Sun, sand, adventure

All Terrain Vehicles, quads, add to the thrill of desert driving

Sun, sand and adventure. Add wheels to that and you get the excitement of racing along on All Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs for short, along the picturesque dunes of the Hatta highway. Also called quads, the ATVs are basically motorbikes on four wheels. Just an hour's drive from Dubai and 30 to 45 minutes from Sharjah, it is an ideal way to spend a weekend morning or evening.

The UAE desert which boasts of some of the most spectacular sand dunes in the world are ideal for the sport. Climbing the ascents in an ATV and then plunging down a precipitous almost 90 degree, 40-foot dune at 50kmph has to be one of the most hair-raising and exhilarating experiences.

"I like to bring my overseas guests here so that they can experience something new in the Gulf," says Mohammed Hazari, from Sharjah, a regular visitor to the dunes. "I just loved it the first time I came here. It was a totally new experience. It is a bit expensive to do on a regular basis though, especially if you have a family with kids," he continues.

"It's okay for me as it's just my wife and me. We like to come and ride once in a while, it's really a lot of fun," he adds.

"It was the first time on the dunes for me so it was altogether a new and challenging experience," says Mohammed Azlie, an ex-Motocross Champion from Sri Lanka, here on a short holiday. "It was the beauty of the dunes together with the machines that grabbed my attention."

Revving the 350CC ATV he adds with a laugh, "I would love to do it again, especially in the 400CC souped up Yamaha and with some friends who can give me a run on the dunes," he says.

The two companies, Al-Badayer Motors and Al-Ramul Motors which provide the rental services, are situated on either side of the Hatta highway five kilometres before the Muatta town. The rental charges vary from Dhs 80 an hour to Dhs 300 an hour depending on the engine capacity of the ATV you choose. The ATVs can be hired for a minimum of half an hour.

Smaller ATVs for children are also available on rent. "These 50CC mini quads cost Dhs 60 an hour and are for children from three to 12 years," says Sabah Baloch, who has been working for Al-Badayer Motors for the past three years.

"It's very safe, as their track is on the flatter surface with protective tyres around it," she reassures. While Al-Badayer opens at 8.30am, Al-Ramul opens only at 10.00am. Both places stay open till 6.00pm during winter and a little longer in summer.

Those planning to make the trip should wear comfortable shoes or sneakers and do not forget to take along plenty of food and water as there are no shops around for quite a distance. However, a canteen is expected to open in the next three months close to the rental grounds.