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FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION The first ever long­distance classic car rally in the jewel of Arabia An invitation to join a historic classic car tour in Arabia’s best kept secret. LONDON 8 MARCH 2015. 26 cars will take part in the first ever Oman Grand Tour, a 20 day long­distance classic car rally which is being organised by London­based Rally Royale. This pre­seventies classic car adventure covers three historic cities over 3000 kilometres in three weeks. Starting in Oman’s sub­tropical ancient Salalah the route follows the magnificent coastal road, travels via the Wahiba Sands and into the Green mountains. After visiting the legendary Muscat, the tour goes further north via spectacular Musandam and finishes in UAE’s modern metropolis of Dubai. Speaking about the rally, Ruba Jurdi, founder and chief executive of Rally Royale, said there is an overwhelmingly positive response to the Tour scheduled to take place in December this year. Entries are being registered from all over the world for this historic event. Oman is unique among the Gulf Region nations, and especially famous for its hospitality. Upon arrival in Salalah, the tour will kick off in style with the Oman Ministry of Tourism hosting a magnificent gala. 150 celebrity figures, local dignitaries, and special ‘Royale’ guests will enjoy the cultural fusion that Oman offers. After some 12 days of driving, the tour arrives at Oman’s capital Muscat. Jurdi says, “officials in Muscat have told me that they look forward to Rally Royale’s debut arrival. I think we can expect some special events to celebrate Rally Royale’s grand tour of this superb country.” She goes on to say “drivers are going to love this historic city which brilliantly marries modern life with its proud cultural heritage. There’s so much to see and do, and more great driving too. The highlights in Muscat (time permitting) are the traditional souk, local wadis (valleys), the International Opera House and Grand Mosque.” The rally organisers are also expecting to attract some special people among their cohort. Ahmad Al Harthy is Aston Martin’s ambassador and British GT3 champion racer and is scheduled to join the group to celebrate this grand tour of his country of birth. After Muscat the rally will visit Musandam and then finally conclude its adventure in Dubai in the UAE. Dubai is a city that loves cars and arrangements are being made for an equally memorable finale reception and mini Concours D’elegance. ‘An event like this has never been undertaken in Oman” says Jurdi. “The Omanis love their cars, and there are many classic car collectors in the country, but we’ve needed to do a lot of behind the scenes planning to make this happen! There are rules about driving classic cars which mean that this really is a one­off opportunity.” She goes on to say. “We’re so grateful to the Oman and Dubai authorities and all our friends who have helped us make this possible.” The Oman Ministry of Tourism are actively supporting the event, together with the Oman Automobile Association, British and Omani Embassies, the MEA, the UKTI and many more. The event features luxury accommodation (including a 5­star desert camp experience) numerous attractions, and some of the world’s best driving conditions. The rally runs from 28 November to 17 December 2015. Always the perfectionist, Jurdi observes that “from my experience of participating in some of the world’s most prestigious classic car rallies, I know what is expected. Rally Royale will unite luxury classes of period vehicle with premium lifestyle experiences. I’ve travelled the entire route and checked every hotel. I’m so impressed by the standard of service and accommodation. There’s so much to see and do in the region. The roads are amazing. The weather is superb at that time of year. This is going to be perfect.” For information on how to enter the Rally Royale Oman Grand Tour visit the rally’s website: ​www.rallyroyale.com.​ ENDS Word count: 634 NOTES TO EDITORS RALLY ROYALE MEDIA CONTACTS: Arthur op den Brouw Ruba Jurdi [email protected] [email protected] +44 7776 230 950 +44 7970 942 928 ABOUT RALLY ROYALE Rally Royale is a VIP premium rally venture focused on lifestyle Grand Tours that relax, revive and engage all of the senses. After participating in the world’s most prestigious classic car rallies, CEO and founder Ruba Jurdi had the vision to use epic classic car events to inspire cross­cultural exchange and enhance positive relations between countries. Together with brand consultant Arthur op den Brouw Rally Royale was formed in January 2013. Whilst searching for new locations, Oman stood out as the hidden jewel ­ a fusion of different cultures and superb driving conditions. ABOUT AHMAD AL HARTHY Ahmad Al Harthy is Oman's top racing driver and one of the Gulf Region Sultanate's leading international sportsmen. In 2014/15 he is driving the Aston Martin Vantage alongside Michael Caine in the British GT Championship and with Caine and Stephen Jelley in the Blancpain Endurance Series. He is the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain Pro­Am 1 Champion. ABOUT OMAN The Sultanate of Oman occupies the south­eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and has a total area of 312,000 km2. Oman is famous for its diverse and distinctive landscape, flora and fauna and cultural heritage. Its coastline is 1,700 km. The new road between Salalah and Duqm has just recently been opened. It’s exquisite ... we’ve driven it! With the deep blue Arabian Sea on one side and flanked by the tone, textures and colour of the arid zone on the other, you’ll never forget this unique driving experience. MEDIA FILES For a full range of images please visit: http://rallyroyale.com/media­files/ EXAMPLE FILES .

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