the time, to become more and more involved with local community events as a willing benefactor. Over the years, that policy has not changed as year after year, the local Toyota agents have progressively increased their contribution to the annual success of the Fun Drives.

Apart from sponsoring the BBQ dinner at the Overnighters every year, the company also provides loan 4x4 vehicles for use by the Gulf News organisers during the many route reconnaissance drives in the months leading up to the date of the Fun Drive. The exposure of these loaners to the experienced volunteer marshals who drive the route in advance of the Fun Drive has resulted in many switching to Toyota 4x4 vehicles, in particular, the Land Cruiser Prado.

Many Fun Drive participants have to pull out of the drive due to punctures or mechanical problems and they have been grateful for the Al Futtaim Motors coach service that ferries them from one of the checkpoints to the BBQ hotel and eventually back to Dubai. Usually, there are three coaches working to ease the pain of those Fun Drivers who have had to retire from the event.

Al Futtaim Motors also provide technical assistance to the participants in the form of travelling technicians. These gentlemen are transported by some of the marshals of the Mobile Rescue teams and are able to offer basic 'first aid' assistance to help broken down vehicles get moving again. On the Overnighters, the company has a mobile workshop located at the campsite equipped with trained technicians, tools and even portable welding gear in case it is needed.

Every participant in a Fun Drive receives one large Goody Bag filled with all sorts of items donated by local companies and Al Futtaim Motors is a regular contributor to the delights of the goody bag too.

On the human side, there have been many instances of how the participation of Al Futtaim Motors have left an indelible imprint on the event. One of the most active representatives from the Toyota agents was the National Service Manager, Frank Sweet.

Frank was a regular in the ranks of the volunteer marshals for many years and always drove at the rear of the convoy as the 'sweeper'. He rarely got stuck in his Land Cruiser but on one occasion it happened and it took several attempts to free the bogged-down Land Cruiser. It was a rare and historical moment that has been recorded for posterity by the naming the section of the desert where it happened as 'Frank's Folly'.

Frank Sweet is just one of many people in Al Futtaim Motors who whole-heartedly give of their time and energy to make the events successful. We have over 50 Marshals helping out at the Fun Drive and over the years there have been many from Al Futtaim Motors, including Deira City Centre showroom sales manager Ernie Trautmann and Al Quoz branch service manager, Irfan Bashir.

Today is a Day Drive but next February will see the return of the Overnighter, albeit at a different venue to the one we have used for the past 12 years.