Ford Focus 2012 launched in GCC with Rabaa Rally

The 2012 Ford Focus went on sale in the GCC recently, and to promote the car, Ford Middle East is doing an event called Ford Focus Rabaa Rally in an “interactive inter-GCC rally tour.”

Rabaa, which apparently refers to “a gang of friends” in the Arabic khaleeji dialect, is a challenge that involves “a test for driving skills, endurance, and the use of tech found in the 2012 Ford Focus, as participants drive across all of the Gulf countries to complete a series of tasks. Teams will be rated on “their skills and performances rather than speed, as well as the level of participation and support of their fans.”

The competition calls for six teams, one each from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to represent their country. Each team will be headed by their respective “celebrity” national captains, who have already been picked out from the local entertainment and sports scene. Each team will be manned by three drivers who will compete against each other in a series of challenges along the way. Those interested in being selected for the teams can soon apply on the Ford Middle East Facebook page, but participation is only open to GCC nationals. However, others can keep track of the proceedings and somehow win prizes, including a new Ford Focus.

In the UAE, prices for the German-built Ford Focus, according to the “official” dealer price list, start at Dhs 69,000 for the 1.6-litre Ambiente model and top out at Dhs 94,000 for the 2.0-litre Titanium model. However, as usual, the Dubai dealer is offering their perennial “discounts”, so current prices actually starts at Dhs 62,000 for the 1.6 Ambiente sedan and hatchback, Dhs 66,000 for the 1.6 Ambiente wagon, and Dhs 68,000 for the 1.6 Trend hatchback. The 2.0 Sport hatchback comes in at Dhs 78,000, while the loaded 2.0 Titanium is pegged at only Dhs 80,000. Those are competitive prices for what is probably the best compact car in the market right now.

Keep track of specs and updates in the Ford Focus buyer guide.