AL AIN CAR FESTIVAL

100 km (60 miles) from Abu Dhabi, this city is an oasis and former caravan stop, built on a huge fertile plain. Spectacular scenery is the highlight of the journey from Al Ain. The resort includes a camel market, zoo and museum containing old and new artifacts and Mesopotamian pottery. There is also a water spring at Ain Faidha, 14 km from Al Ain, along with important archaeological digs at Hili, 10 km from Al Ain. A fun park is situated at Al Hir and majestic sand seas can be seen at Liwa.

On 18th of March, the festival moves to an outdoor Spa with hot springs on the feet of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain. As Friday is the Islamic holiday spectators are expected to attend numerous the festival in the afternoon. For Hill Climbing drivers this track is a real delight. A challanging 11kilometers long perfectly did street winds up the UAE’s highest mountain (1350m). Still the Cup is ideal for experienced drivers as well as beginners and suitable for all categories. Participants have one training run during day time and one time trial on the illuminated road during the evening. Also here chosen restaurants and hotels care for a nutritious and delightful waiting times, while surrounding cafes offer waterpipes and live entertainment. The RAK mechanics with the mobile workshop are stationed at the Rally Office to assist any technical quandaries.

AWARDS

In this beautiful and enjoyable setting surrounded by an anxious atmosphere participants and spectators await the results for this history making event. The evening is concluded with the public award of the winner of the 1st Al Ain Hill Climbing Cup by a senior government official.

LEISURE DAY

On 19th of March, the Rally will pause for the day leaving time to expierience Al Ain and its neighboring city Buraimi across the border in Oman (no entry visa required for Buraimi). In cooperation with the Oman Police Department all visas are arranged for the participants to ensure a fast border crossing. A tourist guide is arranged and desert safries with offroaders take participants through the surrounding desert and wadies.

GALA DINNER

In the evening a gala dinner with local VIP’s is concluding the Rally Al Khaleej presence in Al Ain before the Rally starts to the Oman Vintage 800, early the next morning.