saudi, oman enthusiasts swell motor parade to mark uae’s 36th anniversary

Motor enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and Oman will join contemporaries from across the UAE for a parade through Dubai tomorrow (Saturday) as part of a special event being staged to mark the 36th Anniversary of the formation of the UAE.
 
Well over 200 custom cars, trucks, SUVs, sports cars, bikes and quads will take part in Innovation 36, which is being organised by the Automobile and Touring Club (ATC) with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development.
 
Getting under way at 2pm beside Palm Strip on Jumeirah Beach Road, the parade will take the vehicles through the streets of Dubai to the Al Mamzar Corniche where a beach carnival of family activities will also be held to mark the occasion.
 
The UAE Minister of Culture Youth & Community Development, H.E.Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, will join Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the ATC, to welcome individual enthusiasts, members of 11 UAE motor clubs, as well as visitors from Saudi and Oman after the procession reaches Alexandria Street around 3pm.
 
Adding to the anniversary atmosphere on the Al Mamzar Corniche, the 2007 Dubai International Rally, final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship and also organised by the ATC, will have its official finish at the same location at 4.30pm.
 
Throughout the week enthusiasts from across the Emirates have been preparing their custom cars, trucks, SUVs, sports cars, bikes and quads for what promises to be a spectacular display of customised machinery.
 
“I’m very grateful to the Minister for giving us his full support,” said Sulayem. “This is a great way for motor enthusiasts from the UAE to mark the formation of our country and we’re very pleased to welcome visitors from Saudi and Oman.”
 
Other family attractions on the Al Mamzar Corniche will include a range of childrens’ activities, a beach barbeque and music by DJ, and following the evening judging for a range of awards the event will be rounded off by a 10pm fireworks display.
 
Members of the BMW, Seat, Hummar, VW Audi, Honda, Mustang, Corvette, Evolve, Evo ME, Hummar, UAE Boost and Womens Auto and Race clubs will all be competing for trophies and cash prizes in a variety of categories which will be judged between
7pm-8.30pm by a panel headed by Sulayem.
 
Sulayem, the 14-times Middle East rally champion, will personally select the outstanding vehicle for the King of the Show Award, with the prize giving taking place at 9pm.