Your Guide To Off-Roading in the Desert in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a beautiful place to visit and explore busy city centers with modern skylines or escape to nature and explore its mountains and beaches. One of the best ways to explore is to take a vehicle off-road. Off-roading allows you to explore areas you would never be able to visit on foot.

Notably, when you visit the UAE, you have the opportunity to explore the vast desert. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to navigate and drive in the vast desert landscape if you do not adequately prepare. Fortunately, we are here to help you by giving you advice on how to prepare for your day of desert exploration.

Visit an Off-Roading Club

If you are planning a trip, the first thing you should do is visit an official tour company. They will give you an idea of what it is like to go off-roading in the UAE deserts. If you enjoy your experience, you can contact one of the many off-roading clubs in the UAE.

If you are worried about contacting one of these clubs or think it might be too exclusive, there is no need for concern. Most of these clubs are organized by very welcoming community members. They are more than happy to help people new to off-roading.

When you visit an off-roading club, you will need to look at the membership fees and see what it has to offer. However, you should not go on a trip the second you sign on the dotted line. Instead, you need to make sure you understand the basics of off-roading before you head to the desert. 

Off-roading is not as easy as you might think, especially when dealing with unstable ground as you will in the desert.

Where To Learn To Drive Off-Road

Before you take your new 4×4 off the roads, you need to make sure you know what you are doing. The best thing to do is take a desert driving course. In one of these classes, you will learn the basics of off-roading in the UAE deserts.

A driving course teaches students mechanics, topography, and driving techniques in the desert. Their classes combine theory and practical sessions to get optimal results.

Will You Drive on Sand or Stone?

When you think of the desert, you probably picture vast seas of sand. While there are several deserts in the UAE with dunes as far as the eye can see, there are also stone deserts for you to explore. The decision of whether to drive on sand or stone will affect your experience.

The first thing you need to know is stone areas will not be referred to as such. Instead, you will hear them called wadis. So, you need to decide whether to drive on desert dunes or wadis. Each has its appeal, so it is up to you to decide which you prefer. You may even be able to stop at Sonora Camp Al Wadi, an exclusive desert camp experience. 

If you are interested in driving in the deserts, you can get a great view of the red dunes as they rise and fall endlessly across the horizon. Conversely, if you head to wadis, you can enjoy intimidating mountain climbs with unique challenges.

Never Leave Alone

Even if you have lots of experience, you should not go out into the dunes alone. You might think you have the experience to handle anything mother nature throws at you, but it is better to have a companion with you. The desert is unforgiving, so you should try to travel with at least one other person. Going in a group is even better.

If you are new to off-roading, you should ensure you have at least one experienced off-roader with you. If you cannot find someone with experience to come with you, you should stick to simple off-roading routes.

Pack for Things To Go Wrong

When you go out on a trip, you do not want anything to go wrong. Unfortunately, there is always a chance that something bad could happen. Your vehicle could break down, the weather could take a turn for the worse, or something unforeseen could happen.

You do not want to be left out in the desert without the supplies you need to respond to an emergency. As a result, you should always pack for emergencies. Bring extra food, water, and fuel with you. Make sure you have more resources than you need for the duration of the trip so that you are prepared if you are forced to stay longer than expected.

Plan Your Route Beforehand

You might think it is fun to fly by the seat of your pants, seeing where the trip takes you. Unfortunately, doing so is a great way to get lost in the desert. A desert is big, and if you are not careful, you can get lost. As a result, you need to plan out your trip beforehand.

Furthermore, if you do not plan out your trip, you might not be able to see the best off-roading destinations during your trip. So, take the time to plan out your trip before you leave, and you will have a better experience.

Leave No Trace

A desert is a beautiful place that appears to be untouched by man. You do not want to be the reason that paradise is ruined. So, whether you are going for the day or a week, bring everything back with you. After packing up your campsite, make sure you do not leave any garbage behind.

Final Thoughts

The United Arab Emirates has some of the best deserts in the world to explore. The dunes are seemingly endless, and they are beautiful. Off-roading is the best way to view these stunning locations, but you need to know what you are doing before you leave.