Polished chrome flashing in the desert sun, the sound of thoroughbred engines flying down the road, the scent of old leather and petrol… there’s a certain kind of thrill only classic cars on great roads can deliver.
Now entering its fourth spectacular edition, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE delivers all this, woven with elegance, the competition of time controls and the sheer adventure of navigating roads you’ve never been on before. This and all the best hospitality delivered by the best classic cars in the world anywhere.
Widely known as the crown jewel of the Asian and Middle Eastern motoring calendar, the event is organised by Octanium Experiences in partnership with Italy’s 1000 Miglia. Invites include over a hundred distinguished participants, owner-drivers, collectors and automobile world celebrities like Giacomo Agostini, Jacky Ickx, Stefan Johansson and Simon Kidston.
Charting a course that traverses across the UAE – from the futuristic skyline of Dubai to the Jebel Jais, often called the Pikes Peak of the Middle East, to the shimmering coastline of Fujairah, to the desert dunes, and a visit to the capital Abu Dhabi – this is not just a rally; it’s a sensory odyssey.
White-knuckle elegance
The 1000 Miglia started in Italy in 1926. A 1,000-mile road race from Brescia to Rome and back, it remains one of the world’s legendary road races.
In 1955, Sir Stirling Moss did it in 10 hours, 7 minutes and 48 seconds in what is now among the most famous cars in the world – the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, setting an all-time record for the race that has never been beaten.
Today’s format is not a flat-out race and celebrates regularity and precision; each stage is a test not of who finishes first, but of who can follow the route and match exacting time and distances. The roadbook becomes a companion, guiding drivers through spectacular terrain and demanding skill, and the event delivers a great driving experience.
Over the years, we have seen some spectacular cars at the 1000 Miglia UAE. The entry roster included all-time classics: Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, Mercedes-Benz cars, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and more. And this year, it’s going to be grander than ever, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom series, with India’s leading collector, Yohan Poonawalla, displaying every generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom from his collection.
Speaking at the event, CEO and Founder of Octanium Experiences Martin Halder stated, “The 1000 Miglia Experience UAE is the ‘Best of the Best’ – bringing together the world’s finest classic cars, exquisite cuisine and unmatched hospitality. Just three hours from India, the UAE feels like a dream destination, offering Indian enthusiasts a unique opportunity to join an unforgettable motoring celebration.”
Drama behind the wheel
Glitter and prestige are only part of the package; there is grit, too – navigational challenges, heat, wind-blown sand, and winding roads that demand both nerve and finesse. And when mechanical troubles arise, that’s when character shows up – camaraderie among teams, ingenuity in repairs, and a visceral reminder of how much care and craft support these machines.
It’s not just a race; it’s automotive theatre
The opening day in Dubai’s Emirates Golf Club is unlike any other show in the world – more like a pageant for the greatest cars in the world. Exotic machines line up on perfectly manicured lawns amongst Dubai’s billionaire celebrities, an auction is conducted by RM Sotheby’s, and VIPs, collectors and classic-car enthusiasts from across the globe can be seen scurrying about, thoroughly enjoying the event.
When dawn breaks on that first morning of the rally and rows upon rows of gleaming classic cars roll out into the open road, you realise this: the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE earns its title of the “most beautiful race in the world”.
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Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
Viraaj Bhatnagar
