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Hi Sand Sailors Hope the week is going nice for all. It seems like a long time ago that we had some off days, so already looking forward to the weekend. We still have 4WL drivers, so with less than 48 hours to go for the drive, kindly review your plans and update the rsvp (in case of any change). Based on the final status tomo morning will take a call on how to proceed with final convoy. Thanks for your understanding and looking forward to see you all this Saturday @Benjamin @Sunil Mathew @Bjoern @Gary F @Mike M. @Krishna R @Ishak @Jaro Tuzinsky @Patrick van der Loo @Senthil Kumar @Ahmad Nerat @Rajiv Sam @Felix Obst @Bashar Beasha

Day 5 - Al Ula Exploration (114 Km.) As one of Saudi's most developed tourist destinations, with direct flights reaching it twice a week from Dubai, it'll be much easier to find a commentary on Al Ula's beauties, natural, archeological and architectural, on guidebooks, or traveler's blogs. I'n terms of off-roading, Al Ula is no longer the "free for all" paradise that apparently was until just a few years back, as most of the areas surrounding the old town, the archeological sites and many of its monumental rock formations and canyons are now fenced off. Therefore, our day was spent mostly visiting the UNESCO Heritage Site of Hegra, with its Nabatean tombs, and the ancient city, which is the twin sister of Petra, in neighboring Jordan. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch in the gorgeous Habitas Hotel, splendidly located in the secluded Ashar Valley, with a guarded access, where 3 luxury facilities are nested between the red canyons. The afternoon went quickly by, with a very leisurely off-road drive dedicated to finding a nice camping spot in one of the canyons north of Al Ula. The whole area is an amazing labyrinth of red rock cliffs, made of extremely weathered and oxidized sandstone, with honeycombed walls, where the alternation of wind and rain erosion has carved niches and ledges alternating throughout their length. Wadis, mostly dry in spite of the recent heavy rains, have cut their way through the rocks, while the winds have created dunes on the windward side of the canyons. We finally decided to stop on one of these dunes, overlooking a small "oasis" at its bottom, the wadi just beyond, and the opposite walls of the canyon starting to glow red from the sunset's light. An idyllic campsite, where we took all the time we needed to stretch, relax, set up camp, and prepare a light but succulent dinner, next to a crackling campfire. A most relaxing day indeed.

Dear @Gertjan @Rob S @Imteeaz @Alexanderrr @Pacific @Beide Worku @Charbel @Imran Kashif @Ashutosh Garg @Tareq Al Turq @Mohamad Anwer @Chris Wing @Simon D @Salim Akhtar Hope all good, and having succesful week. This is a reminder, that you have added your name sometime during the week. We are getting closer to departure time, and would appreciate your final decision, traveling or not. Nice evening

@Bravoecho, @Stumpy Paj, @rohit kumar, @Juan R, @Adam James, @Gautam Banka, @Mohit Gurnani, @Parliament and @Anoop Nair also @DP1011 and @GauravSoni Thank you very much for joining this drive. The plan of action will be start the drive at Faqaa and go towards Solar Park 🙄 obviously as the title of the drive post suggests - we will be playing in the Seif Dunes at Faqaa, after that we will cross a Sabkha to reach near what we call in our Club "Little Sweihan". We will find some manageable Barchanoid Dunes to play before we exit. Please double check your calendar, make good excuses if necessary if you have any commitments that you are trying to ignore and be ready. Please do confirm your availability by tomorrow afternoon to plan the convoy. We will publish the Convoy order Friday evening.

Many thanks for @M.Seidam for organising a such drive. i was honered by driving with highly skilled drivers @Fabien Monleau, @Sunil Mathew, @Ignacio Quindós, @Mohammad Anwar, and @Hisham Masaad the terrain was mixed of different challenges, i.e. safari style, side crest crosing and ridge riding. We successfully completed it regardless of few refusals as a result of supper soft sand. In short, the drive was a memorable start of a new offroading level for me. As usual short drive video can be found here. https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS83m1Wqt/ looks forward to drive with u again Ahmad

Great so it seems everyone is confirmed for the drive. Since we have a super strong convoy and we have few friends who missed out on last drive as well - I have extended the convoy. @Mark B and @Ahmad Nerat you both are added to the convoy. What this means - more focus, more challenge and ofcourse more fun. See you all this Saturday 😀

Well that was a lot easier than I thought, about a hr a side, total three hours but I also rewraped my exhaust headers as well. if any one is thinking of doing this it’s actually very easy, and saves 500-600aed that the workshop wanted to charge in labour. Total was 367 in parts so not to bad. will see how the car drives after this but the old mounts where completely separated/stuffed. will update after I take it back for its inspection thank you

Whatever shoes you buy for the sand, the #1 essential feature to look out for is that the tongue of the shoe fully attaches to the shoe (see red circles in picture). With that feature it is virtually impossible to get sand in unless it's from the top of the shoe where your lower leg is exposed. A loose tongue will let sand it no matter how well you tie your laces and many famous hiking brands for example just have loose tongues which are great for mountains, snow etc. but not for sand.

Thanks @M.Seidam for organizing a drive on a weekday. Lately I have worked every weekend, and I’ve been unable to join any drive (still looking for a chance to get my first intermediate). A nice mix of terrains, starting with daylight and finishing at night so, great combination! Congrats @Ahmad Nerat on your first FB+. Keep it up! @Fabien Monleau, @Mohammad Anwar, @Sunil Mathew and @Hisham Masaad nice to see you all again. I will post some pictures in the gallery. This one for @Hisham Masaad Have a nice weekend!

After a month break in Namibia, it was a real pleasure to be back in the desert and to follow @M.Seidam. We have performed a short warm up in the technical dunes of Al Faqa prior reaching little Sweihan. After few refusals and a pop out, darkness has come and we have ended our drive under the stars… Thanks to @Hisham Masaadfor his sweep role… Congratulations to @Ahmad Nerat for his first FB+… Nice to drive again with @Mohammad Anwareven if you drive a Nissan Patrol now and no more, your legendary LC… I won’t be able to join you this weekend. I wish you nice drives and hope to drive with you again and soon 😉

thanks for the midweek evening drive @M.Seidam, It was great to join one of your drives after an offrading break of more than 2 months, given that this was a first FB+ drive for me on my current car as well Good to drive with all of you and meet again @Fabien Monleau @Ignacio Quindós @Mohammad Anwar and @Hisham Masaad Good job on your first FB+ @Ahmad Nerat, I was driving behind you, and i can say you did really well, handling that LC boat of yours. Little bit of fishtailing here and there will be sorted out soon , as you do more of these level drives. As you indicated during the drive, see if you need a bumper trim/change, as this will come handy when traversing technical areas

And one other point to add if you don’t like the military style - check the under armour ones.

Thank you @Frederic for the initiative. One more proof that with @Gaurav and @Srikumar you are not only running an off-road club, but leading a true community. You are a source of inspiration for all of us. I did not expect a special recognition for doing something I like, and it is a nice surprise back from holidays. Congratulations to the nominees of this first quarter @Ale Vallecchi @Benjamin @Bjoern @Tharun Kumar V @Santoso Marjuki @Davie Chase @DP1011 , all of them shoving great dedication and team spirit !!

Varun! You are a legend!! Thank you I was about a day away from finding some of the convoy and doing some sabotage 😂😂😂 kidding of course!! thanks again and seee you Saturday 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

@Varun Mehndiratta extra sharpened shovel? 😂

I am looking forward to this Saturday morning:)

I have been using these for my offroad drives for the past 2 months: https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B082862R3F?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1&psc=1 These are fairly high and I have no issues even walking up relatively steep slip faces of dunes without getting in any sand at all. In fact, I can't remember ever having sand inside when taking the shoes off. Amazon offers 30 days return on them, so it was no risk buying them. I use size US 11, and they fit true to size. They are also quite lightweight and fairly breathable (no sweaty feet). Whatever shoes you buy, make sure you invest in a few pairs of quality Merino Wool socks, they are excellent both in the heat and cold and will keep moisture away from your feet. Very popular for both winter and summer hiking. The worst socks you can wear inside boots are cotton socks as they will trap moisture. Make sure you ventilate your boots well between uses, leaving them in the sunshine e.g. balcony so they are well aired out.

@Ale Vallecchi I’ve been following along your off-road diary and it’s truly amazing some of the things you have seen especially through the eyes of a camera lens enjoy the rest of your holiday!

First of all, yes ..... I am still alive. Simply, I had not expected to have such hectic days, so packed, and going through relatively remote areas, that I would not have time to recount the events of the day. Now that I am finally back, I have the time to relive, with you, the highlights of the past days. Day 4 - Al Hait - Al Ula (537 Km) A sunny start of the day saw us driving across a huge field of lava stones, clearly announcing the approaching of a significant group of volcanoes, strung along a semi-circle, just a few kilometers off a secondary road to Al Ula. As the stones turned to gravel, under the effect of prolonged erosion, the plains at the foot of this ring of volcanoes revealed itself, reddish black as the color of lava, and stunningly green as the color of the thin grass that carpeted the valley, after the heavy rains. After a coffee break on the lush yet barren plain, we launched on a 60 Km. off-road exploration of the volcanos. As we were driving in a clockwise direction around the edges of what appeared as different lava flows, we realized that the lava was actually all part of a giant eruption, that may have lasted years, if not decades, coming from the tall black volcano looming to our right. The goal was to reach and climb the most "advertised" site in this area, the so called "White Mountain", which we reached just as the black crusts of lava ended at its base. It was indeed a whiteish looking mountain, with a flat top, and no lava whatsoever either on its slopes or near its base. As we climbed to the top of the plateau, we actually landed on the rim of what appeared as a volcanic crater, with a small hilly outcrop at its center. The color of the rocks was white with pink hues, in stark contrast with the black mountains surrounding this site. A closer, even though hasty, analysis of the mountain's material and layout of its visible layers, completely devoid of any volcanic origin, led to the conclusion that this must have actually been an impact crater, pre-dating the volcanic activity which laid at its feet, in relatively more recent times, the huge lava field we had just crossed, originated from the huge black volcano. Done with the geological survey, we proceeded to complete the drive of the entire rim of this incredible White Mountain, drawing a perfectly circular track on the map, before descending its slopes, and crossing, once again, the huge black lava field. Just before exiting on the original dirt track, we detoured toward a gap between two tall hills, where we found a beautiful herd of black camels enjoying the fresh green grass, pasturing on the rims of another beautiful, smaller, crater, hidden from the view from below. Another spectacular site, with an unspoiled, almost pre-historic look and feel. Back on the main road, just in time to avoid yet another burst of rainfall, we headed toward Al Ula, a couple hundred kilometers away. After refueling, having noticed the first signs of the red, boulder shaped, outcrops that have made this area famous (actually, common to a great deal of the vast expanse from here to Wadi Rum in Jordan), we detoured, to enter one of its canyons, beginning what turned out to be almost 100 Kms of off roading, along the wadis and small valleys separating the broken massif. Having spent the last part of the afternoon off-roading just south-east of Al Ula, we reached our destination well after sunset. Another day full of surprises, the highlight of which (and with hindsight, perhaps of the whole trip) was the huge black volcano's immense lava flow spreading its wings and hugging the base of the incredible White Mountain. An unreal testimonial of ancient times of upheaval and dramatic change, and a stunning reminder of Mother Earth's immense power.

@Hisham Masaad count me in 😁

@Hisham Masaad confirmed

Confirmed

Confirmed

I am attending. 😀

Coming

I tried these and returned after 1 drive. They let sand it at the tongue/laces area. Maybe just my experience but I wasn't too impressed. Also found them not to be very breathable. It's a nice idea for a sand shoe, but this shoe needs more R&D

Sure if i find somewhere to do it i will let you know!

Yeh I agree, I want to delete the rubbish looking plastic as well, makes it easier to get to the wheel and you can mount fuel containers as well. There are people who make the delete panels and the mount for the licence plate, just haven’t found where in Dubai yet. If you do can you let me know?

Congratulations @Michael Chattle

Congratulations @Benjamin

Make sure to keep your license plate lighting working. Otherwise the RTA will not pass it.

i actually have the opposite problem to this,... my wheel is sticking waaay out because of the bracket. and the door wont close due to it sticking out. But yes i think deleteing the entire back panel might be a nicer look.

Thanks @Varun Mehndiratta will see you on Saturday

Congrats @Benjamin

Always up for a challenge, 🥴 just wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks when doing them. changed the transmission mount not long ago and it still looks ok.

@Pavel Pashkovskiy - Long time we had coffee together looking forward for your coffee treat again

You need to get a second shovel, one for each arm @Benjamin maximum efficiency.

Don’t worry @Varun Mehndiratta my shovel was forged in the realms of alfheim! They actually call me Ace of spades😂 Looking forward to doing everything I can to support the convoy

Hi Sand Sailors Thanks for RSVPing for the drive and your usual amazing response to the post . As @Frederic aptly described another Gone in 60sec opportunity 😀. @Beide Worku can’t help my friend,. These tiny bits keep me pumped up through my prep. We have a super solid convoy (tried and tested over last weeks) for a super awesome terrain. M all psyched and hope so are you - as it won’t take anything less to get through this place. So get your vehicles checked, ensure you are fully rested and sleep on time this Friday. @Benjamin ensure muscles are pumped and the shovel is sharp & ready and @Jaro Tuzinsky No drive for you without an upgraded phone holder 😀😀 For those on WL, still some time to go so stay put. @Felix Obst @Gary F @Benjamin @Mark B @Ahmad Nerat @Senthil Kumar @Ishak@Bashar Beasha @Patrick van der Loo @Bjoern @Sunil Mathew @Rajiv Sam @Krishna R @Jaro Tuzinsky

Carnity members trying to RSVP at 7PM:

Congratulations @Michael Chattle on your promotion. well done!

Congratulations @Michael Chattle - enjoy the new level!

Congratulations @Michael Chattle !

Congratulations @Michael Chattle Enjoy the new level

Day 2 - Al Bathaa to Edge of the World (685 Km) Let's start from the beginning of tomorrow (Day 3). A 6:00 am water up in a windstorm and 14 degrees, after a full night of rain. It felt we had punished for having reached the End of the World. A Martian landscape, of a miles long sharp cliff separating the central plateau of Arabia from the lower lands expanding from here to the Red Sea. Barely 68 km west of Riyad, yet 2 hours of driving away, End of the World is reached through 30 km M on a rocky dirt track. The excruciating drive, takes a heavy toll on the back and spine, but leaves you breathless once at the top (see picture). Everything else between Al Bathaa and here is quite insignificant, except a large dune field running along the highway not far from Riyad, which would warrant more time to explore (on the next trip). The camp was set at night on track back to the tarmac intersection, yesterday above a small wadi lined up with leafy trees. Food was served and enjoyed just on time for the arrival first of an electric storm, then of the heavy rains that were the sound track of the night, until the windy dawn.

DAY 1 - Dubai to Al Bathaa (557 Km) The first day goes quickly and unexcitingly, with the transfer to, and crossing of, the Saudi border, and an overnight at a not so Dream Home Hotel, just a few kilometers inside Saudi territory. The crossing itself has taken a little over 1 hour, mostly spent waiting in line for the various checks, which proceed in a very smooth, quick, and courteous way. Car insurance can be bought at the last booth before being allowed through. If it's the first time you enter Saudi you are required, after showing your visa, to register your fingerprints and picture. No travel photos for today. Tomorrow, almost a full day of driving to Edge of the World, which we should reach in around 8/9 hours (depending on how many stops we make), for an early camping and sunset view.