Gulf News Fun Drive: UAE businesses come together for the event

Dubai: UAE companies come together to support the “41st Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive, the Tilal Swaihan Experience, powered by Al Masaood”.

The 2023 edition of the popular adventure weekend event will be held on Saturday 11 February and Sunday 12 February in the open desert of the Emirate of Al Ain.

The Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive the Tilal Swaihan Experience powered by Al Masaood. The last Fun Drive will once again take place in a “Loop” format, meaning it will start and end at the same location. Tilal Swaihan is about 70 km from Al Ain. The area is a tourist destination and recreational campsite that combines local resources and the rich culture of the United Arab Emirates with world-class services and attractions.

Bachir Gemayel, Director of Sales and Marketing at Al Masaood Automobiles, said: “For the second consecutive year, we are delighted to support the Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive as the event brings together adventure enthusiasts, their families and friends for a fun outdoor weekend. This is in line with our commitment to support initiatives and activities that benefit the community and promote a variety of sports, as well as help establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for sporting events.It also highlights the importance of the ‘Sports and Youth’ pillar of Al Masaood’s CSR programme, which highlights the importance of enriching the cultural and social fabric of our community by incorporating the sport as a way of life and the involvement of young people in different activities.”

“The Gulf News Fun Drive is a popular adventure event that has been going on for four decades, with car enthusiasts and their families eager to enjoy year after year. This family-oriented social desert ride offers participants a fantastic opportunity to meet the community and enjoy a combination of adventure, outdoor excitement and community life in the vast Arabian desert.We are delighted to participate in the event for the second consecutive year as it reflects the vision of Al Masaood to embrace Emirati culture, heritage and traditions through a variety of sporting events and other activities.”

As the exclusive automotive partner, Al Masaood Automobiles will provide logistical support to the festival with a line-up of Nissan Patrol Super Safari units available to attendees so they can enjoy the dunes hassle-free. The division showcases some of its popular Nissan models, including the 2023 Nissan Patrol, the all-new 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL and the Nissan Patrol Nismo, during the evening event.

“We recently launched the all-new Nissan Patrol 2023, with pioneering NissanConnect technology, across all our showrooms in the national capital. NissanConnect, which is Nissan’s first-of-its-kind digital platform in the region, offers customers a seamless connection between their vehicles and smartphones to access a variety of services that enhance the overall ownership experience,” said Gemayel. He added: “The new 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL, which is another addition to our car line-up, has already captured the attention of car enthusiasts in the region with its elevated and luxurious styling that is a genuine representation of the Nissan Spirit: versatile and adventurous”.

The Nissan Patrol, or Hero of All Terrains, comes with two varied engines: a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 275 horsepower and 394 NM of torque, offering a unique combination of power, performance and efficiency; or a larger 5.6-liter V8 engine that generates 400 horsepower and 560 NM of torque for maximum performance in the toughest conditions.

“Then we have the Nissan Patrol Nismo, the race-inspired version of the legendary Nissan Patrol, which underlines the brand’s heritage as a motorsport marque and the region’s long-standing love of high performance vehicles performance”.

Supporting sponsors of the Gulf News Fun Drive include Al Ain Water, Byrne, Halwani Bros, Mother’s Recipe and Plastica Industries LLC.

Checkpoint sponsors are Castrol Magnatec also the exclusive lubricant sponsor, Amaron the official battery, Dobinsons Springs & Suspension Trading LLC, Al Jazira Poultry Farms LLC. DENIM, and Yokohama Geolandar the official tire of the event. The official catering service of the Fun Drive is Capital Hospitality. Vehicle numbers are sponsored by SUKOON Insurance.

The event is being organized by Tilal Swaihan, Al Ain.

The official caterer for the Gulf News Fun Drive is Capital Hospitality

Tire sponsor: Yokohama

Vikas Anand, general manager of Yokohama’s tire and battery department, said, “It’s a fun event for off-road enthusiasts to enjoy family time while challenging their vehicles in the desert. As a tire sponsor, we it provides an opportunity to showcase our range to a small but niche audience.”

Anand said there will be a raffle, prizes, free items such as 10 T-shirts for GN staff, facilities to check pressure and re-inflate tires after the drive is over.

Irani Hospital is supporting humanity with medical services for Fun Drive attendees and providing healthy support.

“The Iranian Hospital, under the auspices of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, is honored to be a supporter of social activities aimed at improving the health and happiness of society. We are pleased to announce that the Iranian Hospital -Dubai has been providing medical services to UAE nationals and other expatriates for over 50 years.The Fun Drive is an important activity in the UAE to promote a healthy and well-being environment for humans.We are ready to support this joyful assembly through medical support,” said Dr. Shahin Mohammad Sadeghi, director general of Irani Hospital.

Khalid Shaikh, Sales Manager, Al Jazira Poultry Farm, said, “Gulf News Fun Drive” of the same name indicates a fun-filled experience to spend with family and friends. We have noticed the rise in popularity of the Fun Drive over the years among the residents of the UAE Gulf. The age of Covid-19 put a pause on fun family-oriented experiences only to leave a serious learning that life is short and we should not miss any opportunity to enjoy life to the fullest,” he said Shaikh, adding that the Drive offers that very opportunity.”

“We have been partnering with Gulf News for Fun Drive for many years now as sponsors of the cheques. The energy and zeal among the participants associated with the drive reflects an energy that can be derived from the daily consumption of “fresh eggs of quality and variety from Al Jazira. We are testing fresh eggs to all participants who cross our checkpoint.”

He added, “AJPF is known for producing quality and healthy eggs through innovation and a dedicated team that delivers the best to the end consumer. Today, we have the largest variety of nutritious eggs ranging from normal to Omega-3, DHA Omega-3, lutein, organic and vegan eggs, folic acid and fresher organic eggs – each variety brings a different health benefit to the consumer. The latest addition to our range are the ‘Smoky Eggs’, which have already been declared by many of our customers as a clear winner in terms of taste combined with the perfect smoky aroma.This year we want to offer the ‘Smoky Eggs’ experience to Fun participants Drive for them to enjoy the taste along with the many health benefits.

The Castrol spokesperson said the Gulf News Fun Drive is organized in a very professional manner. “There is full on-the-ground knowledge prior to the event providing the necessary ‘on-the-ground’ infrastructure for a near seamless ‘all-on-the-ground’ experience,” the spokesperson said.

“Castrol Lubricants offers free products on site. A six-litre pack of Castrol MAGNATEC will be provided for all off-roaders to experience the brand’s performance. Castrol MAGNATEC lubricants are the lubricants of choice for all off-roaders for their cars,” said the spokesperson.

“As stated, there will be no Castrol spokesperson due to company guidelines.”

Roshanara Sait, founder of Ciel Marketing & Events, said Gulf News Fun Drive has always been and will always be a spectacular off-road family event, the best in the UAE. “One can experience the magnificent desert of the UAE in an adventurous yet safe way, definitely a great camping weekend for the whole family. The organization is excellent and the hospitality, camping and “excellent entertainment. I personally have been associated with the Fun Drive since 1997 and this association is a privilege,” said Sait.

“We will be providing entertainment on the campsite which matches the high standards of the event as a whole. The atmosphere on the campsite will be vibrant, with show lighting, great music, belly dancers with laser beams , Bhangra and Bollywood. We will create a fabulous celebration and a perfect end to a perfect day,” said Sait.

Jan Sport and REEF offer backpacks for marshals and sailors.

Neyha Nurie, Marketing Manager said: “As a brand JanSport and REEF believe in outdoor adventures, active lifestyle and the thrills it offers while exploring nature in a dynamic way. The Gulf News Fun Drive offers a great opportunity to bring adventures to life.”

“We provide backpacks for the marshals and navigators because of the crucial role they will play in ensuring the success of the event. JanSport backpacks will come in handy for storing everything you need and more. JanSport makes iconic backpacks and bags for men and women, for to travel and school, for outdoor adventures and in the city.

REEF makes high-quality, comfortable, eco-friendly products that look just as good on the street as they do on the beach. The products are designed to make you feel ridiculously comfortable, relaxed and free in any environment,” explained Nurie.