Gulf News Fun Drive: Romancing the desert

The craze over the four-wheel desert romance has reached fever pitch! A convoy of around 450 off-road vehicles will be slicing through the spectacular Hajjar mountains on Friday, flagging off the 28th Gulf News Fun Drive event.

The annual fun drive, sponsored by Al Futtaim Motors – Toyota, is expected to replace hectic work routines with electrifying off-road dune-bashing excitement, along with a huge barbecue at the picturesque Hatta Fort Hotel.
Itinerary

The one-day event will kick off tomorrow at 7am from The Sevens Club on Al Ain Road. At the starting point, participants will go through check-in formalities and collect their route notes, food and goody bag vouchers, water and a wheel cover.

Once the tyres are deflated and petrol tanks replenished with fuel from on-site tankers, participants will be flagged off.

According to Route Director Jum Ali Khan, the spine-tingling route has been specially charted.

“The 190-km terrain keeps changing from rocky to sandy to prairie tracks. So be ready to drive through incredibly high sand dunes and beautiful fossil rocks and do expect loads of surprises.''

According to Naheed Patel, Promotions Manager, Gulf News, “The vehicles are expected to drive through checkpoints, each manned by six to seven Gulf News volunteers who will help drivers stay on course. There are in total around 300 volunteers.'' However, says Khan, “Partici-pants must focus on safety at all costs. Do not drive too close to other cars and don't create a logjam. Remain belted and read the notes and road book thoroughly.'' The six-and-a-half-hour drive will take participants through Toyota, AXA, Dubai Duty Free, Bridgestone, Lacnor, 4Men and Wheels checkpoints, before joining in for an afternoon extravaganza at the Hatta Fort Hotel.

“Around 50 highly experienced marshals will also be present along the route to assist and guide participants,'' says Patel.

The entertainment plan comprises camel and pony rides, bouncing castle, Toyota raffle draw and a live band to unleash the fire in you.

The Gulf News Friday Fun Drive is being held with the support of the Emirates Motor Sports Federation.

The Fun Drive is supported by Coleman, Oasis, Multilink, The Sevens, Hatta Fort Hotel