Sharjah, UAE: After a construction period of eight months, XQuarry Off-Road and Adventure Park opened its gates for the first time. The opening ceremony was limited to the media, VIPs and royaltykeeping in mind the COVID safety restrictions. The inauguration took place in off-road style with H.H. Sheikh Saoud Bin Sultan Al Qasimi driving through the ribbon-cutting on a 45-degree steep concrete slope(one of the 20 off-road obstacles in the park!). The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Sheikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, H.E. Marwan Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO, Shurooq.
A huge arena was setup where numerous automobile companies exhibited their products, services and classic as well as modified 4×4 vehicles.
The Park opened to the public next day when more than 300 enthusiastic 4×4 off-road vehicle driverstook on the challenge to steer their cars throughmyriad obstacles. To ensure the highest possible safety with such huge attendance of cars, XQuarrywas efficiently supervised by 18 marshals under the guidance of lead marshals Markus Fahlbuschand and Tom Segers. The number of cars was limited to a maximum of 30 cars for every 1.5hrs slot to ensure safe and exciting experience for all off-roaders.
On the second day of opening, an off-roading club showed up with a convoy of thirty cars. This convoy, along with cars from pre-booked slots saw the busiest time with almost fifty cars at the same time in the obstacle area. To maintain control and an overview, the 15km of trails and drive to the mountain plateau w closed for the opening weekend. Thanks to the alert and agile marshals, 300 cars of different experience levels and cars of different makes and capabilities had a great experience-there were zero accidents and just three recoveries!
The admission to the XQuarry Off-Road & Adventure Park costs AED 150 for a day’s Off-Road Admission while a sign-up for a guided drive costs AED 250. In the coming days, visitors will also be able to sign up for off-roading courses.
The Mountain Biking Trail (MTB) and the short obstacle loop are supervised by The Cycle Hub and Global Climbing. For daily operations, MTB will be available for rent at XQuarry at AED 50 per hour, though visitors are free to bring their own bikes.
The Obstacle Trail Run is the secret gemstone of XQuarry. The management is already working at making the Obstacle Trail longer and more challenging for the first obstacle race due to happen on March 12th.
The Hiking trails are available for people of all ages and families. The short hikes give a taste of beauty of the Faya mountain and an insight into the secret spots only accessible through the XQuarry Off – Road and Adventure Park. Hikes will be available for all levels ranging from short taster hikes to challenging full- day hikes.
For kids and Remote- Control (RC) car lovers, there is a custom-built RC track and RC cars will be available on rent for AED 20 for 15mins. A RC rock crawling area is expected to be coming up soon.
Since COVID- 19 has been posing its challenges, this was one reason why the event was announced relatively late and also the need to call off the competitions to minimize numbers and ensure social distancing to avoid the spread of the virus. Masks were mandatory at all times and visitors’ details were duly logged in at the entrance. Seating areas and closed tents were not set up to avoid gatherings. Sharjah Police was on site to ensure that the rules were duly complied with.
The management of XQuarry Off-Road & Adventure Park and the strategic partner in the project, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) are proud of the new venue and a successful opening event. XQuarry will be the new hot-spot for adventure- seekers and hub for all off-roaders in the region.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said, “I am so happy to have been part ofthis incredible event. The active participation of off-roaders and adventure–seekers in the first few days proves that the XQuarry is at the right place, at the right time. With the wonderful backdrop of the Al Faya Mountains and within the proximity of the picturesque Mleiha Archaeological centre, the challenges at XQuarry are a must-do for all off-road and adventure enthusiasts. Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is proud to be a strategic partner in the UAE’s first Off-Road and Adventure Park and we are confidently looking forward to seeing XQuarry becoming the favourite adventure playground for everyone in the UAE.”
Saoud Al Kaabi, Director and Partner, XQuarryOff-Road & Adventure Park said, “I am very happy that our visitors and guests escaped the citylife to enjoy the weekend at XQuarry and I am proud to be able to show them the real beauty of my home country. It was an honor for us to have H.E Mohammed Rashid Bin Ghadayer visiting us and sharing with us his vision and recommendations for the growth of XQuarry as an adventure destination.”
Daniel Birkhofer, Managing Partner, XQuarryOff-Road & Adventure Park said, “We are very happy that all our guests enjoyed XQuarry, their feedback is the most important indicator for us. We are at the starting point and many facilities will continue to be extended during this season. The supplement activities to the Off-Roading adventures will be our focus in the next week especially camping, picnics and an adventure playground for kids.”
Tom Segers, Manager, Automotive & Trainingsaid, “XQuarry is a great place not only for those starting their off-road journey but also allows for experienced drivers to really see the benefit of car limits and the effect of modifications made to their car.”
Markus Fahlbusch, Lead Marshal, Xquarry Off-Road & Adventure Park said, “Our Team of marshals did a great job and ensured that all our guests were always in safe hands.”
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