Watch the 1,200hp Red Bull Torque dune buggies race in Sharjah

The event's debut, at the Aljada development, was won by Emirati driver Rashed Mohammad Al Dhaheri

A driver pulls a wheelie during practice for Red Bull Torque at Aljada, Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National

Twelve drivers competed in the event. Antonie Robertson / The National

The buggies produces as much as 1,200hp. Antonie Robertson / The National

The drives competed in heats until the field was whittled down to two drivers. Antonie Robertson / The National

Drivers were allowed to make unrestricted modifications to their buggies. Antonie Robertson / The National

The buggies can cost as much as Dh2 million each. Antonie Robertson / The National

The buggies are powered by rear-mounted V8 engines. Antonie Robertson / The National

The drives competed around a 120-metre circuit. Antonie Robertson / The National

As well as racing, the drivers competed in categories such as wheelies. Antonie Robertson / The National

The circuit is at Aljada, a new development near Sharjah International Airport. Antonie Robertson / The National

Rashed Mohammad Al Dhaheri was the overall winner, beating second-place driver Seif Mohammad Al Oteibah. Antonie Robertson / The National

A driver pulls a wheelie during practice for Red Bull Torque at Aljada, Sharjah. Antonie Robertson / The National

New high-octane car event Red Bull Torque raced into Sharjah this weekend, showcasing a field of 12 UAE drivers competing in super-powerful, multi-million-dirham dune buggies.

Aljada, a new development near Sharjah International Airport, was taken over by the V8-engined buggies, which produce as much as 1,200hp and can cost up to Dh2 million, on Friday. The day of racing saw the dozen drivers compete in heats around the 120-metres circuit, gradually being whittled down to two finalists.

Rashed Mohammad Al Dhaheri was the overall winner, beating second-place driver Seif Mohammad Al Oteibah by just 450 milliseconds.

The drivers, who were allowed to make unrestricted modifications to their buggies, also vied for prizes in categories such as wheelies, while Nasser Al Hai bagged the fastest lap of the day.

The National was taken for an experience in one of the buggies during practice for Red Bull Torque – and as you can see from our video, it was quite a ride.

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