Feature: 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2024 drive

Sir Stirling Moss, Tazio Nuvolari and Alberto Ascari are legends in their own right, but they all have one thing in common: they’re winners of the Mille (1000 in Italian) Miglia, considered to be the greatest road race in the world.

Having participated in both previous UAE editions – a regularity event for vintage and classic cars to celebrate the original race – I still pinch myself when I think about the experiences. At the very first edition in 2022, I was driving a Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107), one of my all-time favourite cars. I was following Simon Kidston’s legendary Lamborghini Countach with its famous licence plate – 77 UFO – and had Jacky Ickx in his original 1968 Porsche 911 – Bahama Mama – in my rear-view mirror. A moment later, I was overtaken by Jochen Mass driving a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing, and up ahead was an invaluable 1961 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa cornering hard around a breathtaking road. Just another day at the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE.

Classic Dinos (Ferraris) and a contemporary Lamborghini ready for the flag-off at the Queen Elizabeth 2.

The who’s who of the classic car and motorsport world, including classic car celebrity Simon Kidston and Sandra Button of Pebble Beach Concours, as well as famous racing drivers like Jochen Mass, Jacky Ickx, and Lamborghini’s renowned test driver Valentino Balboni, are some of the big names present at the event every year. In fact, HK Engineering from Germany brings his entourage of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs to the event annually, taking the tally of 300 SLs to over 10 (yes, ten). I was also pleased to see Jagmaniacs (classic Jaguar specialists) bring some of their Jaguars to the event. On average, cars collectively worth $150 million to $200 million participate in this event.

Bugatti Veyrons, Lykan Hypersports, Porsche Marc Philipp Gemballa “Marsien”, Ferrari 250 Testa Rossas, rare vintage Bugattis, Rolls-Royces and classic Alfa Romeos driving side by side along scenic coasts and cliffs are just normal views at the UAE edition of the world’s most iconic motoring event.

Bugatti Veyrons and Ferrari 275GTBs are common here.

The best part is that you can now easily participate in the upcoming 1000 Miglia UAE 2024 from December 1-5, in a car of your choice, as long as it meets the eligibility criteria. The event is open to classic cars, contemporary supercars, and modern classics. To give you an idea, you can take part in an Indian-made Mercedes-Benz W124 sedan, a Ferrari, a Porsche supercar, or even a classic Fiat Millecento.

Modern Classics driving down the coast along the Oman-UAE border.

The 1000 Miglia is arguably the most iconic race in the classic car world, and its UAE edition is probably the most enjoyable classic car (driving) event you can experience anywhere on the planet.

The event in the UAE is hosted in partnership with Octanium Experiences LLC, UAE, and 1000 Miglia Srl, Italy. What makes this edition truly spectacular and unique among motoring events worldwide are not just the cars but also the breathtaking views as you drive around the United Arab Emirates. Apart from the fun of driving for around 6 hours a day, live music by renowned bands, champagne, gourmet cuisine, and luxury hotels with the best possible hospitality make an already fabulous experience even more memorable. Besides the opening gala dinner and prize distribution night, I’ve particularly enjoyed dinner on the deck of the docked Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel (an annual affair).

The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is the most popular car at the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE.

In 2023, the event extended from Dubai to Ras Al-Khaimah along a stunning rocky coastline. It even had an unprecedented crossing into the Sultanate of Oman. One of the many highlights is driving to the peak of Jebel Jais (over 1,900 metres), often considered one of the best driving roads in the world or the Pikes Peak of the Middle East.

The five-day event includes fast highways and mountain tunnels en route to Fujairah, as well as some truly amazing driving roads, such as the twisty routes through the Hajar Mountains. Imthishan Giado, head of marketing at Octanium Experiences, said, “In our second edition, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE 2023 explored new roads, crossed borders and took participants on a magical journey across the vast Arabian landscape. From the rocky coastal hamlet of Musandam in Oman to the majestic dunes of the UAE, we were proud to take our rally participants to places a classic car has simply never been to before. I expect to see and welcome some amazing vehicles and drivers from India – as we have in the past – again this year.”

A number of Indian entries have taken part and even won at the event over the last two editions. (Amirali and Wendy Jetha won the Jubilee Class in 2022 in their Fiat Millecento). For enthusiasts, such as businessman Yohan Poonawalla and myself, the 1000 Miglia UAE has become an annual fixation and a splendid way to end the (motoring) year every December. See you at the Mille Miglia (UAE)!

Also see:

New Mercedes E-Class review: Has the best gotten better?

AMG Experience 2024: Star Track