UAE dune closed following one kills: Off-roaders are required to abide by safety regulations
Before heading off the road, experts advise locals to learn how to drive in the desert.
The UAE's off-road marshals advise citizens to follow the nation's security regulations and guidelines and to move cautiously when exploring regions with varied topography.
This recommendation is particularly in line with Sharjah Police's resolution to put community members' safety and security first by formally closing the Al Faya dunes area in the emirate's central region.
The decision was made in response to a tragic event that occurred on Friday, November 17, in the evening. In the Al Faya desert, an Asian kid lost his life in an off-roading accident, and another Asian individual was injured.
Experienced off-roaders reaffirm that participating in illicit off-road activities puts drivers and their families or companions at danger for death.
Avert busy areas where inexperienced drivers drive.
Abdullah Muhammad AlBloushi, a UAE national and senior marshal of the Dubai Offroaders Desert Driving Institute, who has been involved in this for 20 years, stated, "The first piece of advice is not to go alone." Secondly, it is important to make sure that everyone has the appropriate safety gear before going off-roading in the mountains or deserts. There are several essentials that everyone has to have in their autos.
AlBloushi, a hunter and former member of the UAE military who has organized extensive off-roading events across several nations, stated that "communication" is essential to surviving in peril.
"You and the other car or cars should be interacting." Avoid going anywhere crowded. There was a lot of traffic in the area where the accident occurred recently, and many individuals drive carelessly and disregard traffic laws.
Even fire incidents may arise from improper driving on designated roads. Thus, being ready to handle such unfavorable circumstances is essential. It is advised to have a certain quantity of off-road gear in order to ensure independence. It is essential to have a fire extinguisher in addition to a first aid pack. That's for the desert, folks.
He notes that because weather patterns in mountainous areas can change quickly, familiarity with the topography is essential.
"Valleys can carry water from far locations, generating unexpected shifts, even if it's dry where you want to camp. It's critical to understand these elements. Sophisticated instruction, encompassing driving and rescue programs, serves novices, experts, and everyone in between, assisting with these difficulties in arid and hilly terrain. AlBloushi continued, "One should have such training prior to stepping abroad.
In response to the rise in desert tourism, Dubai Offroaders Desert Driving Institute has increased the range of off-road training programs it offers.
With the help of these courses, drivers with different levels of experience should be able to drive more safely and enjoyably on off-road adventures.
The institute has improved its programs in response to the demand, given the notable upsurge in desert tourism in the United Arab Emirates.
One of the courses available is the "Essential Off-Road Driving Course," which seeks to provide opportunities for exploring various landscapes in the United Arab Emirates.
David Wood arrived in the United Arab Emirates from England, and within a year he had gone on over 100 off-road adventures. He has traveled solo with pals in the automotive sector and with the Dubai Offroaders club.
The seasoned professional emphasized the dos and don'ts, saying, "Safety is top priority." Make sure you have everything you need and don't venture out alone because it will be difficult if you become lost or find yourself in a predicament where you are unable to call for help.
Recognize your exits well.
He says that because of the weak signals in such far-off places, even seemingly simple things like clear communication may appear difficult.
Make sure you have a GPS that can guide you to your departure point and that you are always aware of where it is. Even though it might seem apparent, many people enter the desert without even thinking about where they will emerge. They'll disappear. Thus, the musts are to ensure that your car is serviced. Verify that it is properly equipped. Make sure you have the necessary tools for rehabilitation, enough knowledge, and always travel with a friend, he continued.
Travel in groups of no fewer than three cars; bring plenty of food, water, and a safety flag.
In order to safely explore the activity and meet like-minded individuals, Belgian national Frederic Nuyttens, a marshal with Carnity Off-Road Club, advises joining an off-road club with other 4x4 enthusiasts.
"Especially in the sweltering summer, you could run out of water or suffer a heat stroke if you are driving alone and get stopped. So, travel in groups of at least three cars and make sure you have extra water and supplies.
He emphasizes that driving on the dunes should never be done in defiance of gravity and that there is a slight but real risk of rollover or car crash.
"Get suitable instruction for driving in the desert or join an off-roading group with a safety-focused organizational structure. Avoid the usual popular spots as well, as many aficionados frequent these well-known hotspot dunes. Before entering the sand, you must deflate your tires, and one of your safety supplies should be a safety flag."
The most crucial thing is to respect the terrain and avoid overestimating your abilities when off-roading in order to deflate your ego as well. Get the right help and take things one step at a time, Nuyttens continued.