Updated: January 29, 2009, 12:00 AM
National - Awafi Festival
Ras Al Khaimah - January, 23, 2009 - A driver exchange at the Awafi Festival in Ras Al Khaimah, January 23, 2009. (Photo by Jeff Topping/ The National )
Spectators watch from a hillside at the Awafi Festival. ( Jeff Topping/ The National )
ATV riders start their descent. ( Jeff Topping/ The National )
Despite the muddy conditions these Emiratis kept their outfits spotless while attending the Awafi Festival in Ras Al Khaimah on January 23 2009. (Photo by Jeff Topping/ The National )
Vehicles kick up mud in the wet conditions. (Jeff Topping/ The National )
A driver attaches a two rope to his SUV hoping to pull his friend's SUV out of the sand. ( Jeff Topping/ The National )
Wet sand flies as a driver attempts to climb one of the sand hills. ( Jeff Topping/ The National )
Motorcycle enthusiasts assemble in front of the police and traffic department building as they prepare to participate in the Carnival of Classic Motorcycles as part of the Awafi Desert Festival. ( Amy Leang / The National )
This father keeps his daughter close to him as vehicles climb the sand hill around him. ( Jeff Topping/ The National )
United Arab Emirates - Ras Al Khaimah - Jan. 23, 2009: Mohammed Alshaer, 26, and Cristina Turcan, 23, both of Dubai, arrive on Alshaer's Suzuki 1000 GSX-R motorcycle to participate in the Carnival of Classic Motorcycles. ( Amy Leang / The National )