If you wish to learn how to ride the dunes – firstly, you need to know that the dunes have a windward and a leeward side – and that it’s best to go up the windward side and best to avoid the leeward side! Sometimes you go up one side, only to be suddenly faced with a steep decent on the leeward side… it is on these occasions that your feet end up pushing back against the dash board to stop yourself from sliding off your seat, while all you can see out the window in front of you on the way down is sand, sand and more sand, flying towards your windscreen with speed and fervour.
Big Red is the largest sand dune in Dubai and is definitely not one for beginners. If you do want to learn to drive the dunes, then Fosil Rock is the one that will test your driving skills – and it’s an experience you will never forget! I learnt a lot about the capabilities of my Hummer and that cars can fly if you put a nutter behind the wheel. Once when I was driving up Fossil Rock, after four attempts of trying to make it to the top, I decided to take a different approach… But suddenly I saw a bowl (dip in the sand) on my way up but by that time I had already committed to go that way – and all I could do was accelerate and hope to make it! My Hummer took flight with all four wheels in the air and we made it to the top! I have never had so much adrenaline running through me! So much fun! I was told afterwards that it’s not actually the car’s capability that matters, but the nutter behind the wheel that makes all the difference.
Since taking our cars off road we have also invested in quad bikes. Surfing the dunes on your quad is a must for all thrill seekers! Belting through the desert at +60km per hour – up and down the dunes – gives the most incredible sense of freedom.
You may even have the opportunity to meet some of the ‘locals’ when you are in the desert! They will also show a keen interest in you. But don’t forget who has the right of way around here!
