Stormy conditions don’t put off adrenaline junkies at Sharjah Sports Desert Festival

Competitors take part in a warm up and familirization lap ahead of the first race. Antonie Robertson / The National

Two competitors head for the starting race arena ahead of the first race. Antonie Robertson / The National

Competitors take part in a warm up and familiarisation lap before the first race. The elimination rounds and final race will be held on Friday. Antonie Robertson / The National

Competitors gather for the preliminary race briefing. Antonie Robertson / The National

SHARJAH // Strong winds that kicked up sand did not stop adrenaline junkies from riding their quad bikes on the first of the two-day Sharjah Sports Desert Festival on Thursday.

Drivers braved the tough weather as they pushed the pedal to the metal over the sandy hills in Sharjah Al Badayer Desert Camp.

Drivers competed in time trials and Enduro Knockout qualifying races.

Ahmad Al Ghais, 27, took part in the qualifying rounds in a challenge to friends.

“I have been riding for three years, and I consider myself a rookie. The race today is to prove that I am the better driver, and to challenge my friends, who are taking part as well,” said the Emirati.

The police officer took up dune bashing as a hobby, to enjoy the desert and quench his thirst for off-roading.

Food stations, juice bars and tents to relax in were available to spectators of the high adrenaline sport, while all ages were treated to tours on desert bikes from Al Badayer to Mleiha.

For Adel Al Naqbi, dune bashing is a weekly activity, often going off-road in his quad bike with his 16-year-old son.

“It runs in the family. I take my eldest son and drive my quad bike in Al Madam, Al Fayeh and as far as Al Ain. It’s a very fun and challenging activity,” said the 40-year-old government employee.

He hopes to win Dh10,000.

“I’m gonna try my best to qualify, compete against my friends and other riders and hopefully I get the top spot,” said the father of two.

Amer Ali Al Ghaithi, director of events and activities at Sharjah Sports Channel, who organised the first-of-its-kind event in the emirate, said motorists have an ideal place to showcase their talents.

“This is an ideal opportunity for off-road and desert racing enthusiasts to showcase their skills in front of a large audience and, while we had huge excitement on the first day, I am sure the finals on Friday will be the real day to remember,” he said.

First place winners receive a Dh10,000 cash prize, while Dh5,000 and Dh3,000 will be awarded to the second and third places, respectively.