Awafi racing attracts thousands

Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and Head of the Higher organizing committee of the festival, said that the Awafi Festival 2007 has been a tremendous success due to its huge public turnout and excellent organization. "The success of the festival would encourage the organizers to expand the scope and activities of the festival in the coming years", he said.

Sheikh Mohammad bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of the RAK Economic Department, presented cash prizes and trophies to the winners. Badr Ahli from Dubai emerged the winner in the eight- cylinder category by climbing 80 metres in 6.86 seconds while Hamad Al Hibabi from Al Ain won the top spot in the six- cylinder category by reaching a height of 82 metres in 9.45 seconds.

The race also had its share of dramatic moments when one vehicle went up in flames while steering up the sand dune. Fortunately, the driver and co-driver jumped out of the vehicle and escaped unhurt.

The Awafi Festival has over the years become a popular spring festival that celebrates the emirate's ethnic and cultural heritages through performances, cultural displays and outdoor sports events held at the Awafi area of RAK, known for its cool environs and beautiful landscapes. The festival would last till February 2, 2007.

The race turned out to be a spirited encounter between the might of super-charged 4- wheel drive vehicles against the imposing 105- metre high sand dune. The vehicles had to maneuver a near vertical climb with a steep angle of more than 70 degrees as part of the competition.

The sand dune climbing races have over the years become the major attraction of the annual spring festival at Awafi.

The races were held in two categories, for eight- cylinder and six- cylinder vehicles. As many as 15 contestants, including participants from across UAE and GCC countries, took part in each category.

The large number of spectators, including tourists from foreign countries, cheered as the drivers hurled their vehicles against the sand dune. According to official estimates, around 100,000 people had gathered at Awafi to witness the popular event.

The vehicles left a trail of smoke and even spewed fire out of their exhausts as they were pushed to the extremes in the fiercely fought race.