Egypt Hosts First Snow Drifting Challenge in Giza

At an artificial snow park in Giza, Egypt, 15 four-wheel drive vehicles participated in the country's first-ever snow drifting challenge.

The event, organized by Ski Egypt at its venue inside the Mall of Egypt, aimed to promote snow rallies, winter sports and related entertainment in Egypt and the region. It took place in a subzero indoor environment, attracting motorsport enthusiasts who wore winter outfits despite the outdoor heat.  

A regional director from Majid Al Futtaim, which owns Ski Egypt, explained it was the first such snow rally in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East. He described it as a unique, new event and a true test for rally racers accustomed to driving 4x4 vehicles in the desert, not on ice and snow. The sloping, bumpy course had flags marking the drifting path, with the three fastest finishers winning the top places.

Sherif Wagih, a co-pilot and 2022 national rally champion, took first place, finding driving in snow a completely different and challenging experience from desert rallies. His teammate Amir Youssef came second, echoing that the slippery, snowy course demanded preparation and training to achieve their results. Wagih hoped snow rallies would be held regionally and internationally in Egypt going forward.

The unique event attracted spectators of all ages intrigued by watching cars drift in snow in the sunny nation. Some cheered enthusiastically during the race. A young woman called it a major boost for motorsport and sport in general in Egypt, hoping for more snow events. A businessman who attended with his family described the first Egyptian snow rally as a success, noting Egyptians' interest in experiencing the contrasting snowy atmosphere amid the hot weather.