Drifting is one of the driving techniques that fascinates people of all age groups. Spectacular driving manoeuvres and smoking tyres are what make it more exciting. The Fast and the Furious movie series created much hype about drifting. However, drifting in the UAE on roads is banned.
There are drift tracks in the UAE where passionate drifters can learn and practice oversteering at high speed under the supervision of trained professionals. These tracks are controlled and constructed within designated zones for car drift in the UAE.
If you are passionate about car drifting, read below to know about the top drift tracks in the UAE.
LOCATIONS TO PRACTISE DRIFTING IN THE UAE
For safe and legal drifting in the UAE, you can head to any of the following places and enjoy your passion by utilising the proper and controlled drift tracks. Moreover, make sure to follow the guide on safe drifting:
YAS MARINA CIRCUIT
For car drifting in Abu Dhabi, you can head to the popular spot for car enthusiasts in the capital city, Yas Marina Circuit. The venue has dedicated circuits for drifting, labelled as North Circuit and Vehicle Dynamic Area. At Yas Marina Circuit, Drift Nights are organised for which the drifting enthusiasts have to pre-book their slot as the same-day booking is not available.
You have the option to either enjoy drifting on the passenger side in their Chevrolet Drift Taxi or if you have the drifting skills, you can bring your car on Drift Night. Drifting in Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit is legal. All activities at the venue are operated as per the Government agreed on principles to ensure safety.
The drifting session is four hours long and includes multiple turns. Besides, drifters are required to bring their own helmets for Open YAS Experiences. Also, they can take helmets on rent at the venue.
Here are a few things you need to consider before booking your drifting experience at Yas Marina Circuit:
- Before entering the drift track, your vehicle should be inspected and approved.
- One car runs at a time on the drift track for about two minutes.
- No passengers are allowed.
- Racing is strictly prohibited with other drifters.
- The cars coming for drifting should be road worthy.
- All the electric connections in the vehicle are intact with the suspension, engine, battery, chassis, bodywork and fuel system in proper working condition.
- Vehicles with off-road tyres and lift kits are not allowed.
- Only sports cars, sports motorbikes and saloons are allowed for drifting. However, Street and Pro cars can be used for drifting after clearing the safety tech inspection.
- Electric vehicles, SUVs and trucks are not allowed.
Yas Drift Night Ticket Price: AED 320
For booking call: 800-927
Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Central, Abu Dhabi
DUBAI AUTODROME
Another place for drifting in the UAE is Dubai Autodrome. As the name implies, it is one of the popular drifting places in Dubai, where Drift DXB is scheduled on open track days.
The 2.46 km Club Circuit is designated for drifting at night for two separate groups, namely Novice and Advanced. The Novice group includes street-friendly cars with no roll cages, whereas the Advanced group has modified vehicles with roll cages used specifically for drifting.
Online bookings should be made in advance on the official Dubai Autodrome website.
Here’s a list of key requirements that each drifter has to ensure before drifting in Dubai Autodrome:
- The vehicles you plan to bring for drifting should be visibly and mechanically fit.
- There should be no fluid leakage and the brakes should be in perfect working condition.
- At least one brake light should be working.
- Cars must have towing eyes and be operational.
- For roll-caged cars race overalls are mandatory.
- One passenger is allowed with drifters for an additional charge of AED 55.
- Seatbelts should be worn on the track as well as helmets. You can rent helmets at the venu for AED 55 each.
Drift DXB Entry Fee: AED 630
Call for more information: 800-288-637-663
Location: Motor City, Dubai
DRIFT IN DUBAI – DUBAI AUTODROME
Next on our list of drift tracks in the UAE is the Drift in Dubai at Dubai Autodrome. It is undoubtedly one of the well-known drifting places in Dubai, where drifters get to experience their passion in the modified vehicles featuring ‘Easydrift’ technology.
No outside vehicles are allowed, Drift in Dubai has vehicles equipped with Easydrift that back the loss of grip on the car’s rear side wheels. This is done with the help of plastic rings on the rear tyres that are designed especially for this purpose. The drivers are then able to easily drift with the standard front-wheel drive vehicles initially at quite a low speed. Also, drivers can drift at a much faster speed.
To experience the ultimate thrill, you need to book your slot online on the official Drift in Dubai website. Besides, you can book a passenger ride with trained professionals on the track.
Before you book your slot, make sure you meet the following requirements:
- A valid GCC driving licence is mandatory.
- If you have a European, North American, Australian or international driving licence you can book your slot and present it at the venue.
- Drivers who are 18 years old or more can avail of the activity.
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
- Before you drift, you have to sign a disclaimer.
- Without a valid driving licence, you can not book your slot for a passenger ride.
- You are not allowed to drift in your own car, the vehicles at the venue are modified to offer a safe and exciting drifting experience.
Here is a list of cars available for drifting at Drift in Dubai:
Passat
- Gear Box: Tiptronic six-speed DSG automatic transmission
- Engine: 2.5 litre, in-line 5 cylinder
- Output: 125kWh / 170bhp
- 0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Jetta
- Gear Box: Tiptronic six-speed DSG automatic transmission
- Engine: 2.0 litre, in-line 4 cylinder
- Output: 85kWh / 115bhp
- 0-100km/h: 12.6 seconds
Golf GTI
- Gear Box: Tiptronic six-speed DSG automatic transmission
- Engine: 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Output: 164kWh / 220bhp
- 0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds
Scirocco
- Gear Box: Tiptronic six-speed DSG automatic transmission
- Engine: 2.0 litre Turbocharged 4 cylinder engine
- Output: 155kWh / 210bhp
- 0-100km/h: 6.8 seconds
Price per session: AED 950 per 40 minutes. This also includes a 5-minute passenger ride.
It is worthwhile to note that students holding a valid UAE driving licence and Student ID can avail of a 20% discount on the session charges.
Call for details: 056-972-8824
Location: Dubai Autodrome, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Motor City, Dubai
DRIFT ZONE
Other than car drifting in the UAE, you can go for motorised drift trikes and karts at the Drift Zone Dubai. This drifting activity requires zero experience or practice. The staff is available for basic training on the spot to ensure drifters’ safety.
Each drift experience is of 10-15 minutes starting with a safety briefing session. Also, helmets, disposable gloves, masks and head caps are provided.
Other things you need to know before starting your trike or kart drifting session includes:
- Emirates ID, UAE driving licence or a passport should be presented.
- People below 18 years must have an adult’s consent.
- No smoking on or near the drifting tracks.
- No vehicle-to-vehicle contact.
- Follow the track marshal’s safety directions throughout the session.
- Drive at a walking pace in the pits.
- 125 cm should be the minimum height of drifters.
- Wear closed-toe shoes and don’t wear loose clothing.
- If you are new to the activity, it is recommended you drive your first few laps at a low speed. This will help you know the circuit.
- Racing is not allowed.
Price per person: AED 110 (drift trike), AED 180 (drift kart)
Call for more information: +971-5-61- 44537
Location: Hamdan Sports Complex near Global Village, Dubai
All drifting enthusiasts living in the UAE can head to the above-detailed drift tracks in the UAE to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush. Some of the places also offer drifting enthusiasts the option to bring their own car for the activity. But, for that, you need to know that rear-wheel drive cars fit best for drifting, especially the ones with manual gears. With manual gears, you can drift the car at full speed, as you have control of the clutch and gears, both.
If you own a car with automatic transmission, you may opt to get a manual transmission for drifting. You can check these used cars for sale in the UAE and get the manual transmission car with rear-wheel drive that fits in your budget and requirements.
Besides, you can go drifting at other places where they offer cars for drifting, modified specifically for the experience.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for information on off-roading vehicles, places to go for off-roading, go-karting, desert driving and a lot more.
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