Before the big buildings and the indoor ski slope, one of the UAE’s biggest draws was the desert safari. The opportunity to hit the dunes
in one’s own 4x4 across an expanse of sand remains a pursuit both thrilling and therapeutic.
However, it isn’t one to be undertaken lightly. You may hold a licence and drive a Wrangler, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to go off-roading. We spoke to a few people who know a thing or two about this past-time.
Tim Ansell has driven off-road in the UK, UAE and Oman for the past 25 years, five of which were spent participating in local rally championships such as the UAE Desert Challenge.
Listen up
GN Focus began with a simple question: What’s the ideal speed for going up or down a sand dune? “I have no idea,” says Ansell. “I never ever look at the speedometer — I’m listening to the engine, making sure I’m in the right gear to climb or descend a dune before I commit to that move.
“Go too fast and you’ll fly over the dune and probably roll the car. Go too slow and you’ll get stuck and have to reverse. What matters is that your speed is correct for the circumstances, not what the number is – 8km/h may be too fast if you’re descending a steep, loose dune face.”
Safety first
Mahadi Ahmed, Marketing Manager of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, founded the UAE Offroaders club in 2009. While the club operates across the UAE, Ahmed does have his favourite spots: Al Badayer, Al Faya, Suwaihan and Al Khatem.
“Before heading out, be sure to have a first-aid kit, tyre deflator and inflator, recovery kit, safety flag and shovel,” he says.
Budding off-roaders do
not require a special driving licence, but a bit of specialist training wouldn’t hurt. Galadari Motor Driving Centre (GMDC) is one of many UAE schools offering self-driving courses for those with a standard UAE licence. Upon completion, the driver receives a certificate and is ready to “drive like a pro”, says Elrayah Omer Ibrahim, COO of GMDC.
However, “To drive as a safari guide (for commercial purposes) a person needs to attend the full safari guide course and appear for a RTA test in the desert.” So anyone booking a desert safari as a passenger is advised to check if the operator has this Desert Safari permit.
“If you’re keen on adventure and intend to enjoy the thrilling sport of off-roading, you will need to learn how to drive 4×4 vehicles on the sand dunes,” Ibrahim says.
The checklist
Off-roader Tim Ansell offers tips for safe driving.
• All safety gear needs to be checked
• Are the vehicle’s fluids all topped up and the caps sealed tight?
• Is the battery properly secured down?
• Are recovery ropes frayed or oil-damaged? If so, throw them away.
• Are shackles undamaged and do the bolts turn freely? Ideally, you should replace them with soft shackles.
• Are the vehicle’s tailor-made recovery points in good condition?
• Do you have all your recovery gear? Is it secured using ratchet straps, bungee cords and/or cargo nets?
• The spare tyre should be fully inflated?
• Do you actually know how to use your GPS? Read the manual.
The off-roaders club
If you’re keen to dash across the dunes but need some experienced company, there
is hope. UAE Offroaders is a family-oriented club formed in Abu Dhabi in 2009 with the purpose of promoting four-wheel driving, dune-bashing and exploring the gorgeous desert, mountains, wadis and landscapes of the UAE.
“Our members range from rookie off-roaders to the very experienced,” says club founder Amro Al Tamimi. “A variety of trips are organised and posted on the website on a weekly basis to suit all levels of competence, starting from rookie runs to advanced trips.” UAE Offroaders also organises camping and wadi/mountain exploration trips.
Al Tamimi adds that UAE Offroaders will provide hands-on technical and instructional training and information on how to drive safely in the sand, aiming to raise confidence levels in new desert drivers. “The desert is a place that commands tremendous respect,” he says. “The Bedouin nomads have survived and endured life in it for centuries.
“Now, we [remain] captivated by its mystical charms.”
