What should i be careful of when off-roading in the UAE?
1. Stay out of protected or military areas.
2. Do not chase or endanger wildlife.
3. Do not go alone. If no other option, inform friends and family about where you are and stay in cellular reach.
4. Avoid busy dunebashing areas.
5. Only leave tracks behind. Never litter in the desert.
6. Never enter wadis or mountains during unstable weather. Flash floods have killed people.
Is my 4×4 capable for offroading in the UAE?
We can define a proper 4×4 as a vehicle equipped with front and rear recovery points, sufficient ground clearance (8inch min) and a low range gearing option. These vehicles can be taken in the dunes or mountains. (Landcruiser, Prado, FJ, Wrangler, Xterra,Ford Ranger, Ford Everest, F150, Pajero, etc..)
SUV’s and softroaders like the Kia Sportage, Jetour T2, Nissan Pathfinder (2012+), Nissan Xtrail are good enough for wadi driving or on gentle gatch tracks, not for dune driving.
Take note that many newer 4×4 vehicles have low bumpers (Nissan Patrol Y62 for example) which will get damaged easily when driving in the dunes. Getting these trimmed or modified will be needed.
Should i go with friends or join a club?
If you are a beginner, you should always first join an offroad club that focuses on safety and has defined skill levels. After all, your friends could be lacking experience. Once you have completed 20-30 drives in a club, you will be in a better condition to safely go on private drives and help guide the group.
