More than 600 bikers from GCC countries took part in the two-day GCC Charity Bike Show, which kicked off yesterday at Katara – the Cultural Village in Doha.



A car stunt by a Saudi team at Katara.

Besides big bikes, the third edition of the show organised by the Soul Riders Motorcycle Club, also showcased vintage, classic and top car models.
Speaking to Gulf Times at their starting point at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) parking area, Soul Riders founder Khalid al-Hamadi said it was the first time they featured cars which attracted a large number of spectators.



Dignitaries and officials view an exhibition of bikes at Katara.

Various activities such as entertainment shows and bike competitions highlighted the annual event aimed at raising funds for charity.
“We will be donating the proceeds to Qatar Charity (QC) and we also hope to give some donations to other charitable institutions,” al-Hamadi noted.
Last year, the group donated their proceeds to QC and some QR80,000 to the Hamad Medical Corporation’s Kidney Bank and Qatar Red Crescent.



Members of Qatar’s Internal Security Force led the GCC charity bike ride to Katara from the MIA yesterday.

Al-Hamadi said that they have been continuously supporting various programmes, initiatives and events of the Qatar government.
Many bikers’ groups from the other GCC countries are also involved in similar activities and campaigns. Participating riders had started their journey from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait early morning on Thursday.  
Mukthar al-Shayeb from Saudi Arabia’s Sharqiyah Bikers group said the show is a historical event for them.
“This is to meet other members from different countries, do some charitable activities and tell the world that biking is safe,” he said.



Members of the Sharqiyah Biker Group from Dammam, Saudi Arabia gather at the MIA.

The GCC Charity Bike Show this year also saw families and children of bikers riding with them. It aims to promote road safety to the public through a number of activities organised by different bikers’ groups.
Al-Shayeb’s group, together with other bikers and teams, also hold several fundraising activities that benefit charitable institutions and people who are in dire need in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
“We also take ‘children with special needs’ for a ride and take some pictures with them from time to time” he said.
Al-Shayeb’s group were also among the Saudi riders who travelled by bike from Dammam, making stopovers at some gas stations to take a break and gather its members.
On Thursday, several groups such as Al Hassah, Dammam and Qatif bikers spent the rest of the day at  a number of historical sites including the Souq Waqif.