There is something about Fujairah that appeals to lovers of the open road – Le Méridien Al Aqah hosted the official Ferrari Owner’s Club recently, and the Rotana Resort & Spa celebrated the style and spirit of the open road by hosting a bike show in April.
Last month a fleet of 15 Ferrari models drove from Dubai to Fujairah before parking in the five star surroundings of the hotel on the coast.
“The official Ferrari Owner’s Club in the UAE is pleased with the support of Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Hotel to organise the first event for the club in the New Year. “It brings together great cars and proud owners in a superb location. Surely this will not be the last time we visit the hotel as part of our upcoming events,” commented Fred Kamperman, president, Ferrari Owner’s Club.
With over 700 registered Ferrari owners in the UAE and 100 owners added each year, the club has the potential to be among the biggest Ferrari Owner’s Clubs in the world.
The planned openings of the Formula 1 Race Track in Abu Dhabi and the Ferrari World Theme Park will boost interest, and the club is currently making a big push to get as many owners as possible to sign up to join them, for the aim is to have a strong presence at various events in the coming years. The club organises driving events, track days, charity events and trainings among many other things.
“This is the first time such an event has taken place in Fujairah and we are delighted to be involved. Ferrari is a hugely popular car not only in the UAE but all over the world and it was fantastic to see 15 of them parked outside the hotel – every car enthusiasts dream,” said Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.
The Ferrari Owner’s Club was founded in 2002 with the new president Fred Kamperman appointed in December 2007. The club is part of a worldwide network of Ferrari Owners Clubs and is officially recognised by the manufacturer Ferrari SPA. Contact the club via Fred Kamperman at fkamperm@emirates.net.ae
On display at the Rotana Resort & Spa were a collection of motor bikes from all over the UAE, provided by bike enthusiasts and bike builders as well as custom bike owners.
The judges were representatives of biker clubs within in UAE which included the Abu Dhabi Exiles, Finn Hogs, Desert Warriors and the HOG group of Harley Davidson enthusiasts.
The bikes were put into the categories of sportster, dyna/FXR, softail, touring, V-rod, Japanese cruiser, paint, custom, radical custom and people’s choice.
The bikers from the Black Eagle Club based in Dubai organised the show in association with the Rotana hotel, with whom they share a unique partnership. Two months ago the hotel was host to 25 members of the club after they completed a seven emirates in one day event, according to club activities officer Helena Cuenat.
“The reason we took on this show was due to the cancellation of this year’s bike show traditionally organised by the Harley Davidson shop,” said Cuenat.
• The hotel opened a 1400 sq m Zen spa last month, which features treatments derived from holistic Asian philosophies, all geared towards promoting relaxation, curing ailments, relieving tension and encourage wellbeing. The Zen spa comprises 17 treatment rooms and one VIP suite equipped with a built in hydrotherapy jet bath, and offers three, four and five day packages.