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Goodmorning to all ! I am sharing some information that was posted on the Newbie Liwa drive earlier by Srikumar, which will be applicable for us as well: Drive Preparation 1. Firstly, get lots and lots of rest the previous day on 1st Dec. The more the better as Liwa will not only challenge your vehicle but your mind as well. We would need your complete focus and fatigue due to less rest is the last thing that is needed on such a terrain. 2. Ensure that your 4x4 is well serviced recently and all the lubes and fluids are topped up 3. 20 Liter fuel jerry can. If you have any doubts, please post your query on the drive post and we will assist. 4. A full fuel tank at the meeting point. 5. Spare tyre should be in good working condition. If not been used recently, ensure that you take it out and check the condition properly. Also ensure that you have the wrench that can be used to remove your tyre (if needed). In the past we have seen that people upgrade their tyres but still keep the the original wrench which is of no use to remove the upgraded tyre. So please ensure that your car has the right tool to remove the tyres (if needed). 6. Air compressor, proper shovel, flag, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, 7. Fully charged radio (tuned to all Carnity Frequencies) with spare battery / radio. If you have a car charger for your radio, please bring it along. 8. All traction controls, ABS and Air bags need to be switched off. If it requires pulling the fuse, please research before the drive or better still, post your queries on this drive post and we would assist. 9. Car charger / battery pack for your mobile. 10. Plenty of water, approx 5 litre per person per day. 11. Bring along your breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc in easy to eat packing. We shall be having breaks in between the drive. 12. Dry food, energy bar, cookies, nuts, crisp to munch while driving 13. Bring garbage bags along to carry your trash. Littering in the desert is strictly prohibited. Keep checking this list, as it might grow further in coming days. All the above points are Mandatory and your participation on the drive would be refused on the drive day by the trip lead if you fail to comply with the above. Details of the exact meeting point will be updated on the Original Drive Post and Calendar shortly. Meeting time is 8 AM and we plan to exit out at Moreeb by 4 PM with sufficient breaks in between. There is a plan to have some nice photoshoots at the base of Moreeb dune at the end of the drive along with the other convoys (subject to everything going according to plan). More details will keep getting updated on this drive post. Please read this carefully before confirming your signup. A drive in LIWA is no way to be compared to any other drive in the UAE, and making shortcuts in your preparation might spoil your trip for yourself and other members of the convoy.

Tamas Hoffmann @Tamas Hoffmann Nivin @Nivin Anand Nataraj @Anand Nataraj Hennie Schoeman @Hennie Schoeman Ranjan Das @Ranjan Das Mohamed Abo ElKomsan @Mohamed Abo ElKomsan Shaaz Sha @Shaaz Sha Ashok chaturvedi @Ashok chaturvedi Francois Germishuys @Francois Germishuys Mahmoud Asar @Mahmoud Asar As most of us have driven before, you will know that I do like to give a heads up about what to expect on our upcoming drives. This week will be no different. It was a year ago that myself and Jeepie (Marjan) first ventured out into the sand of the UAE. She has never driven off road before, I had only driven in Europe - where mud rivers and rocks are the challenge, definitely not sand. A year on, I am a Marshal in Carnity and Marjan at Expert rank. It's been an amazing year, learning about the UAE [mainly Dubai since COVID], our driving skills, our car and yes, as we shared a car for the first 10 months, our relationship. So far all of us survived! So what's this anniversary drive about? Fun: At the end of the day, driving in the sand should be fun. If that's fun because it is very exciting, or seeing nature or challenging ourselves, it should never be something we do because we have to. We have had a lot of fun during the year and want to share that feeling. Challenges: There are different types of challenge we face in the desert. The reason I chose the Qudra, Solar park area for this week is because there are a lot of chances to try different things. We can drive from area to area one part highly technical, one part with long straight dunes where we can side slope or drive the create one part with swooping high dunes where precision is esential because the sand is so soft nearby. Recoveries: I know it's quite boring waiting for someone else to be recovered, it's the best learnign you will get to be able to sort out your own problems if they arrive when you are driving. As drive leads, helping out with stucks and recoveries is part of the fun and the learnign as well. Yes, it's always nice to keep moving as much as possible but we also need to take up the level so that everyone learns how to get out of trouble as well as into it. Rising your drive level: We increase intensity on drives based on the driver response. If everyone is doing well, if there are no stucks, if the drivers can cope, then we will increase the intensity and the type of drive accordingly. Look out for moments of criss crossing, and ridge riding during the drive - you're fewbies after all. So, please, lets make it a fun drive. Come with your car in good order, with your mind clear and we will all have a great time. See you soon in the sand.

Finding a hotel will not be easy. As my wife and myself are both desert freaks, we will be setting up camp somewhere in the area and have a good night of sleep.

@Wrangeld @Jeepie For both of you best wishes 💐.I like your approach both before , during and after the drive. Hopefully in the coming weeks I will be joining you guys .

For the first one he's professional. Second one he let the gas go while coming down, and I'm not sure if that was deliberate or his car stalled, but when the car starts to fishtail you need to correct the steering a bit and slight gas to correct it. He never corrected the fish tailing resulting in a roll over.

@Anoop joseph at the moment all the hotels in Liwa are either fully booked or insanely expensive. The closest option would be a 2 hour drive in Ghayathi or closer to Abu Dhabi city. I plan on removing the back seat of my car and put a sleeping bag to get some rest during the journey to and from Liwa.

Speaking of which... I'll add these few important topics that @Frederic and @Srikumar highlighted in their respective drive threads, as they also apply for intermediate: 1) You need to make sure that your car is 100% in technical fit condition: recovering a broken vehicle in Liwa is an absolute enormous task which will take hours and in some cases we might have to just leave it behind. Please be aware of the long journey and the extreme stress your vehicle will undergo in this terrain. Get your vehicle FULLY inspected before joining this adventure. Make sure fluids, battery, spare wheel, and brakes are in optimal condition. If your vehicle already shows signs of slight overheating from regular Fewbie drives please do not join this drive. 2) We will be driving in dunes which are more than 200m high and this also involves coming down steep slopes. If you struggle with fear of heights in Pink Rock or Fossil Rock, I would advise to think this through. Safety is our main focus but nevertheless we need people to stay calm and listen calmly to instructions as there is only little margin for human errors. 3) More than anything, you need to be realistic in what your vehicle can do and choose the number of passengers wisely. If we see an underpowered vehicle with 4 adult persons inside and stuffed with camping gear, we will not allow you to join. This terrain will require a lot from your vehicle, and traveling light with minimum passengers will make sure your underpowered vehicle can survive this. Drive Preparation 1. Firstly, get lots and lots of rest the previous day on 1st Dec. The more the better as Liwa will not only challenge your vehicle but your mind as well. We would need your complete focus and fatigue due to less rest is the last thing that is needed on such a terrain. 2. Ensure that your 4x4 is well serviced recently and all the lubes and fluids are topped up 3. 20 Liter fuel jerry can. If you have any doubts, please post your query on the drive post and we will assist. 4. A full fuel tank at the meeting point. 5. Spare tyre should be in goodworking condition. If not been used recently, ensure that you take it out and check the condition properly. Also ensure that you have the wrench that can be used to remove your tyre (if needed). In the past we have seen that people upgrade their tyres but still keep the the original wrench which is of no use to remove the upgraded tyre. So please ensure that your car has the right tool to remove the tyres (if needed). 6. Air compressor, recovery rope, soft shackles, proper shovel, flag, fire extinguisher, first aid kit are mandatory. 7. Fully charged radio (tuned to all Carnity Frequencies) with spare battery / radio unless you have a car charger for your radio. 8. All traction controls, ABS and Air bags need to be switched off. If it requires pulling the fuse, please research before the drive or better still, post your queries on this drive post and we would assist. 9. Car charger / battery pack for your mobile. 10. Plenty of water, approx 5 litre per person per day. 11. Bring along your breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc in easy to eat packing. We shall be having breaks in between the drive. 12. Dry food, energy bar, cookies, nuts, crisp to munch while driving 13. Bring garbage bags along to carry your trash. Of course, littering in the desert is strictly prohibited. Keep checking this list, as it might grow further in coming days. All the above points are Mandatory and your participation on the drive would be refused on the drive day by the trip lead if you fail to comply with the above. Details of the exact meeting point will be updated on the Original Drive Post and Calendar shortly.

@asifk you're right, I should have highlighted this point from the beginning, apologies. To be honest, I thought it was obvious. When you will reach Moreeb area in Liwa (as I'm almost sure that you will find a place in another drive, more fitted for your family), you will understand why I am so reluctant to allow young children as passengers. @Tero Vallas removing the fuses might be your only option. I'm not sure about Prado. @Atif, @Nizam Deen, and other proud Prado owners, any idea? @Craig Finlayson as you know, all affordable hotels are full. I will probably just sleep in my car, somewhere around.

Thanks @Wrangeld I am in

Hi Guys, I recently bought 2015 durango limited v6 with a 108k miles on it from futtaim automall. I have full service history available. - Should i reach to Mopar for service? or stick with futtaim for regular service? - I have futtaim warranty for 1 year, should i trust that or should i get extended warranty from mopar? Though i have its inspection report from futtaim and no major repairs were done but it seems to be in a good state for now. I fear that futtaim might compromise with cheaper parts in case i need to claim warranty. Thats why i wanted suggestions. - For how long should i keep it? until 150k? or until i am not troubled? - It came with basic infotainment system that doesnt have uconnect apps on it? there is no navigation available in infotainment should i get it updated from dodge official dealership in UAE? - Approximately how much will minor and major service will cost from futtaim? and from mopar?

@Tero Vallas im not sure how to remove the fuse champ. If you find please let me know as well. This is important information especially since you're going to be doing some crazy stuff... (me being jealous now) 😓 Pls let me know about the fuse i would be happy to hear more about this.

@syed1987 congratulations on your new purchase. Nobody can truly know if a car is going to be good for 150k or more. General consensus is not to go for American cars due to their high cost of maintenance and low resale values. However I've seen some people spend something initially on their second hand purchases but going untroubled throughout, where others have suffered with a similar vehicle. Everybodies experience forms their opinions. Should you sell it at 150k kms or sell it at the first sign of trouble, or drive it to its grave are all questions that vary on each situation. As far as Al Futtaim warranty goes they are the dealers for Dodge in the UAE and would not replace the parts with cheaper ones. However I have noticed that some companies offer warranty on used cars for only major components such as engine and gearbox and everything else you need to pay for. I was not aware that Molar is giving out warranties in UAE for used vehicles. Can you please share the details of the warranty you've received from Al Futtaim and the warranty being offered to you by Mopar, so that we can make a learned decision. Regarding the infotainment system, please check with Al Futtaim/ Trading Enterprise if it's possible to add the maps and how much it would cost. You can also compare the cost with some outside car audio shops to see if you can get a better deal. However with the modern smart phones coming with GPS navigation I wouldn't bother about having one on my infotainment system.

Hi @syed1987 If you have 1year warrantly this might be only valid if you stick with Futtaim services during that year. Maybe ask them once. You can keep the car as long as you like, 150k is not much in this part of the world. The Durango is maybe not the most reliable car, but if you look after it, it should easily go beyond 250k.

@Srikumar Hi Srikumar, please remove me from the drive list. I got some other work on that dates. 😔 😔

@Santhosh kumar Rajasekaran await your response. @Sreenath Giridharan please confirm if you will be completing 3 drives (1 Absolute Newbie + 2 Newbies) by this weekend Current Waitlist 1. Mohammed Razeen 2. Syed Salman Raza 3. Asifk

Anyone going down the night before and staying over and have any recommendations on accommodation? Or camp location?

Anyone staying down the night before and recommend accommodation?

Thanks @Emmanuel for this update. Very detailed and valid points. My concern is how to turn off air bags from Prado. Is there anyone, who could help to identify those fuses ? Or is there another way ?

Hi @Emmanuel - I understand but it would have been good if you had specified this at the initial stages. Now I will be left with no drive and a very disappointed family. I have put myself on the (already long) waitlist for the newbie and fewbie drives.

Hi @Rizwanm2 - good for you. @Mahmoud Asar you're in! Please confirm and I will add you to the drive.

@Srikumar and @Gaurav Can I please be on the waitlist for this drive ?

Please remove me from the wait list of this drive Thank you

I’m actually having second thoughts. For everyone’s safety, as it’s an intermediate level drive in Liwa, I think it’s wise to lower the maximum number of passengers per car to 2, and not to allow kids, as it’s too much responsibility in this extreme environment. Thank you for your understanding @asifk,

@asifk please read my two previous posts with all your attention.

@asifk no change about Covid test procedures. You can find all necessary informations by clicking on the dedicated link in the drive post. Regarding your idea of bringing your family with you, you should be aware of what an intermediate drive in Liwa means. Liwa is an extreme and very unforgiving terrain for off-roading, and your 4x4´s weight is important to avoid stucks. Besides, as it is an intermediate level drive, your passengers may feel sick. For them this all day drive would be very long. Having kids aboard is also a big responsibility for the whole convoy.

Hi Frederic, I drive Prado 2017 and this would be the first time i am driving in desert. i have arranged the inflator and deflator in my car but not the radio. Looking forward to see you all on Friday. Best regards Rajesh

Luckily I got mine pass too but I saw the remark on the document.

Hi Fredaric, this is Abhilash. I drive a Pajero 3.5l, 2015 model. First timer and looking forward to the drive. Vehicle has both front and rear tow hooks and kick plates at both front and rear. In terms of off road items i’ve a flag but nothing else. I would try to get a radio and deflator prior to the drive. Thanks and see you on Friday!

Congratulations @Janarthan !!

or maybe shower cap!

Hi. First Timer with a club here Alresdy RSVPed to the event. I own a Toyota FJ cruiser 2020. Extra fuel tank and agency air compressor. I have previous experience with friends almost every weekend. I dont have a uhf radio. But i will make sure to get one before the event. See you there

Criss Crossing Don't try this without experience it requires lot of practice. VID_20191214193330.mp4

@Emmanuel yeah I’ll probably do the same.

@HeisemWell said and done and that’s what is dune riding all about , to “sail “it on wheels and never ever to fight it no matter how experience you are or engine you are on. the bash plate will displace the sand making you “boat” to sail smoothly through 👍 nice footage also 👌 cheers

Just giving you an update, as I just read that I am on the waiting list for fossil rock drive, where it looks like there are some empty spots, but not confirmed seat yet

Hi @Rahimdad thanks for the same. Seems Friday morning I have some event to attend so in any case won't be able to make it. Will continue with afternoon drive.

Hi @Wrangeld i removed my RSVP. as i got spot on another which is closer to me. Thanks.

Thanks @Emmanuel - my kids are little (11 and 7) so weight shouldn't be too much of an issue + plus my Pajero is the 3.8L. They love the desert drives and are excited to see the scenery and experience the drive as well ! We will not have any camping gear or anything other than the required safety gear for the drive.

I'm also trying to sign up for this one, I see now it's 10 ppl confirmed, but it still says rsvp limit reached

Dear Friends @Jon M, @Mikhail Lukichev, @Anish S, @Tariq Carrimjee, @Probir Mukherjee, @Goutam, @David Ortells, @Janarthan, @Mahmoud Hamzawy, @Mahmoud Asar and @Pancho Please go through the links below for you to refresh and understand safe practices in desert driving. This information is of great help for you to come well informed and prepared to drive confidently. Of course every desert drive is a learning experience for everyone including me, but we all should stick to the basics mentioned in the links Dune Crossing Tutorial and Techniques - Discussions - Carnity.com Every off-roader must know: What Went Wrong? - Page 36 - Discussions - Carnity.com We will be driving from Southern part of Qudra where (hopefully) we will find cleaner long range dunes ,play as much as possible there and head towards the road beside Hamari well for exit. Enjoy your week!

Hi , please add me to the waiting list

@Gaurav if I cannot secure the new AT tires in time for the drive on Friday, knowing I am an absolute novice and running ‘pop out kings’ do you feel it would be better I free up my slot for others and book again once am fitted out with a more tolerant set up for someone of my abilities . I know it’s all about the driver and not the car/mods ... just want to make sure it’s a fun experience for all vs baby sitting a newbie.

You can find a plastic round cover and order it online that may take some time and dollars. OR Use our creative in-house genius @Shamil idea to put a masking tape on all lights before passing. It really worked. I fabricated a rexine cover for my both LED bars and still use them once in a year while passing.

It is requirement for drive for safety.

Managed to RSVP. Thanks!

I think RSVP for this drive is full ...... hope I will be in the wait list

It was a great drive. Thank you very much @Chaitanya D @Foxtrot Oscar @Pancho for pulling me out a couple of times. Cant wait to learn more from the seniors. Off-roading is addictive 😄 and i cant wait for the next drive.

HI all To be honest, I have been couple of times bit skeptical, whether new drive categories can offer something new. As this was my first Intermediate drive today, it is always impressive to see that how different drives can be. It was same with Fewbie and Fewbie Plus drives. Tempo of this drive was again bit faster than my previous ones. Takes a while to get used to it. Already in the beginning first technical area was more packed dunes, I felt distance between dunes was less. Which made driver to react faster to power needs but also taking care of exits of the dunes especially considering my Prado's front bumper... Long ridge rides were really nice. Thank you @Chaitanya D, @Pancho and @Foxtrot Oscar for your pro & safe convoy management. Good work from you all ! See u all on sand soon ! PS: Few photos added to gallery.

Hello @Ale Vallecchi and @Gaurav thanks for Guidence and sharing your experience. It was a wonderfull experience. Learnt a lot today.

Yes, I only asked to be added to waitlist. please remove me from waitlist.