Miglia 1000 comes to Ras Al Khaimah – all you need to know

As winter approaches in the United Arab Emirates, the country experiences perfect weather conditions, clear vistas and minimal humidity. The ideal weather makes it the perfect setting for the first-ever 1000 Miglia Experience UAE in Ras Al Khaimah. The extraordinary route encompasses each of the seven emirates. It is an intoxicating journey through the rose-coloured deserts and the formidable Jebel Jais mountains, followed by luxury hospitality after a day of exciting driving.

It’s the first time Miglia 1000 has been held outside its sacred home of Brescia in northern Italy. The invitation-only event is open to 100 owners of landmark pedigree classics from 1927 to contemporary icons of the modern era. You can expect a lineup of the world’s rarest vintage and contemporary high-octane cars, many of which have never been seen in the United Arab Emirates before. Each vehicle is considered a single team comprising a driver and navigator.

The United Arab Emirates comprises seven well-distinguished emirates Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Ul Quwain. The country draws tourists and residents from around the world, highlighted at the Dubai Expo earlier this year. Visitors inspired by the culture can explore the bustling souks, world-class museums, luxury hotels, the finest shopping experiences, and entertainment shows. Adrenaline seekers can discover attractions such as mountain hiking, the longest zipline in the world, dune bashing and SCUBA diving. The UAE Ministry of Interior, the UAE Government Media Office and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority support the event.

Miglia 1000 UAE is set to be the largest event of its kind ever seen in the GCC region. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority invites visitors and residents of the emirate to experience the thrill of the race and to see these iconic cars hightail through the hairpin bends of the Jebel Jais mountains and the modern Al Marjan Island. Already, the cars are en route from far-flung destinations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, India, the United States and Lebanon.

The inimitable lineup will be a sight to behold. It will be attended by a number of high-profile collectors, international guests and influencers to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the history of 1000 Miglia. Cars participating in the event include a 1927 OM 665 Superba, a similar model to the one that won the first Miglia 1000 race; the 1952 Porsche 356, which competed in the famously gruelling South American 1953 Panamericana rally with Guatemalan coffee mogul Manfredo Lippman at the wheel; the 1964 Lincoln Continental bought by the then-Pope for his tour of India in 1964 and then presented to Mother Teresa for charity; the 1958 Ferrari 250GT California LWB Spyder, one of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris ever made and the 1977 Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopo, the first version of the legendary Countach supercar.

After the opening celebrations of 1000 Miglia, the cars, drivers and navigators will commence their epic 1600-kilometre journey from the Dubai Creek Golf Club to Ras Al Khaimah. From Dubai, the rally heads to hilly Hatta, along the sinewy coastline of Fujairah, before heading to the cloud-piercing mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. The formidable Jebel Jais mountains will allow drivers to put their skills to the test as their vintage cars climb the steep inclines and the adrenaline-pumping bends. The following day, the rally will head away from the mountainous emirate to the mangroves of Umm Al Quwain, the coastal roads of Ajman, the towering red dunes and the ancient archaeological sites of Sharjah and on to Abu Dhabi for the grand finale at Yas Marina Circuit.

Alberto Piantoni, CEO of 1000 Miglia, said, “For the first time in these territories, it will be possible to see the parade of cars that have too often remained closed in museums and in the garages of private collections. An event capable of involving the seven Emirates is something like the laying of the foundation stone in these territories for 1000 Miglia. This is the first step to showcase our now almost century-old history here and to proceed along the path of growth of our brand. What better scenario could we have imagined for the debut of a 1000 Miglia event in the Middle East?”

If you are keen to see this unparalleled collection of vintage and modern iconic supercars, there are two gatherings where you can experience the excitement of this extraordinary event.

Tuesday 6 December 2022