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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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..

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

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.

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

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.

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.