Video: Looping through the Tilal Swaihan desert for the 41st Gulf News Fun Drive

Dubai: Hundreds took part in the 41st Gulf News Fun Drive – the Tilal Swaihan Experience, the annual event that saw avid off-roaders conquer the Al Ain dunes. The route was a loop this time again. Participants had a memorable desert experience with family and friends in Al Ain’s Tilal Swaihan region where the overnighter camp was set. Here are the awe-inspiring events as they happened:

Bye for now

Catching up on the news

Having fun before leaving the camp

Dr Samina Khatib says the Drive was enjoyable

Breakfast is served at the campsite on day 2 of the Gulf News Fun Drive

Hamed Al Mazroui, Managing Director of International Automobile and Touring Club of UAE, talks of how Gulf News Fun Drive 2023 helps promote the UAE beyond its famed cityscapes.

The cake cutting ceremony

Participants enjoy sumptuous dinner at the campsite

Artists perform to enthral audience. DJ Mel plays on non-stop music. Participants await the signature cake cutting at 9 pm after which they will retire into their camps. Tomorrow, after a sumptuous breakfast, they’ll leave the campsite for their homes.

Participants enjoy sumptuous dinner at the campsite

Dinner is served

Dj Mel's soothing beats welcome participants back to the Gulf News camp site after a fun day in the dunes.

Feel the buzz!

It’s all happening at the 41st Gulf News Fun Drive. The DJ is playing non-stop. Participants are all back at the camp. Some busy at the activities, others resting in the tents before the evening gets busy.

Children having a blast

Kids playing at XBox stand

An overview of camp ground set for Fun Drive participants

Participants enjoying camel experience

Family experience

Watch: A marshal shares his experience

Dune bashing

Getting out of the sand trap with a litle help 

Action. And more action

Where GN Fun Drive gets really fun

Falguni and Samir talk about their experience

Fun Drive memories

No man left behind

Live barbecue and a surprise cake

Enjoying the terrain, nature

Couple marshals on duty

Beautiful desert views

The desert driving culture in the UAE is popular msotly for the thrill of driving through the expanse of sandy dunes, but it is also for the incredible view of the desert in its simplicity. 

4X4s well on their way...

Exploring the desert

After the flag-off the participants have embarked on their desert explorations. This, however, does come with some struggles. Marshals are on hand to help with drivers who may find themselves stuck..

And they're off!

Flag-off

Abdul Hamid Ahmad, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Gulf News, Hamad Al Mazroui and Ahmed Al Ameri, Advisor of The General Director, Al Ain Municipality and Director of Municipal Community Centre and head of Telal Sweihan committee, flag off Gulf News Fun Drive 2023

Participants excited for the drive ahead

Getting ready for the drive

Meet the marshals

Meeting the participants

Fuelling up for a day of desert driving

After checking in, participants fuel up with breakfast at the venue. The drive today is a loop - the participants will end back at the starting point at the end of the drive which is at Tilal Swaihan, approximately 70 kms from Al Ain.

Check-in

The participants have started their check-in procedures for the event. The registered participants get route books and food vouchers at this point.

Gulf News Fun Drive partners

The Tilal Swaihan Experience sponsors include Al Masaood Automobiles, which is the main sponsor. Checkpoint sponsors are Castrol Magnatec, Dobinsons, Amaron, Denim, Al Jazira Poultry Farms LLC and Yokohama Geolandar.

Support sponsors include Al Ain Water, Halwani Bros, Hayatna, Reef, Ciel Events, Ahmad Tea, Mother’s Recipe, Byrne, Plastica, Jansport, X-Box. Vehicle numbers are by Sukoon Insurance. The official tyre sponsor is Yokohama, the official battery is Amaron. Castrol Magnatec is the official lubricant. Capital Catering and Services are the official caterers and Iranian Hospital is the medical partner.

Desert destination

This is the third time the off-road event is being held at Tilal Swaihan, approximately 70 kms from Al Ain.

The area is a tourist destination and recreational campsite that blends local resources and UAE’s rich culture with world-class amenities and attractions.

Route director John Spiller explained that the drive will take Fun Drive participants enthusiasts through the country’s most picturesque desert spots in a “loop” form.