Hajwalah is a game for the rich children of United Arab Emirates oil barons. The "sport," which was recently photographed by Peter Garritano, involves getting an SUV up to as high a speed as possible and riding on two wheels while in top gear. While hajwalah's rules are vague, its driving force is for the young drivers to conduct as many daring stunts as possible.
As one might expect, hajwalah is incredibly dangerous. In the 70s, the game was responsible for both pedestrian and driver deaths, ultimately causing the UAE government to crack down on it. But rather than eliminating it entirely, there are now officially sponsored events held at racetracks across the country, with drivers bringing their own souped-up SUVs.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Extreme Driving Games
- Opportunity to develop immersive, adrenaline-fueled racing games that push the limits of vehicle and stunt capabilities.
- Daredevil Culture
- Opportunity to explore the rise of extreme sports and daredevil activities as a form of entertainment and self-expression.
- Safety Innovation
- Opportunity to develop innovative safety features and technologies to minimize the risks associated with extreme driving stunts.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Gaming
- Gaming industry can create and market extreme driving games that cater to the thrill-seeking audience.
- Entertainment
- Entertainment industry can tap into the daredevil culture by producing TV shows, documentaries, or live events centered around extreme driving stunts.
- Automotive
- Automotive industry can invest in research and development of safety innovations to enhance the performance and protection of vehicles used in extreme driving activities.
