A thousand mile classic car race to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee has been postponed for the second time.

The Jubilee edition of the 1000 Miglia experience was supposed to run for five days in December, but was postponed until the end of next year.

Organizers said the postponement was due to the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, although a special and smaller event is taking place in February.

Limited to 100 vehicles, a revised itinerary starting at the 2020 Dubai Expo site and ending at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix home Yas Marina was scheduled to begin on February 18 after an initial schedule change by organizers Octanium Experiences.

“This decision is the result of careful consideration, with preparations completed for February 2022,” said Martin Halder, CEO of Octanium.

“We cannot help but recognize the spread of the Omicron variant and must put the safety and well-being of our participants around the world above all else.

“We appreciate and cherish the enthusiasm our participants have shown so far and thank them for their support and encouragement.

“We will keep our promise to deliver a premier international event with attendees from all over the world. “

Inspired by the Italian traveling classic car race from Brescia to Rome in the mid-20th century, the Mille Miglia has gained cult status with racing fans as one of the sport’s most eye-catching annual events.

Classic car owners around the world had planned to travel to the UAE for a tour of the seven emirates, passing some of the country’s most scenic roads and stunning landmarks.

The revised event at the end of 2022 will be open to three vehicle classes.

They include cars made between 1927 and 1957 that participated at least once in the original Italian race; United Arab Emirates jubilee cars from 1971 or earlier; and “contemporary icons”, for distinctive or historic vehicles.

From 1953 to 1957, the race achieved global status in the World Sports Car Championship, as the best machines from Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Porsche and Mercedes Benz competed against each other.

With many of the 100 participants planning to import their vehicles to the UAE for the tour, organizers have decided to push back the dates due to increasing travel uncertainty in the coming months.

A tasting event of what’s to come later in the year will be offered during a special prologue event in February.

It will give aficionados a taste of the thrills of the original Italian race and let participants and the public know what to expect.

“Our prologue event in February will give a taste of what to expect from the full event of the final quarter, unlike anything the region has never seen before,” said Mr. Halder.

“In a world where the future revolves around homogeneous electric vehicles, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE Jubilee Edition is perfectly placed to showcase the iconic appeal and unparalleled experience of great vintage cars.

“It will be done in a way that collectors and the public can enjoy it on the move for many years to come.”

Vintage car show in Kuwait City: in pictures

A woman takes a selfie with a 1937 Ford at a vintage car show in Kuwait. All AFP photos

Updated: December 27, 2021, 13:18