As temperatures cool down and summer gives way, residents in the UAE are preparing to embrace the expansive and pristine deserts of the country. Campers and off-road enthusiasts are getting ready to spend weekends amidst rolling sand dunes and under the open sky. However, authorities and experts caution that without proper skills and equipment, off-roading can pose significant risks.
The recent decision by Sharjah Police to officially close the Al Faya dunes area in the central region of the emirate follows a tragic incident on November 17, where an Asian youth lost his life in an off-roading accident. There has been a notable increase in reported off-roading accidents, prompting concerns. While certain areas, such as wildlife conservation reserves, prohibit driving, much of the open desert is accessible to off-roaders and campers. Al Qudra, Wadi Madha, Liwa, and Al Badayer are popular off-roading trails across the UAE, with no permit required for desert driving in these areas.
Life-threatening Danger
Faateh Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer at the Dubai Offroaders Desert Driving Institute (DO), emphasizes that any individual with a driving license in the UAE can explore desert terrains. However, professionals strongly recommend acquiring specialized maneuvering skills before venturing off-road.
"It's crucial to recognize that there's a genuine risk to life if off-roading is not approached with the utmost respect," highlighted Ahmed.
In earlier times, it used to be a tightly connected community, with senior off-roaders providing everyone with the proper guidelines. However, in recent years, we've been witnessing incidents of cars rolling over or colliding with each other almost every weekend," Ahmed remarked.
Extreme Adventure
Individuals new to off-roading often hold various misconceptions about driving in the desert.
Nic Poltronieri, now a seasoned off-roader, enrolled in a desert driving course before venturing onto the sand dunes with his car. It didn't take long for him to recognize that he required more training beyond a few theoretical classes.
"In the beginning, I had unpleasant experiences while off-roading because I believed my skill level was sufficient," shared Poltronieri. "Every time you head out, there's something new to learn."
Off-roading qualifies as an extreme sport, and adequate preparation is crucial. Understanding that there is always room for improvement in your knowledge of desert driving is the initial step in ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
Hazardous for vehicles as well
"It's not just about the expensive car you're driving. If you're not familiar with off-roading, it could also lead to damage to your vehicle," warned Poltronieri.
Poltronieri came to the realization that merely owning an off-road car doesn't guarantee a smooth experience in the desert unless you possess the necessary knowledge.
"My father ended up damaging nearly three brand new cars during the initial five years of his off-roading journey due to a lack of expertise," recalled Faateh Ahmed, reflecting on his father's early off-roading experiences.
Harmful to Vehicles as Well
"You're not only driving an expensive car; if you lack the necessary skills, it could also result in damage to your vehicle," cautioned Poltronieri.
Poltronieri came to the understanding that merely owning an off-road car doesn't justify taking it into the desert without the proper knowledge.
"My father ended up damaging nearly three brand new cars in the first five years of his off-roading journey due to a lack of knowledge and experience," recounted Faateh Ahmed, reflecting on the initial phases of his father's off-roading endeavors.
Off-Road Training Programs
In the UAE, numerous accredited institutes offer off-road training courses. The costs for fundamental off-roading courses begin at Dh1,500 and can extend up to Dh9,000 for more advanced classes.