The capital of the UAE has a lot to offer to off-roading enthusiasts. While the city is known for its incredible roads and infrastructure, there are many off-roading options near Abu Dhabi, known for fascinating sand dunes and challenging terrains. If you are interested in exploring those terrains, read on to learn more about popular trails for off-roading in Abu Dhabi.
Before we begin the adventure, let’s take a look at the best cars for desert driving in the UAE that you may find suitable for the kind of adventure you seek. You can browse through the popular makes and models of used cars on dubizzle, ideal for adventurous desert driving. Here are some of our best picks:
- Used Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi
- Used Mercedes G Class in Abu Dhabi
- Used Jeep Wrangler in Abu Dhabi
- Second-hand Hummer in Abu Dhabi
These cars can also be taken on off-road trails in the UAE. Besides, make sure you prepare a checklist of important things to consider before buying a 4-WD car.
Options for Off-Roading in and near Abu Dhabi
Here we have discussed the best desert trails for off-roading near Abu Dhabi:
Al Khatim
Al Khatim is a beautiful desert located around 78 km from Abu Dhabi. It is considered one of the best spots for off-roading near Abu Dhabi. The off-roading activity here takes around 4 to 5 hours. Al Khatim desert offers small and medium dunes with exceptionally difficult sections to drive through. This spot is famous among expert Abu Dhabi off-roaders who love a little challenge. Also, several tour companies offer morning and evening desert safari and dune bashing adventure packages in Al Khatim desert.
Al Khazna
Al Khazna is another popular area for adventure enthusiasts and off-roaders near Abu Dhabi. It is on the route towards Al Ain and around 121 km away from the city. Off-roading in this desert may take half a day. Also, there is a camping area as well as a desert safari company camp.
The west of the desert along the walled area is full of coloured dunes and starfish dunes with some challenging and steep climbs. The fenced area is for wildlife preservation, though you can see gazelles in the unrestricted area of Al Khazna. There’s also a camel farm. This option for desert driving near Abu Dhabi is perfect for dune bashing, desert safari and off-roading. If you want to be an expert dune surfer, desert driving courses in Abu Dhabi might prepare you to drive through the complicated terrains.
Liwa
Liwa is a highly recommended option when it comes to off-roading in Abu Dhabi. This place is known for an exhilarating desert safari experience. Located in the Al Gharbia region, Liwa is roughly 4 hours’ drive from the capital city. It is spread over 100 km east-west and features the biggest oasis in the UAE. The magnificent Liwa Oasis adds to the overall off-roading experience. Liwa hosts camel racing events as well as a large number of off-roading events. Liwa is on the northern edge of the largest desert in Arabia, i.e. Rub Al Khali. Adventurers in Liwa also have a chance to indulge in ultimate dune bashing in the highs and lows of Rub Al Khali. Many Abu Dhabi off-roaders visit Liwa throughout the year.
Sweihan
Sweihan features a huge Sand Mountain in the heart of the desert. This mountain is called Naqrah. Overall, the area is one of the well known off-road routes near Abu Dhabi. The desert is located near Al Hayer Road on the outskirts of the capital city and takes about an hour-long drive to reach. It is also close to the outskirts of Al Ain and Dubai as well.
Besides, the Sweihan desert meets the Sabkha coastline. Experts suggest that Sweihan is the best dune for Liwa practice. It offers the perfect terrain to practice for the more challenging dunes of Liwa. There are big dunes, soft sands and challenging tracks for off-roaders. The beginner level offroaders may find it difficult to drive at some spots.
Camping options are also available here. You can do it on your own or plan out with private organizers. All of it makes it one of the perfect places to spend a weekend.
Al Rimah
Al Rimah, near Al Khanzah desert, is another ideal option for off-roading in Abu Dhabi. This location is about an hour’s drive from the capital city. It is perfect for expert and beginner level off-roaders. The entire off-roading experience in Al Rimah takes nearly 6 to 8 hours. You will find a standard track starting from the Camel Racing Track. Moreover, there is the Telal Resort and Telal Nature Reserve in this area. The reserve area is best for camping and you may also spot a few deer here.
Hameem Loop
At a drive of roughly 2 hours from the main capital city, you can reach Hameem Loop. This is another recommended spot for desert driving in Abu Dhabi. The terrain here is quite challenging that stretches about 70 to 80 km. Off-roading activities take around 4 to 5 hours. The Hameem Loop have deep bowls and you can’t drive in reverse. Besides, it features goat and camel farms and a wildlife area to explore. You may come across gazelles near the bumpy dunes.
The Abu Dhabi off-roaders and other adventurers may head to the aforementioned desert driving trails near Abu Dhabi for an ultimate off-roading experience. It Is important to note that the beginners are suggested to pick less technical or challenging sandy routes and set tyre pressure in the vehicle for off-roading. Moreover, don’t forget to pack useful off-roading accessories in your vehicles.
For more information on activities for a car enthusiast in Abu Dhabi, stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog.
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