Abdul Hamid Ahmad, CEO & Editor In Chief of Gulf News, cuts the cake at the end of the Gulf News Fun Drive. Suraj Shetty, Muhammad Imran, and Marclino Fernandes, COO- Gulf News are also seen.
UPDATE
Tilal Swaihan Experience: All the action from the 42nd edition of Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive
Hundreds of off-road buffs took part in the Gulf News Fun Drive
Last updated:
4 MIN READ
A Tank SUV lead the pack. The Gulf News Fun Drive 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.
Virendra Saklani/!Gulf News
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:
10:45 AM February 11, 2024
First-timers share their amazing experience
07:45 AM February 11, 2024
Indian breakfast at the Gulf News Drive
07:34 AM February 11, 2024
Breakfast is served
09:55 PM February 10, 2024
Cake cutting ceremony
08:45 PM February 10, 2024
People enjoy a beautiful Tanoura dance
08:42 PM February 10, 2024
Entertainment at the Gulf News Fun Drive
06:33 PM February 10, 2024
GWM Tanks on display
06:20 PM February 10, 2024
Participants enjoy evening activities
05:45 PM February 10, 2024
Kids at the XBOX booth
05:40 PM February 10, 2024
A view of the stalls at the camp
05:36 PM February 10, 2024
Participants return to the camp
04:19 PM February 10, 2024
Marshals working to get a punter’s car out of the sand
Distinctive beauty of the desert
01:42 PM February 10, 2024
Bird's-eye view
01:39 PM February 10, 2024
Enjoying the sun and sand
01:34 PM February 10, 2024
Marshals come to the rescue
01:28 PM February 10, 2024
Taking a break
01:05 PM February 10, 2024
Oldest car in Fun Drive 2024
12:29 PM February 10, 2024
Farid Ahli driving a Range Rover Discovery 1998, which he says is the oldest car in the Fun Drive.
Up close with camels
12:18 PM February 10, 2024
Participants drive past camels.
'Tank 300 is an amazing car'
12:13 PM February 10, 2024
Participants make merry in the desert
11:13 AM February 10, 2024
Marshals on duty
11:06 AM February 10, 2024
Thrilled first time participants
10:55 AM February 10, 2024
A glimpse of the beautiful sand dunes of Tilal Swaihan
10:16 AM February 10, 2024
Dune bashing begins
09:46 AM February 10, 2024
Marshals in action
09:44 AM February 10, 2024
It's flag off time
09:40 AM February 10, 2024
‘It’s a family event’
08:51 AM February 10, 2024
A DJ in action
08:29 AM February 10, 2024
CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News greets participants
08:10 AM February 10, 2024
Hamad Bin Hamdan (centre), with Abdul Hamid Ahmad (second from left), Gulf News CEO and Editor-in-Chief, and participants.
Freebies at Karcher stall
07:44 AM February 10, 2024
Breakfast time
07:41 AM February 10, 2024
An event manager explains the meal plans
07:39 AM February 10, 2024
Gulf News supplement is distributed
07:37 AM February 10, 2024
Food distribution arrangements
07:34 AM February 10, 2024
Pulsating atmosphere at the campsite
07:33 AM February 10, 2024
Early preparations
07:25 AM February 10, 2024
Families make early registration
07:04 AM February 10, 2024
Participants collect their lunch boxes at the campsite.
Marshals ready to tackle the dunes
07:02 AM February 10, 2024
The mood is set!
06:58 AM February 10, 2024
Marshals check-in
06:46 AM February 10, 2024
Marshals line up at the registration desk.
Marshals getting ready early in the morning at the camp site.
Team Gulf News ready, waiting for participants
06:42 AM February 10, 2024
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
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