Desert driving is a popular activity in Abu Dhabi and the emirate has institutes that offer courses for preparing individuals for the adventure. Although these courses aren’t mandatory for off-roading, the desert is challenging terrain and it requires a specialised set of skills to safely manoeuvre across the dunes. Various safari guides and driving institutes offer desert driving courses in Abu Dhabi to help beginners learn these skills.
Desert Driving Courses in Abu Dhabi
A valid UAE driving licence is compulsory for admission to a course. Additionally, prior driving experience comes in handy as desert driving poses a unique set of challenges.
No matter the club or institute, the basics for desert driving courses in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE remain the same. The priority will always be on safety, including proper handling of vehicles, manoeuvring tricks along the desert and use of recovery equipment.For new drivers, it is ideal to avoid high dunes unless they have a proper grip on the handling. Even if they have completed the training course, their first few drives should be in a group to get aid during mishaps like a car stuck in the desert or engine failures.
Institutes Offering Desert Driving Training in Abu Dhabi
There are many institutes offering desert driving lessons in Abu Dhabi.
EMIRATES DRIVING INSTITUTE (EDI)
EDI is a registered driving school with branches in several emirates. The Abu Dhabi branch is located in Musaffah.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
The registration criteria are as follows:
- Be a resident of the UAE
- Hold a valid driving licence (local or international) with 6 months’ validity
- Be 140 cm or more in height
COURSE FEE
EDI offers a one-day certificate course where you will increase familiarity with 4×4 vehicles and handling them on the dunes. Three different courses are available, including:
- Complete Course: AED 800 per person (group of two) | AED 1500 for a single person
- Essential Course: AED 700 per person (group of two) | AED 1400 for a single person
- Refresher Course: AED 700 per person (group of two) | AED 1400 for a single person
The fee may vary for training lessons held on Saturdays.
- Address: Street No 17, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971 600 588880
RUB ALKHALI DESERT TOURISM
The course is offered by off-roading professionals who deliver both theoretical and practical lessons.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
Applicants should own a 4×4 car for this lesson. They can also rent a 4×4 from the course provider, but it is subject to vehicle availability.
The course is limited to 3 cars per session. All vehicles should be road-ready and insured.
COURSE FEES
Course duration is from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of training. With your own car:
- Beginner: AED 1500
- Intermediate: AED 2000
- Advanced: AED 2500
AED 2500 for rented 4×4 vehicles. Applicants can avail a 10 to 15% discount if accompanied by two or three cars.
- Address: Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971 50 628 9667
Desert Fellas
Desert Fellas also offers desert driving courses in Abu Dhabi. The course provides lessons for driving on different types of off-roading terrains, including deserts.
REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
Applicants must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have a valid driver’s licence
- Have a 4×4 off-roading vehicle
Course Fees
The fee ranges from AED 369 to AED 699 depending on the training duration. Interested individuals can choose either a half-day (4 hours) or a full-day (10 hours) sand driving course in Abu Dhabi.
There are many institutes offering desert driving lessons in Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
What is included in a desert driving course in Abu Dhabi?
A desert and sand driving course in Abu Dhabi typically teaches vehicle handling, emergency off-road car recovery techniques and safety skills.
Who should take a desert driving course in Abu Dhabi?
People planning to go driving in a desert should take the course. They can learn vehicle handling techniques and other essential skills required for driving in the desert.
Do beginners need prior off-road experience to join a desert driving course?
No, prior experience is not a necessity for enrolling in a 4×4 desert driving course in Abu Dhabi.
There you have it, institutes offering courses for desert driving experience in Abu Dhabi. The sandy dunes in the capital city present unique and breathtaking sights that can be explored in a vehicle. For newcomers, in particular, a driving course is recommended as off-roading presents a unique set of challenges.
They must choose the right type of off-roading vehicle and have all the essentials for the trip. There is a plethora of used and new cars for sale in the UAE, including vehicles that are ideal for off-roading and other adventures.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about driving courses in the UAE and more.
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