Posted by Shereen Shabnam
My first few days of this month was spent experiencing the 1000 Miglia, also known as “The Most Beautiful Race in the World”. Being part of this immersive UAE classic regularity rally along an exciting route across the different Emirates was exhilarating.
The highlight of the drive was driving into Khasab, in the Sultanate of Oman with enthusiasts from around the globe including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Highlights from an outstanding lineup of classics included:
- 1931 Alfa 6C 1750 GS “Aprile” – Unique, multiple-awarded coachbuilt example from the vault of one of the world’s most appreciated collections
- 1969 Aston Martin DB6
- 1968 Ferrari 275GTB4
- 1956 AC Ace – the car that became the legendary Shelby Cobra
- Four stunning Ferrari Dinos, the most that have ever raced together in the UAE
- An impressive fleet of 11 legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwings and Roadsters
We started our drive from the Apron Views at the Meydan Racecourse , home of the famous Dubai World Cup horse race. At this iconic setting the public were able to view all the participating vehicles in one extraordinary location a day ahead while the teams trained for the challenges ahead.
After we flagged off from the racetrack of the Meydan, we drove to Ras Al Khaimah and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch. After driving through the rocky hills on that comprises Oman’s breathtaking Musandam Peninsula, we then spent the evening at the five-star Intercontinental Resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
From the sunny coasts of Ras Al Khaimah, the rally charted a course upward to return to one of its favorite tests: the Jebel Jais mountain, a test of precise driving and preparation, with a dizzying climb that would test a modern vehicle – let alone cars that are nearly one hundred years old.
We then moved on to Fujairah where I ended my drive. The rally continued the following day returning to Dubai via the charming hamlet of Hatta before diving headfirst into the towers of power at Dubai International Financial Centre with a signature stop under the world-famous Gate Building, before concluding at the Queen Elizabeth 2 liner for the evening.
On the final day of the event, the teams enjoyed a traditional lunch in the desert before heading to Abu Dhabi and the high octane thrills of Yas Marina circuit. Even though my time at the rally was short, it was a memorable experience that got me up, close and personal with some of the most coveted cars from the past.
All about wheels 