Morning Newbie Desert Drive - Scenic Views of the North - Sharjah - 22 Jun 2025

[Fenya]

Sorry but I`m fail with a car again. 

[Glenn W]

Hey @Frederic sorry it’s late but I’m gonna have to pull out of this one. Just finished a drive with Davie and drove home. On the way home I noticed something out of the ordinary so I don’t want to risk it. Need to get it checked over before venturing out in the sand again. Hope you understand. 
 

Cheers and hope you all have a great drive. 

[Bhas]

Hi @Frederic 

just seeing your message. Sorry for the late response. 
 

my car Toyota 2023 ; this is my first drive after the 4 hours training from Gaurav; car has the hooks by default; Radio and all must to have gears in place.

look forward for tomorrow’s drive. 

[saumik1989]

Very unwell since last night. Very sorry for the last minute dropout Frederick.  

[Frederic]

 

Thank you all for joining this morning! 

Due to the short convoy, we managed to cover quite some ground with no ropes involved. All minor refusals were dealt with by the respective drivers. Hats off to @Bhaskaran Ramaswamy who was on his first club drive but drove fantastic! 

Same goes for  @Danie who navigated his Rubicon superbly through the flowers and bushes. Great help on my side as well from @J-P L and @Richard Franks.

 

We first headed to one of the famous watchtowers of Falaj Al Mualla.

The watchtowers in Falaj Al Mualla were constructed in the early 19th century by Sheikh Abdullah I bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, who ruled Umm Al Quwain from 1816 to 1853. They were built at the same time as the nearby fort, which dates back to around 1825.

1. Defense and Surveillance

• The primary role of the watchtowers was military and defensive. They were strategically placed to monitor and protect the surrounding area from potential invaders or tribal conflicts.

• Positioned to provide a clear vantage point over the valley and oasis, they allowed guards to spot approaching threats early.

2. Protection of the Falaj Irrigation System

• The towers also helped protect the falaj (ancient irrigation system), which was vital for agriculture in the arid region.

• Ensuring water security was critical, so the towers guarded the channels from sabotage or unauthorized access.

3. Communication

• The towers could have served as early warning and signaling posts, possibly using smoke, fire, or flags to convey messages across distances.

4. Symbol of Authority

• The presence of watchtowers also reinforced the power and control of the ruling family or tribe over the region, showcasing their ability to protect and govern.

These towers are a key part of the UAE’s architectural heritage and reflect the historical importance of water, security, and tribal leadership in the area.

Wikiloc | SHJ-3 Emirates Trail

Some uploaded photos here. Feel free to add yours:

Newbie - Scenic Views of the North - Sharjah - 22 Jun 2025 - Carnity.com

 

See you all soon in the sand again! 

[Bhas]

@Frederic @J-P L  @Danie @Richard Franks thanks a lot for this wonderful drive. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive