Dubai firm unveils off-road circuit scheme

An off-road race track, a championship and a supercar designed for the desert – three projects in the UAE pipeline launched by a new homegrown auto firm. Zarooq Motors on Tuesday revealed the concept of the first off-road racing circuit to be built in the UAE, along with a first look at its innovative road-legal Zarooq Sand Racer, which has been specifically designed for the desert. Zarooq’s motorsport director Mohammed Al Qadi told 7DAYS: “The Dubai Off-Road Racing Track will not only host races but also corporate events and be open to tourists and off-road drivers interested in sand racing. You will be able to see Dubai – “دبئ” in Arabic – as part of the track design.” The track, located in Dubai, will span about 100 acres and also feature other family-friendly facilities such as a clubhouse and swimming pool. While the price of the project was not revealed, Al Qadi said it would not have a hefty price tag. The former senior director operations of Yas Marina Circuit said: “We are not trying to build something 7-star. We are trying to bring something approachable to cater to both families and off-road drivers – it will be for anyone who loves the desert to experience. “The track will have jumps, curves, and challenges – and we will use special material to reduce dust coming out of the car from spinning of the wheels.” The circuit will also help tackle common safety challenges faced by local rally drivers such as people or camels crossing. “This is a closed circuit so it’s a safe, controlled environment with marshals and medical support,” he said. Meanwhile, the 3.5l V6 Sand Racer – designed, manufactured and assembled in the UAE – will begin testing next month. Prices will start at $100,000, with about two produced every month, and first deliveries are expected in early 2016. The firm also hopes to show its first edition to HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. “We would like to show it to him first if he allows us to. We have worked hard on it and we hope he will like it and have his blessing on it,” Al Qadi said. As for the rest of the world, he added: “We are an Emirati company and we want to show the world what we are capable of.” megha@7days.ae