Held for the first year in the United Arab Emirates, on November 10 and 11, 2017, the first edition of the Chopard Classic Rally Dubai, a challenging competitive regularity rally, came to a close Saturday evening after two days of rigorous test of timing and navigational skills. Organized by Chopard, along with partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and Emaar Properties, the Chopard Classic Rally Dubai brought together 60 classic cars aficionados coming from the United Arab Emirates, Gulf region, Europe and the United States. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard Co-President and a passionate driver of collectors’ cars, took part in this first edition, competing along with legendary pilot Jacky Ickx.
The competition started from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai on November 10, which is set in the heart of Emaar’s mega-development Downtown Dubai. The 30 teams of drivers and co-drivers, co drove their vintage automobiles towards the northern emirates passing by Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. The first day route was exciting with two stops; one at Hatta Fort, which is nestled on the foothills of the beautiful Hajar Mountains. Another stop was at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre based around the history and archaeology of the areas surrounding the village of Mleiha in Sharjah.
The rally map of the second day followed a different thrilling route towards Ras Al Khaimah and included several stops highlighting an array of breath-taking natural vistas in Ras Al Khaimah including the UAE’s highest mountain Jebel Jais, dubbed the adventure tourism hub of the Middle East.
The closing ceremony and dinner took place at Armani Hotel Dubai. Chopard Co-President Karl Friedrich Scheufele and the racing driver Jacky Ickx awarded the winners of the regularity rally. The first place team, driver and co-driver, received the limited edition of the L.U.C Time Traveler One Time of the desert. Produced in a 20-piece limited series with a refined sand colour dial recalling the golden sun-soaked dunes of the UAE, this timekeeper with its exceptional finishing is an indispensable instrument for the Emirati gentleman traveler embracing the world.
Awards were also given to the second and third place teams’ winners along with two special categories: Spirit of the Rally and Best in show classic car.
