UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Some of the world's most expensive cars participate in the 'Arab Run'

The streets of United Arab Emirates were transformed into a rally circuit on Friday (April 27) when 70 owners of some of the world's most luxurious cars burnt rubber and mesmerised the country's bystanders. The "Arab Run," as the exclusive event was dubbed, attracted participants from a variety of nationalities who willingly paid the 7,000 UAE dirhams (about 1,905 US dollars) to show off their machines. From exotic sports cars to vintage automobiles to modified vehicles, the event had it all. ''As you can see we have a fantastic turnout for cars. We have a Bugatti Zero One, we have Murcielagos, we have an LP 640. We have all kinds of the best cars in the Middle East turning up," said 'Arab Run' CEO Qiass Issa. Despite the presence of Lamborghinis and Ferraris, one supercar virtually eclipsed the entire line-up: the Bugatti Veyron. Priced at 1,440,800 US dollars, the Veyron is one of the most expensive, the fastest and most powerful sports car in the world today. Dubai has, since the beginning of the millennium, gained international renown for possessing a large collection of the most luxurious sports cars, and the occurrence of the "Arab Run" is likely to fuel that reputation. "I think what we actually wanted to do was put Dubai on the map as far as putting together an event that brings together different types of cars, different types of people, have a bit of fun but get recognition for it as well. So really the theme was about it being an event, with the cars and the people being the stars of the show," said "Arab Run" General Manager Azhar Butt The "Arab Run" organisers had to sift through a long list of applicants and tighten their selection criteria before coming up with the final list of 70 participating cars. "We had a lot of people wanting to submit their cars, but we were a bit selective. We can't allow all the cars to participate. We need to have special categories that has specifications. Special categories such as the Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mazerati and Aston Martin," said owner of organising company 'MAS' Abdel-Karim Agha. The 500-kilometre circuit had to be approved by the UAE police and some areas were cordoned off. The convoy was for the most part led by police cars, making the drivers frustrated about not being able to drive at high speeds. "Two coppers have stopped us already. It was just general enquiries asking us what we're doing over here, what's your involvement this and that, what are the stickers. That's about it, no hassle really they just asked about details about everything," said driver Clive Wilfried. In order to tame their temporary frustration, the drivers were given an opportunity to show off their racing skills when an entire track at the local race arena, the "Dubai Autodrome," was cleared.

ITN Source | April 30, 2007

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