After hosting an introduction to off-roading course for women and families, I realised that many people do not know how to get into dune-bashing. Driving trips can be fun and exciting, and so it seems a shame for some people to miss out. The terrain in the UAE is beautiful, you are able to see wildlife you didn't know existed, you get plenty of fresh air and it is a great way to teach children about the local environment while they play in the sand. What's not to love?
On top of that, you can camp in the desert and meet like-minded people who are always keen to help, especially if you happen to get stuck in the sand. But before you venture out into the exciting world of desert-driving, allow me to clear up some of the common errors people make when starting out, to keep you safe.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
It may seem obvious, but the first thing you need is a vehicle capable of conquering the terrain. Simply because your car is an SUV, it does not mean it has 4x4 capabilities. Compact SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in the market. Many manufacturers are creating cars that look like traditional off-road vehicles, with more space and a higher seating position, but they operate in two-wheel drive and you have insufficient ground clearance for the job at hand. So before you drive off, check your car is suitable by reading your owners' service manual.
Once you know you have the right vehicle, it is time to prepare yourself and your car. Fill your tank to the brim and carry a secondary fuel can (stored in a safe place), as you will not find many petrol stations in the desert, and on-demand fuel delivery company Cafu is unlikely to venture out that far.
You should also make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and has been recently serviced and checked, including the spare tyre. Secure all your belongings in the appropriate storage areas and consider tying them down. Tell people where you are going, stay local and do not travel alone – find other off-roaders to go with.
And don't forget to download a compass app to your phone that gives you latitude and longitude (a geographical co-ordinate that specifies your location), so the emergency services know exactly where to find you if you need them.
Pack the necessary equipment
There are several essentials to take with you on your journey, not only equipment for the car. Food and water will keep you going in the heat. You could spend as much time out of the car as in it, so calculate three large bottles of water per person as a minimum, but not the low or zero-sodium stuff, as it will not rehydrate you. Buy or borrow a tow rope, preferably one that is elastic and more than 10 metres long, in case you find yourself stuck in the sand and in need of a tug. Sunscreen, covered shoes and light comfy clothes are also a must, especially for children. And always carry your phone and a first aid kit. Even if you have no phone signal, the police can track you via GPS.
Build it up slowly
There are many places that offer a wide range of off-roading experiences, from the huge dunes in the UAE's Empty Quarter to the rocky mountains on the Oman border. Start with desert close to a city, as the dunes are generally smaller, so you can hone your skills and move up to the big stuff over time. Al Qudra, the old Hatta road and Al Ain are all good places to start. It is best to have a look at potential locations on Google Maps beforehand, as this will show you the type of terrain in the area. But remember, sand changes and moves constantly, so expect the unexpected.
The best people to offer advice on the right location for you are those who are already part of the off-roading community. There are many clubs and members who love helping each other and meeting new people. Going out with a group is the best way to get advice on driving techniques, as they will lead you though the dunes using the safest route for your skill level. It will build your confidence quickly and you will have others to share your experiences with.
Watch out for others
The desert is a beautiful environment that offers a sense of calm and wide open spaces. Take care of it by watching out for others on bikes or quad bikes, or in buggies or cars, as they can come from any direction. The desert is getting smaller as our community grows, so you might be surprised by how busy it can get in popular areas, especially on Friday and Saturday mornings. Go as early as you can, because the sand is more forgiving – it dries and heats up later in the day. Obviously, it is hot in the summer, so you will find more people camping and spending longer on the dunes between now and March.
Respect nature
You are likely to fall in love with off-roading and the places you visit, so ensure you leave them in the same condition in which you found them. Do not disturb wildlife, respect the boundaries of locals and camel farmers and take all of your rubbish home with you so everybody can enjoy this hobby for years to come.
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Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
Sanju
Produced: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Anushka Sharma, Manish’s Koirala, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Boman Irani
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
All you need to know about Formula E in Saudi Arabia
What The Saudia Ad Diriyah E-Prix
When Saturday
Where Diriyah in Saudi Arabia
What time Qualifying takes place from 11.50am UAE time through until the Super Pole session, which is due to end at 12.55pm. The race, which will last for 45 minutes, starts at 4.05pm.
Who is competing There are 22 drivers, from 11 teams, on the grid, with each vehicle run solely on electronic power.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
