Emirates hotel hosts quad bike world record attempt

Le Méridien Al Aqah will host a team of three Italian brothers, who are attempting to enter the Guinness World Records for a 1200km off-road trip, titled ‘Around the UAE’, driving quad bikes.

The event, organized by UAE resident Paolo Rossetti, will commence on January 16, from Sila in the Western Region, traversing ‘Rub al Khali or ‘The Empty Quarter’ along the UAE borders and is scheduled to end at Le Méridien Al Aqah on January 24.

Rossetti, a motoring enthusiast, has lived in the UAE for the past nine years and hopes to create a new category in Guinness World Records for the longest off-road trip, as well as to set a national record in the UAE. His brothers, Andrea and Marco reside in Italy and all three of them will take turns driving the quads.

“Le Meridien Al Aqah recognizes the initiative of Rossetti and his team and encourages his sense of national identity, as well as the outdoor sports which have become so popular in the region,” said Patrick Antaki, General Manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah.

Rossetti and his brothers will take two KTM quad bikes the 525 XC and 450 XC, and a Ford Expedition support vehicle provided by Al Tayer Motors, on the trip, along with satellite connectivity, courtesy Red Bull.

“This trip brings together three brothers united by a spirit of adventure and a love for the outdoors. We have provided them with a Ford Expedition for this adventure as it is a rugged and spacious 4X4 adept at handling city roads as well as the rough desert terrain. It is a fitting support vehicle for this venture. We wish the Rossettis all success in their record-making attempt,” said Martin Penny, General Manager, Ford, Lincoln & Mercury, Al Tayer Motors.

“We are lucky to have the support of companies and groups that share with us the spirit of adventure, including Le Méridien Al Aqah,” said Rossetti.

A student development co-ordinator at UAE University, Rossetti was inspired to show students that goals can be set and achieved.

“I work with Emirati youth and we hope with this trip to inspire young people to challenge their comfort levels and to reach beyond the everyday, to stretch themselves towards achieving amazing dreams, just like the leaders of this country are doing by example and it is to them we dedicate this adventure,” added Rossetti.

Daily exploits from the trip will be posted on emarat4X4.com, an online fraternity of off-road enthusiasts based in the UAE and on the Rossetti’s Facebook site, every evening using the satellite connectivity provided by Red Bull. A film clip of the adventure will also be uploaded on YouTube later.

Le Méridien Al Aqah will arrange a press conference for the team on their return, as well as hosting them overnight to recuperate from their journey. Representatives from other sponsors - Al Tayer Motors, KTM and Red Bull - will also be present.

For more information, log on to Lemeridien.com.