Off-road Driving: Taking on the Dunes

Abu Dhabi is steeped in a vast terrain dominated by majestic sand dunes and mountainous rock formations, a perfect environment that has bred and attracted adventurous and highly skilled off-road drivers driven by passion about nature, the environment and the unknown.

A number of communities comprising off-road enthusiasts has been formed in Abu Dhabi, such as the Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club. These clubs, amongst other things, organise off-road trips suitable to their members whether they are beginners or highly experienced off-road drivers. These communities stress the need for appropriate safety measures commensurate to the difficulty of the terrain to be explored, as well as general basic safety precautions that all members adhere to when driving off-road. They also provide orientation classes and training to new members.
Ceremonial kick-off for the annual UAE Desert Challenge is likewise held in Abu Dhabi. The renowned UAE Desert Challenge is the penultimate round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championships, spanning truck, car and bike rallies. The event draws major sponsors each year – ranging from Abu Dhabi Tourist Authority to Nissan – and is a brainchild of the Arab world’s most successful rally driver, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Previous participants include a line-up of luminaries including many world champions amongst whom number Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen, Ari Vatanen, Miki Biasion, Stephane Peterhansel, Luc Alphand, Carlos Sousa, Marc Coma, Cyril Despres and rising Qatari rally driver Nasser Al Attiyah, to name a few.
Visitors who want to experience a whiff of this rough rally challenge, or the route taken by the great English explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, or simply explore the desert - on tough wheels - can do just that. A company like Offroad Emirates and several other tour operators can organise a range of day and overnight trips that provide guests an up-close and personal experience of the Arabian desert and wildlife.

Offroad Emirates, for instance, organises trips across the edge of the Rub Al- Khali - a vast expanse of desert extending through Yemen, Saudi Arabi and Oman. These trips are organised for a minimum of four persons where the fee includes an experienced guide/driver, transportation, tents, sleeping bags, barbeque dinner and breakfast. During these trips sightings of rare, endangered species such as the white Arabian ox as well as gazelles, eagles, foxes and rabbits are not uncommon. Tamer off-road experiences for those with limited time or those who are less adventurous, however, are offered by most safari tour operators in Abu Dhabi.
Self-drive
Visitors who meet specific requirements could also try their hand in a self-drive program, where they can drive a 4x4 sports utility vehicle through the desert under the supervision of an Offroad Emirates’ tour leader or guide.
Routes
Plenty of routes - some for novice off-road drivers, others for highly experienced ones - can be found in Abu Dhabi. One of the most challenging and spectacular routes is the Liwa region, in the south of Abu Dhabi, which also provides experience of the breathtaking, legendary sand dunes. The area around Al Hayer towards Al Ain is also popular among off-road drivers.
Outside Abu Dhabi, one of the most popular spots for off-road driving includes the Big Red near Hatta, which is about an hour’s drive from Dubai. The trip to Hatta Pools – especially if one drives from the Hatta side towards Mahda, also gives visitors a glimpse of natural waterfalls, villages and oases.
A book that grades the various off-road routes in Abu Dhabi and the rest of UAE (UAE Off-Road Explorer) according to their level of difficulty and provides appropriate maps may be purchased online or from local bookstores.
Checklist*
Your vehicle
Tyres, including condition of spare wheel
All fluid levels - coolant, engine oil, transmission, brake, hydraulic and battery
Fuel - top up, if required
Battery mountings are secure and leads tight
All lights operating, including hazard warning lights
Under bonnet visual check for leaks, fan belt condition and tension, loose or disconnected wires and radiator hose
Seat belts for every passenger
Your equipment
Tyre pressure gauge
Mobile Phone
GPS
Shovel
Sturdy tow rope or belt
Industrial/gardening type gloves
Jack, wheel brace, base plate, wooden panel
Air bag (optional)
Crowbar or hammer
First aid kit (essential)
Basic tool kit and torch
Sheet of material (thick plastic, tarpaulin, sack, dhurrie) 2x2metres
Personal items
Food and water depending on duration of trip
Extra warm clothing for colder desert nights
Hiking shoes
Sunscreen
Toilet paper or tissues
Insect repellent spray
Pen or pencil
Plastic sacks for rubbish
Matches or lighter
Whistle (for locating at night)
Spare water supply - for people and vehicle
Before you leave home
Check the car including tyres, water levels, engine/trans oil and battery
Never travel into the desert on your own, always travel with at least two other vehicles
Always tell someone that you are planning a trip to the desert
Seat belts must be worn
Before going off-road
Deflate tyres at the edge of the desert: (Large four-wheel drive: 18psi; Small four-wheel drives: 16psi; In an emergency: 14psi)
Keep a suitable distance between vehicles
If you get stuck do not panic. Get out of the car and assess the situation
Be respectful to local Bedouin and wildlife
Always stop your vehicle on a downward slope for ease of starting again smoothly