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Dubai motor fest sets new world record

DUBAI, November 29, 2014

Dubai set a new Guinness record on Friday for the largest number of car brands in a single motorcade, as a convoy comprising 58 of the world’s leading automotive marques completed a 3.2-km tour around the Motor Village.

With motoring frenzy sweeping the city, thousands of families flocked to the Motor Village at Meydan in Dubai for a glimpse of the annual Dubai Motor Festival (DMF) treat.

The second edition of DMF delivered an unforgettable show that thrilled spectators and united the city in unbridled motoring passion, said the event organisers.

The stunning convoy comprised supercars, classic automobiles and exotic cars, with all vehicles maintaining an average bumper-to-bumper distance of 1.5 metres.

The new record was set with the help of a large number of car enthusiasts who later participated in the second edition of the Dubai Grand Parade - the showpiece event of DMF 2014.

Following the event, the Motor Village at Meydan shifted into top gear from 3pm as the Dubai Grand Parade was officially flagged off.

The parade, which saw the UAE’s car clubs and private luxury car owners turn out in full force, included the crème de la crème of automotive marques including Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Cadillac, Harley Davidson, Ducati and Triumph.

 A number of participating cars were decorated in the colors of the UAE national flag in celebration of the UAE’s forthcoming 43rd National Day on December 2.

Salem Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, driving a customised Ford F100 from 1955, said: “This truck has been my personal project for two-and-a-half years and it’s been completely restored - the interiors, the suspension, the grill, the engine, the lights, steering wheel and gear stick - everything is new, inside and out."

"I am so honoured to be representing the UAE here today, I’ve been through so much with the restoration but it’s been a labour of love that I can now share with the people of Dubai," he added.

With his family and friends along for the ride, Emirati Tariq Al Hajari, driving an iconic Cadillac 66 DeVille, added: “I sometimes drive my car to work and she gets a lot of looks, people can’t help stare at her. She’s in the company of the best cars in Dubai today though, so she’s sharing the attention. It’s great to have all these cars in one Parade, the public are watching, cheering and taking pictures – everyone is sharing a passion for cars.”

With Dubai Police’s world-famous fleet of green and white supercars heading the Parade, the convoy embarked on a 47-km tour of Dubai’s main arteries, passing the city’s iconic architectural landmarks and wowing crowds along the way.
Setting off from the Motor Village at Meydan, the convoy proceeded along Al Meydan Road and Financial Centre Road before entering Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard to drive past the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. The convoy then made its way along Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah Road, taking in the Burj Al Arab and other landmarks before returning to Meydan for its grand finish.

Frenchman Frederic Juillot, driving a Dutch-made Donkervoort with his young daughter, Suzanne, in the passenger seat, said the Parade was a great family event.

"I have had the car for one-and-a-half years but this is the first time I’ve driven it in a group like this. The Parade is amazing - there are so many beautiful cars here and Suzanne is having a great day," he noted.

Following the Parade, other DMF events were in full swing at various locations around the Motor Village as visitors continued to pour into the purpose-built venue.

The teeming crowds were kept entertained with a flurry of action-packed events and activities designed to create a fun day out for families. The line-up included a Kiddies Driving Zone with BMW and Mini cars just for kids, a dedicated Gaming Zone and Bikers’ Corner, an F1 Simulator that allowed visitors to experience the thrill of driving a true Formula 1 racing car, a traditional Emirati Heritage Village, a Kiddies Corner featuring arts and crafts, face painting and balloon-making, and an assortment prize-loaded competitions. Live music and entertainment added to the carnival-like atmosphere.

The day’s signature attractions included dubizzle Live! – a first of its kind auto-themed event that featured an array of engaging activities for families including the F1 Driver Reaction Game Challenge, live pop bang art with Ian CookChill, and live CarAoke experience, the highlight being a live art display on a Mini by dubizzle’s in-house artist.

Visitors at the Motor Village also took part in special events hosted by Arabian Automobiles (AW Rostamani Group), including an experiential test drive of the Nissan Patrol on an exclusively engineered 4x4 track, an active test drive of the all-new Nissan X-Trail 2015, the GT Academy Zone that turned ordinary video gamers to real professional race car drivers, and the Union of European Football Association Champion League Zone, an on-ground competition activation.

There were plenty of amazing prizes on offer, including the grand prize – the Nissan 370Z limited edition - and 12 travel vouchers to attend UEFA matches abroad, said the organisers.

The festival, which runs till December 6 under the theme ‘Passion on Wheels’, is being organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: record | Guinness |

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