Leaderboard

Revolutionizing the UAE Desert Experience: Green Sand Dunes and Lush Vegetation Unveiled After 75-Year Rainfall Phenomenon Dubai, UAE - [9 May 2024] - In a rare and extraordinary turn of events, the deserts of the United Arab Emirates have transformed into a breathtaking verdant paradise following the heaviest rainfall in 75 years. The once golden sands have given way to lush green dunes adorned with meter-tall vegetation, including vibrant shrubs and hardy desert plants painting a surreal picture of nature's resilience and beauty. This rare and remarkable phenomenon has captivated adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the desert in a way never seen before. The lush greenery contrasts magnificently against the backdrop of the arid desert, creating a visual spectacle that has drawn attention from around the world. Carnity, renowned for its expertise in off-road club drives and desert driving courses, recognizes the unique opportunity this natural phenomenon presents to 4x4 owners and enthusiasts. With the desert terrain now transformed into a green oasis, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of desert driving, surrounded by vibrant vegetation, exotic birds and stunning landscapes. "The lush green sand dunes and thriving vegetation offer a completely new perspective on desert exploration, and participants can navigate this transformed terrain safely and responsibly." @Frederic Frederic Nuyttens, Crew: The UAE desert is far more dynamic than what people think. Even though it has transformed over Millions of years from a sea into a dry uninhabited land, there is still plenty of life and vegetation to be found. The recent changes have turned some areas into green lush lands, providing better shelter and grazing opportunities for many animals. The question will remain on how long these newly created lakes and lush greenery will stay in place to experience. @Gaurav Gaurav Khanna, Crew: expressed his excitement about this natural wonder and its impact on desert exploration. "The transformation of the UAE deserts into a green oasis is nothing short of an extraordinary experience." This is a unique opportunity for 4x4 owners and adventure enthusiasts to experience the desert in a whole new light with their completely stock 4WD vehicle. "I love seeing the 4x4 owner's amazed reactions every day after their first desert drive." @Ale Vallecchi Ale Vallecchi, Senior Marshal: The UAE deserts, including parts of Dubai, have become greener due to increased rainfall in recent years. This has led to more vegetation, changing some areas from desert to shrubland. For off-roaders, driving tips after heavy rain include: Deflation is less important on firmer surfaces. Watch out for mud patches on flat areas, preferring grass patches or visible sand ripples. Drive faster to avoid sinking in mud. Be cautious on dunes as ridges may collapse or sand may harden, causing unexpected hazards. Enjoy the greenery but be careful when exploring after rain. @Islam Soliman Islam Soliman, Marshal: Other than the water rivers changing the topology which is a temporary feature, the long-term impact is the expansive growth of vegetation in sabkhas turning it into massive green fields. The growth of different types of grass and medium-sized plants attracts all sorts of life around it from butterflies and slugs to larger animals like oryxes and gazelles. Observed massive growth in the count of baby gazelles and oryxes in different areas, especially around Al Qudra and Al Fagaa area in the Dubai Desert. The vegetation growth on the dunes is helping stabilize the sand on the dunes, making them hard and compact. If the increased rainfall continues, this will help reduce the dust levels in the surrounding areas. @Looper Goutam Sharma, Expert: The deserts of Dubai have been becoming green for some time now; be it Qudra or Faqa'a the creation of lakes has increased the water level in the deserts of Dubai, and the rain has only exacerbated the situation. In our recent drive from Faqa'a to Al Qudra Desert (Bab Al Shams) we found a great example of it, where the desert was lush green with only the tops of the dunes having some sand. @Simon D Simon Dawood, Expert: Amidst global climate change, the UAE's deserts have experienced a noteworthy shift, highlighted by increased rainfall that has transformed arid landscapes into lush expanses. The emergence of a 'vegetation carpet' across areas like Lisaili, Al Qudra, Murquab, Nizwa, and beyond showcases nature's resilience. Revived wadis like Wadi Shawka and Wadi Al Qor, now with flowing water, are further signs of rejuvenation. For off-roaders and nature enthusiasts, the sight of a green desert signifies more than just visual beauty - it represents hope and renewal. This transformation serves as a touching reminder that unexpected changes can yield beauty and growth in our natural environment. "I can't hide my smile when I see a Green Desert." @DP1011 Deepak Panchariya, Expert: As an experienced off-roader, I've witnessed an incredible transformation in the UAE's off-road scene. This transformation is thanks to the UAE's dedication to ecological balance, exemplified by ongoing cloud-seeding projects and nature's support. Initially, many of us may have simply seen it as adding more greenery to the desert. However, taking a step back reveals a different perspective - the thriving desert life that these efforts nurture is truly remarkable. The UAE's expansive areas, like the pristine dunes in Qudra and Faqa, offer us a unique experience now. We can now enjoy driving through green landscapes, encountering desert wildlife, and marveling at clear dunes just at a short distance. It's a true luxury to be in this amazing country, where we can immerse ourselves in diverse natural beauty and experiences. Carnity Desert Driving Course is designed for both novice and experienced drivers seeking to explore the desert with confidence and respect for the environment. The comprehensive Masterclass covers essential topics such as sand driving techniques, vehicle preparation, navigation skills, and safety techniques. Participants learn the art of traversing challenging terrains and gain a deeper understanding of desert driving skills while respecting ecosystems and conservation principles. With expert guidance from seasoned instructors, drivers can navigate the green sand dunes and lush vegetation while minimizing environmental impact and preserving the natural beauty of the desert. As the UAE continues to attract adventurers and nature lovers seeking unparalleled experiences, Carnity remains at the forefront of desert driving education. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and immersive learning, we empower individuals to explore the wonders of the desert with the perfect blend of education, excitement, and environmental stewardship.

Thank you @Gaurav and all my Fb+ drive Leaders @JeromeFJ @Varun Mehndiratta @Frederic @Looper @Davie Chase @DP1011 @Simon D @Islam Soliman @Rizwanm2 ❤️ 🫡 Thanks mate @Luke K P, always more fun to drive with you 🫡

My "temporary" solution... 😅

One of these has done me well so far. Easy access, and can be tied down pretty well and fits most of my stuff (apart from the compressor) https://www.aceuae.com/en-ae/mac-allister-tool-bag-45-x-25-x-35-cm/2219331.html

Hi @Carnity, I am sharing this here as I would want for the Carnity community to benefit of a very unique car before placing it in the public market place. I'll give it a week before putting it on sale in public. @Gaurav, @Frederic and @Srikumar I know Carnity is not a marketplace but this car is too special to go to a complete stranger The White Rhino is a high-end and probably the most maintained and pampered Pajero in the GCC, with the most premium add-ons available for a Pajero in the market. Fully maintained and serviced at Al Habtoor with an existing dealer warranty (Until End of Jan 2025) and extended service package (4 Free Services). This car was bought from the dealer Al Habtoor 2 years ago at 0 km (First Owner). The below is a summarized list and details of the car: · Pajero 3.8 LWB 2020 – Elite Package - Under Al Habtoor warranty until 30th January 2025 · 50,871 KM– Pristine Condition · Al Habtoor Service Contract until 80,000 KM (4 Free Services) bought on August 25,2023 – The Package also includes: 1 Body Polish, 1 Free Brake Pad and 2 AC filter replacements - AED 5460 · Rhinomotive Graphene Pro Ceramic Coating – Al Habtoor – AED 3000 · Underbody Rust Proofing – Al Habtoor – AED 1000 · Dobinsons - MRR Adjustable Shock Absorbers and Coil Springs (Warranty until May 17, 2024) – AED 10,850 · KMC Wheels – Set of 5 – AED 5000 · Yokohama Geolander G015 – Set of 5 – 265/70/17 – AED 3000 · Rear Tyre Cover Delete Kit – Can be reversed to original look (Original Tyre Cover) – AED 1500 · Original Tyre Cover - Custom modified to hold the rear KMC wheel – AED 2500 · AOR Pajero 4DR Roof Rack Kit plus Eye bolt Eyelets and light brackets – AED 5900 · Aluminum, powder coated, External Molle Panels (1 pair). Personally Designed and Custom-made (1 of 1 Set) – AED 2200 per side (AED 4400 Total) · 2 x Black Rotopax Storage Packs and Rotopax Deluxe Lock Mounts with 4x Quickfist holders for shovels – AED 2600 · Front and back skid plates – AED 2200 · Upgraded Entertainment Unit to Wireless Car Play – Al Habtoor – AED 1100 · Rear Lights Black Coloring – Signature Look - Done at Al Habtoor – AED 1050 · 42” LED Front Light Bar · 2 x 75W Rear lights – Double Flood Bars · De-chrome package and angel eyes DRLs · Centralized Gang Rocker Swith Panel – Factory Look (Connected Front and Rear Lights and ready to connect a fan or spot lights, switches are there but never got a fan or spot lights) · Red Caliper Coloring · Pajero All weather mats – Front seats, rear seats and trunk · Engine flush at 20,000 km – Al Habtoor · Everything is at highest premium levels · Most invoices are available, if needed · Over AED 70,000 add-on spending on the car - Not your typical Pajero. · Reason for selling: Bought a new Ranger Raptor · AED 105,000 - Priced for selling, not negotiable If interested, I can be reached on +971 55 4284084

Hi all, I'm totally newbie, just few weeks how bought Expedition Timberline. Main question is how do you usually organize your trunk with essentials, recover kits etc. How do you store and fix it?

She is a beauty.

@Zubail I suggest purchasing all the equipment that you believe should be in the box, then go to Ace or similar and find a suitable box or two that will fit in your trunk. Also need to size it and locate it in a position that works with the tie down points in your car. Using two boxes might make the packing of your trunk easier and make them lighter to remove if you need to use the 3rd row. The most important goal is to have everything able to be secured so that they do not bounce around over rough ground and fly around the cabin causing injury if something more serious happens.

Thanks for answers, thinking same, but don't know about sizes, need sometimes to keep 3rd row opened, but still don't want to take this box home, and doing measures measures to find proper which will be ideal 🫠

Black Ford Expedition Today had EDI desert course Front hooks, rear tow point Radio mt777 programmed already for carnity frequencies

Congratulations @Ishak for reaching the Intermediate Level with Carnity Offroad Club. Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment. Please make sure your Carnity user profile is always updated with all the latest Emergency contact details. P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear. INTERMEDIATE Drives Attended (Indicative) Minimum 10 Fewbie Plus drives are required within last 6 months for Intermediate promotion. What you'll learn Basic GPS and navigational skills Basic tow rope and winch recoveries Extreme side sloping and long hill climb Tall dunes ridge riding and criss crossing Precise control over technical dunes Fast pace desert driving Clear radio communication skills Advance recovery skills Self recover from dune crest Soft sand recovery Pop-out fixing Skills required Adventurous and thrill seeker but in a safe manner Level headed under stressful situations Responsible, dependable and accountable Car Worthiness Capable 4x4 vehicle with low range gearing Suitable approach and departure angle High profile tires Off-road gear required Safety flag, tire deflator, tire pressure gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio (walkie-talkie), air compressor, tool kit, rated recovery rope and 2 rated shackles, GPS. Drive teamwork Manage center forward position with Trip Lead’s permission Learn/assist recoveries under Trip Lead’s supervision Re-route convoy and coordination, when needed Learn to lead small portion of Intermediate drive under Marshal supervision Drive Joining Join Newbie, Fewbie, Fewbie Plus and Intermediate drives. Forum participation Active participation on the forum Share drive experience + feedback Share drive pictures in the gallery Post trip report after the drive

@Emanuel insta360 X4 is released, so that’s what you want to buy. Buy directly from Insta 360 and add flexicare so that if any damage happens to your camera you can have it repaired for cheap. (I damaged mine last week and had to send it to be replaced).

Hi @Looper, thanks for letting me know it's ready. I had a look already and inspired that maybe one day I too can make a video professional looking like yours with the overlay labels and data. ...and convince my wife about the justification for the 360 X3. 🤣 We will watch it together later tonight.

Great trailer for the main feature. Those screams near the end sounded familiar. Did you overlay them from the last drive I had here with visitors from Ireland? Sounded very familiar. 🤣

Yes, it has a firm material top (I think it's plastic). It is secured with velcro all the way around and clipped down so it's pretty secure. It also has enough points to attach the bungee ropes to

Personally I chose one without a zip because sand likes to destroy zips 😁

@Ishak well deserved mate - keep it up

@Matt - monkeywrench I went to ACE, they don't have in stock, but I like solution of bag, not box, which will be closed and have pockets(closed) for small staff like this https://amzn.eu/d/11JYx6S

There is no more permanent, than temporary 😂😂😂

Congratulations @Ishak well deserved and enjoy the new challenges

just make sure you get something sturdy. Once I bought a jack for offroad it moved little by little around inside my plastic box i was using, and eventually cracked the sides. now i strap my jack down to another tiedown point so it cant move around at all but separate to the rest of my 'soft gear' I've also seen some people use a small suitcase. which seems to work pretty well giving you two sides to work with and fits well into trunks, and can be strapped down easily.

Congratulations @Ishak ! Continue to enjoy

Come join Looper's IM drive on Sunday in Nahel. Straight into the meat grinder 😆

Well deserved @Ishak !

Can 100% concur with Luke, I have a large plastic storage box that contains recovery gear, tools, basic emergency equipment, etc. tied down with ratchet straps and shovel mounted onto the rear door of my Pajero with the same rubber clips. In my front cubby I have my quick deflating tool, pressure gauge and leather work gloves, along with a roll of toilet paper and spare bin bags.

I have everything stowed in a toolbox, which is secured using ratchet straps from Amazon. I also have some shovel rubber mounts which I have installed on the inside boot area so that during drives I can get quick access to my Shovel to dig myself and others out without having to disconnect all the straps and do them back up after. See you on a drive sometime!

@Emanuel here you go, the first 15 min till we lost track of the tail. Click on this Gaia link for the track of this video. We drove 7.80 km in 14:50 min at 31.5 kmph.

Congrats my friend

Mabrook @Ishak .....

Congrats Ishak!

Thanks, done! thanks a lot!

Hi @Zubail, you can click on the calendar again, and remove yourself from the going list, Then you can click 'going' on the Dubai twilight newbie drive

Congratulations @Ishak on your new level.

Nice work mate. Enjoy.

Awesome @Ishak I bet you'll have a great time on those IM drives!

@Brett Eicher@Lea Degner@nithish468@Matt - monkeywrench@ChrisW@Srikumar@Damian@Juzer Talib@Ahmed Farouk@JohanE@Jerry Han@Asif Hussain Thank you for the nice drive yesterday! The sand was very forgiving and that meant there was not a lot of work at hand. But we had a good flow and covered quite a good distance. You all drove superb ! As always, great support from @Srikumarand @Asif Hussain Thank you guys !

Hi @Zak_, not very good indeed, but if it is only one drive, and only one clip open, it is unlikely that a large quantity of sand went into the intake pipe. The filter box is still reasonably tight. It is indeed a good practice to check the filter and clean the sand box every 2-3 drives. Doing so, if you (or the person washing the car) use compressed air be sure to block the intake pipe opening with a cloth of something. Sand might be blown into the pipe during the cleaning. Maybe the sand you noticed was there from the previous cleaning... If it was checked at the garage, I'm pretty sure it will be ok. FJs are strong cars !