Quad bikers gear up for Al Ain Dunes Challenge

Al Ain: Quad bikers and 4x4 motorists are revving up for the fifth Al Ain Dunes Challenge starting on Thursday.

The event will take place in the evening to avoid the desert sun and protect the vehicles' engines from overheating amid other strict security arrangements, said the organisers at a press conference.

Nasser Saif Al Reyami, Director of the licensing and classification division of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), said racing of bikes and buggies, divided into five categories, will hold on the first day of the competition. These categories are four strokes, second class, first class, open class, and buggy class.

Car racing will be the attraction on the second day with three classes, including standard six-cylinder, modified six cylinders and eight-cylinder cars. The event will be held on Al Saad dunes, some 35km away from downtown on Al Ain-Abu Dhabi Highway. The event will start at 5pm.

The ADTA has been organising the event with the support of Al Ain Municipality. Racing enthusiasts and professionals, who will be using quad bikes and 4WDs, will attempt to power their way to the top of a steep sandy hill in two separate competitions.

"It is an event that promises a lot of fun…and promotes Abu Dhabi and Al Ain as a major sports destination on the international arena," Al Reyami said.

The championship is being held to encourage the region's young people in one of their favourite sports, he said.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, general manager of Abu Dhabi Motor Club (ADMC), said: "We expect huge interest in these two days of racing. Already the numbers are in excess of 70 cars, 120 bikes and 20 buggies, and that is even before registration has closed."

He said enthusiasts from across the Gulf region, particularly from Qatar, had been showing interest in the event.

"Drivers of the bikes and cars in all categories will be competing against the clock to race up and down one of the amazing dunes in the area," said Al Qubaisi.

He said the selected dunes are shaped a bit like pyramids and are characterised by being very high and having large sinuous arms.

The organisers are also expecting an increased number of spectators this year, saying more than 50,000 people came to watch the exciting contests.

"This year we are projecting around 65,000 people, especially Emirati and expatriate families, to enjoy the event," he said.

Al Ain police and Department of Civil Defence have made elaborated safety and security arrangements for the championship participants and the spectators. Some 110 police officials and 34 traffic police patrol vehicles will be on duty during the two-day event.