Mille Miglia UAE: My Journey Back Into the Most Beautiful Race in the World


Shereen Shabnam

There are some experiences that stay with you long after the engine cools, long after the road unwinds, long after the last checkpoint is passed. For me, the Mille Miglia is one of those rare moments in life as its the kind of experience that blends heritage, emotion, adrenaline, and beauty in equal measure. They call it “The Most Beautiful Race in the World.” And honestly… it really is.

Returning to a Race That Feels Like Home

My first Mille Miglia UAE race a few years ago was unforgettable. The sound of classic engines humming at sunrise, the camaraderie among drivers, the shared excitement of discovering the UAE through the lens of vintage motoring. It was like stepping into a moving museum, but one where you are part of the exhibit.

This year, I’m returning once again, and what makes it even more special is that my daughter will be joining me. Sharing the experience with her, surrounded by these timeless machines, feels like creating a legacy of our own and the memories that she will carry long after the race is over.

A Thousand Stories on Every Road

The UAE edition of the Mille Miglia is unlike anything else. It mirrors the spirit of Italy’s legendary thousand-mile race, but here, the landscapes tell a different story. From the shimmering coastline of Ras Al Khaimah to the desert glow around Sharjah, the lush mountains of Fujairah, and the futuristic skyline of Dubai. Every stage feels like a postcard moment. The route itself is an adventure: a blend of heritage, culture, modernity, and open-road freedom that reminds you why you fell in love with cars in the first place.

More Than a Rally — It is a Lifestyle

What makes Mille Miglia truly magical is the blend of luxury and authenticity. Yes, the gala dinners and VIP experiences are beautiful, but what stays with me are the small moments:

  • The first engine start in the quiet of dawn
  • The friendly waves from people on the roadside
  • Conversations with collectors who treat their cars like family
  • The way each car has a soul, a story, and a heartbeat

It feels like a community and one where passion is the common language.

A Race That Becomes a Tradition

As the Mille Miglia UAE grows, it is becoming much more than an event on a calendar. It is becoming a tradition that gathers people who love history, love craftsmanship, and love the feeling of being on the road with no distractions except the next turn and the next checkpoint. For me, this race represents something deeply personal as it is a celebration of the past, lived fully in the present, and now shared with the next generation. 

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