Ferrari enthusiasts form a club for some fast driving

Ferrari enthusiasts here now have a place to congregate: the Ferrari Club of the UAE, registered with Ferrari in Maranello and with local agent Al Tayer Motors, was founded by a dozen owners and held its first meeting last month in Fujairah.

Club members met on the Sharjah road and then drove in a convoy to Fujairah, where they spent the night. Due to the lack of a viable track in the UAE the "Ferraristas" took their cars to Fujairah airport and drove up and down the track there.

"Everywhere in the world we have Ferrari clubs, but we were lacking one here. And no one has ever taken the initiative before to start this club in the UAE," spokesman Dino Paneris said.

"Wherever you go in the world and mention the name Ferrari you are guaranteed there will be enthusiasts. The plan is to hold regular public events where all enthusiasts will be welcome, and especially kids who want to come along and look at these magnificent machines."

Paneris, a South African of Greek descent, concedes that he had two great passions as a child: planes and Ferraris. Now, as an adult, he works as a pilot for Emirates airline, and drives a Ferrari.

"The club is made up of mature men and women who are living their childhood dreams," said Paneris, who has lived in Dubai for seven years. "We want to share our passion with everyone in the UAE who enjoy 'the prancing horse'," he added, referring to the sportscar's logo.

"Once the racing track is ready, and when Formula One comes to Dubai, it will even be possible to hold an annual Ferrari Day." However, he emphasised that the club is not for fun and games alone.

"There is a certain responsibility that comes with driving a machine of this calibre. The club can serve to raise awareness - that it is wonderful owning a car like this, but it takes a lot of care and responsibility because of the speed."

Members are mostly male, but wives and girlfriends often share the passion, or at least, "they tolerate their better half's passion," Paneris quipped. A second meeting of the Ferrari Club is planned for today at French Connection on Sheikh Zayed Road. From there they will drive up to Hatta for the day. For membership information, e-mail: corrado.conti@ferrariclubuae.com