Whether it's soft sand or rocky terrain, off-road driving can be fun only if you are well prepared. The UAE has some of the most spectacular and diverse off-road routes found anywhere in the Middle East.
When you take a great stretch of desert and throw in some mountains, a few wadis, a handful of waterfalls and a fair smattering of oases, you have a great recipe for an off-road adventure. The UAE has all these ingredients in good measure and, hence, proves a dream destination for budding explorers and experienced adventurers.
"The UAE has some of the most spectacular, interesting and diverse off-road routes found anywhere in the Middle East because of the varied terrain covering both mountains and the desert," says Mark Miller, general manager of the fully-licensed inbound tour operator Desert Rangers, which conducts tours and adventure safaris in the UAE.
Miller believes that off-road trips have become more popular with the growth of tourism in the region. He recommends first-time visitors to try a desert safari to get a taste of what the UAE offers. Several tour companies in the UAE operate half-day morning safaris, half-day afternoon safaris, full day and overnight safaris. However, visitors must ensure that the company they choose has drivers and personnel who have been specifically trained for the job. "New rules oblige safari-operating companies to only employ drivers who have passed the ?Advanced Driving Test' meant for desert driving and those who have been certified by the Dubai Police. All four-wheel-drive vehicles used on safaris need to be fitted with specific safety-related features and have to be insured as well," says Frederic Bardin, Vice President, Arabian Adventures, a tour company that offers a number of safaris within protected areas such as the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) in the UAE.
Bardin strongly advises clients to check on a company's record, history and reputation before they book an off-road safari. "Driving in soft sand or over rocky terrain is a hazardous activity that can easily become dangerous when carried out by people who have not been trained professionally for this activity. There are unfortunately still quite a few of those ?amateur' drivers around, who usually offer tours for a fraction of the price proposed by reputable companies. However, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in close cooperation with the Dubai Police is making serious efforts to eradicate the sale of safaris by such parties."
Tourists are not the only ones interested in off-road adventures, UAE nationals and resident expats have also been actively pursuing the thrilling activity. A majority of off-road enthusiasts prefer to go on trips during the cooler months from mid-October to mid-May.
Manish Kaushik, who's been an avid off- roader for about four years, loves the adventure associated with the activity. He also enjoys the mesmerising beauty of the desert. "I have done scores of off-road trips in the past in my Mitsubishi Pajero, ranging from trips to the Big Red and Al Hayer to Hatta Pools and Liwa. Liwa has been the most challenging of them. I travelled as part of an 18-member, six-car entourage to this area. We spent around three days there. Tackling the dunes in Liwa was scary, scintillating and very exciting. We could negotiate the terrain more easily because we had people who knew their way around."
Dubai-based Arab expat, Khaled Abdullah loves taking on the dunes as a way to tackle stress that's a result of Dubai's hectic lifestyle. "I have been going on off-road trips for about two and a half years. I head off in my Range Rover for the desert when I need a break. I love the challenge of driving on this turf but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they have sufficient experience, or are accompanied by other cars."
Prior preparation
Kaushik also stresses the importance of being prepared for first-time off- roader. "Make sure you travel with people and a number of other cars. Take along food, water, camping equipment, tow rope, shackles, a spade and shovel and maps. A GPS system and walkie-talkies are advisable too. While day trips can be fun, overnight trips are recommended. You can fire a barbecue, exchange stories around a campfire and even stargaze," says Kaushik.
Taking on the challenge of an off-road trip, says Miller, is certainly up to the individual. "As long as you have the right preparation in place prior to an off-road trip, the whole experience becomes very exciting and great fun. Preparation is certainly the key. While most people are aware of the excitement that off- roading offers, they may feel a little intimidated about venturing into the unknown, which I think is also perfectly natural. However, a person can always take it step by step by tackling familiar and easy routes and then progress to more challenging ones when they feel confident to do so."
Popular routes
According to Miller, there are too many routes to list individually but some of the popular ones include:
- The drive across Wadi Bih and Wadi Khab A Shamis from Ras Al Khaimah to Dibba, which takes in some stunning panoramic views, deserted villages, high peaks, plateaus and plenty of wadis.
- The trip to Hatta Pools is always a favourite especially if you drive from the Hatta side towards Mahda. You get to see the villages of Ray, Subakh and Mizra. This route also offers some spectacular views, natural waterfalls, villages and oases.
- If you want a piece of spectacular desert, then the Liwa region ( Empty Quarter) is a must. However, you really need to be experienced to drive off road there.
- The area around Al Hayer towards Al Ain is also spectacular. Dunes that are twice the size of Big Red and an impressive desert landscape make this place a big hit with off- roaders.
- The Nizwa desert around Fossil Rock is also popular. It is a great place to camp and dune driving can be as challenging as you want it to be here.
Miller also suggests consulting the numerous off-road guides available in the market. Some of these highlight some great routes suitable for novice and experienced off- roaders.
Choosing the right vehicle
Picking the right car for off-road trips is also an important factor to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience while driving in the desert. According to Guy Edmunds, Sales and Marketing Manager, Honda-Trading Enterprises, "The Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado are some of the most popular vehicles preferred by off- roading enthusiasts followed by the Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan Patrol. Jeep is also preferred as is the Honda MRV, which is growing in popularity as awareness of its capabilities on and off road is increasing."
"Nissan has a range of SUVs of which Pathfinder and Patrol are considered most suitable for off-road driving.
"Among other Japanese brands, Toyota's Landcruiser and Prado and Honda's MRV are also popular with off- roaders," says Abhijit Pandit, Head of Marketing, Arabian Automobiles, exclusive distributors for Nissan, Infiniti and Renault in Dubai and the northern emirates.
According to Miller, it's very difficult to recommend the best four-wheel drives on the market as these days all of the manufacturers produce vehicles up to the job. He adds that a lot of off-road driving, especially in the desert, is pure driver skill and experience. "I have actually seen a 1000cc Suzuki jeep get to the top of Big Red with ease while other vehicles with larger engines failed to do so, so I think it all boils down to the driver's skill."
However, regardless of the brand, several factors are important when you select a vehicle for these trips. "Elements such as a good suspension system, sufficient power-to-weight ratio and a strong and reliable four-wheel drive transmission system are imperative. One of the key elements to ensure a hassle-free off-road trip is to select a vehicle that offers adequate ground clearance and has a good approach and departure angle in addition to having a strong and rigid frame that allows it to tackle the rigours of driving on challenging routes in the desert," says Austin Mathews, Assistant Marketing Manager, Al Rostamani Trading Company, which is an exclusive dealer for Suzuki automobiles in the UAE. Suzuki makes compact SUVs such as the Jimmy and the Grand Vitara.
"The typical damage one sees in vehicles that are used for off- roading includes a broken axle and transmission, wear and tear of the clutch and brakes and damage to the underside of the vehicle. Driving in the desert is tricky. A car that's underpowered may not be able to get out if its stuck, so ensure that your car has the right power. Tyres play an important role as well. Off- roaders use different types of sand tyres to tackle the desert terrain. Tyre deflation also plays an important role when you are driving on dunes," says Pandit, who's also been on off-road trips to the Hatta Pools and Liwa.
Edmunds has more suggestions for first-time off- roaders. " Travelling with at least two other cars would be a good idea. Venturing out alone could be a problem especially if you get stranded for some reason. Take plenty of water as well as a tow rope, tyre pressure gauge and first aid kit along. Never over stretch yourself or your abilities in driving-off road. Be cautious especially when going over dunes. Clear up yourself - don't leave litter or damage anything in the desert," says Edmunds.
Off- roading can be great fun when you pay heed to such advice. While being prepared and following rules can make the trip a safe one, the natural beauty of the desert and majesty of the mountains will make the journey an adventurous one.
CHECKLIST
Interested in going on an off-road trip? Mark Miller has some checklists to help make the trip a safe one
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
- 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
- Conduct a thorough check of 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
