Tilal Swaihan Experience: All the action from the 42nd edition of Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive

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

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