The First-Ever Chopard Classic Rally Dubai

On November 10th, the competition started from the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is set in the heart of Emaar’s Downtown Dubai.

The 30 teams of drivers and co-drivers drove their vintage automobiles towards the northern Emirates passing by Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. The route on the first day had two stops; one at Hatta Fort, which is nestled on the foothills of the 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 route towards Ras Al Khaimah and had several stops highlighting an array of 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 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.

Karl Friedrich Scheufele, Chopard Co-President said:”It is impressive how vibrant the classic car scene is in the Middle East. There are collectors just as passionate and knowledgeable here as anywhere in the world.” He added, “Chopard is proud to have organized this classic rally in the UAE. We hope that it will be a regular fixture on the regional and global classic car calendar”.

When asked about the regularity rally, Mohammed Abdulmagied Seddiqi, Chief Commercial Officer of Seddiqi Holding, said “The Chopard Classic Rally is a remarkable display of the brand’s enthusiasm and appreciation for fine workmanship. Beautifully executed, the event brought together an esoteric group of individuals passionate about mechanics and aesthetics. As a long-standing partner of Chopard, Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons would like to congratulate all parties involved for a successful event and we look forward to the development of this endeavor”.