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!

Hi @Fenya! Absolutely. I will add you to the list.

RSVP IS NOW CLOSED @topgear@Bhaskaran Ramaswamy@Danie@saumik1989@Ana@Ishraque@Haneef Thayyil@Richard Franks@Glenn W@J-P L@Fenya Thank you all for signing up! As mentioned in the drive topic, this will be a gentle overlanding style of drive, as the terrain doesn't really lend itself well to dune-bashing, and the high temperatures also mean we should take it a bit easy on the cars. Some pointers for tomorrow: 1) Please arrive on time. Even better if you arrive 15mins early so you have time to prepare. 2) We will be using Channel 4: 446.081Mhz on the Walkie-Talkie. 3) Please bring enough water for yourself and i also recommend some protection like a baseball cap or hat. The summer has officially started The plan is to exit in Falaj Al Mualla. I expect this to be around 10-10.30, but there can always be some delays (part of off-roading) Keep this in mind if you have other appointments in the afternoon. See you all tomorrow!

kind reminder @Bhaskaran Ramaswamy

Fantastic news @ChrisW! Welcome to support team, where the shovels are always standby and the smiles come for free

Good morning @Bhaskaran Ramaswamy and welcome to Carnity Offroad Club ! As you are doing your first club drive with us, kindly introduce yourselves: Please share your vehicle details - Make, Model, Color, and Year. Do you have any prior off-road experience? If yes, pls share details. Confirm your vehicle has front and rear tow hooks/eyelets. Advise if you don’t have a programmable radio and safety flag. MUST WATCH: NEWBIE VIDEO BRIEFING Please also take your time to watch the Newbie briefing video.

Well done @khurramm! See you soon in the sands !

Well deserved @J-P L !!