Afternoon Newbie Desert Drive & Hike - Nahel - Abu Dhabi - 17 Jan 2026

[JeromeFJ]

We request every member who joins this drive to go through the information below and strictly follow these guidelines, etiquette, and responsibilities.

MUST READ AND COMPLY

• Environmental Policy
• Offroad Flag Guideline
• Two Way Radio Guideline
• Off road Driving Etiquette's
• Emergency details for all off-roaders
• Off Road Driving - Roles & Responsibilities

 

Drive Details

For this Saturday, I'm proposing a different plan that combines desert driving and hiking. 

We will start with 1 to 1.5 hours of driving. More focused on enjoying the desert, looking for nice points of views. Also use our skills and the capabilities of our cars to reach a point in the middle of the desert.

From there, we will leave the vehicles and continue on foot. Climb the dunes, listen to the silence (and to our breath), experience the different sand texture, try to read the terrain, consider the slopes, the form of the dunes, choose a line to climb with less effort...

The "hike" will be 1 to 1.5 hours. It will involve a few steep climbs and walking into soft sand. Nothing extreme, but participants will need to be reasonably fit. Please wear closed shoes (high-top or over-the-ankle shoes are best, though standard sports shoes are acceptable). No flip flops. If you or your passengers don't want to walk, you can stay by the cars during this time, but no driving around.

Back at the cars, we can enjoy snacks, watch the sunset, and drive another 20-25 min to reach the exit before it is totally dark.

The driving part includes the crossing of an area of elevated dunes, with a few climbs and steep descents and also some technical portions. Though not really "difficult" I'm requiring a minimum of 3 previous drives to ensure that each driver can enjoy, and to keep sufficient time for the hiking part.

Families are welcome, including children. Let me know if you have specific questions.

Level:  Newbie - MIN 3 Drives - and above (all levels)

Meeting time: 2:00 PM (SHARP - Without any exceptions)

Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8nSRBXb24ryGTvm8

Type of Car: Any proper 4x4 with front and back tow hooks and 8-10 inches of ground clearance.

What to bring along: Loads of water, snacks (for yourself), smiles, enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Approximate finish time: 18:30 PM

P.S. Only join if you have a compressor to inflate your tires after the drive.

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE:

• This drive is limited to 12 cars only. RSVP will close on Friday - 6 PM.
• If the RSVP is full, you can add your name to the waitlist, once anyone drops, you will be moved to the RSVP list.
• RSVP will close a day prior to preparing a convoy list.
• Latecomers will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Members without RSVP will be returned back - Without any exceptions.
• Please withdraw your RSVP, if you aren't joining, so your spot can be taken by others.
• Repeated no-show members after RSVP will have their account suspended for a month.

Please RSVP on below calendar

 

 

[_luke_]

This sounds like a lot of fun @JeromeFJ.

[nithish468]

@JeromeFJ meet with small accident,  I will exit the drive

[Alex M]

@JeromeFJ is this still going ahead? Dwindling turnout 😯

Just as FYI I am bringing some family visitors with me who are keen on the drive but not so much the hike (elderly). Not sure if impacts the plan... But we're bringing some camping chairs and a gas stove for some coffee / tea for sunset!

[_luke_]

Sorry @JeromeFJ still waiting on replacement axle. wont be able to attend.

[Zubail]

Oh! Finally drive and hike, but I have to pick up son from airport.

Have a great time!

[JeromeFJ]

18 hours ago, nithish468 said:

@JeromeFJ meet with small accident,  I will exit the drive

 

Oh...! sorry to see that 

I hope you can have it fixed without too much trouble. See you soon hopefully

[JeromeFJ]

16 hours ago, Alex M said:

@JeromeFJ is this still going ahead? Dwindling turnout 😯

Just as FYI I am bringing some family visitors with me who are keen on the drive but not so much the hike (elderly). Not sure if impacts the plan... But we're bringing some camping chairs and a gas stove for some coffee / tea for sunset!

Hi @Alex M, yes of course we are going.

No problem if your passengers don't want to walk so much. They can wait for us by the cars. 

Still the driving part, though remaining smooth and quiet pace, is a real desert drive (not on track), meaning the car will move up and down, and sideways. Be sure they are comfortable with the idea.

[Amr A]

Hello @JeromeFJ

Just a heads up—I do have work tomorrow, but I’m still not sure what time I’ll need to be there. I should have more clarity later today.

 

If it turns out to be in the morning, I’d be happy to join the drive. If it’s later in the afternoon, I probably won’t be able to make it. The drive meeting spot is not far to where I’ll be anyway.

 

Let me know whether you’d prefer I pull out now or stay on standby and see how it unfolds.

 

 

[JeromeFJ]

4 hours ago, Amr A said:

Let me know whether you’d prefer I pull out now or stay on standby and see how it unfolds.

Hi Amr, 

Stay on standby and I hope you will be able to join us