Abu Dhabi

[Gunnslinger]

Any expo members in the UAE? We"ll be living in Abu Dhabi and would love to meet any fellow expeditioneers.

[ScottyDog]

What is taking you to Abu Dhabi? And from where?
Lots of business growing in this region...

[Gunnslinger]

New job. Moving from the USA, North Carolina. We lived in Bahrain from 1992 to 2001. Looking forward to being an expat again.

[burn_e]

Here I am, living in Dubai

[Abu Buckwheat]

Howdy, I am an American guy here in Abu Dhabi downtown near the Grand Mariah Mall. Been here 5 years. I am usually seen driving arund in a Silver 2005 Defender 110 with expedition rack and snorkle. Say hi if you see me or drop me a PM. Also join the AD 4x4 club for good contacts and trips. :smiley_drive:

[Gunnslinger]

I should arrive in about six weeks. Still finishing up the old job.Will send a PM when we get there.
is there anywhere to get equipment locally, maybe a rooftop tent? or should I bring more then just basic kit?

[Abu Buckwheat]

Welcome Dude,

Equipment for desert driving and overlanding? Here? This place is a ant hill of desert drivers every Friday. between 4x4s and ATVs the gear market is saturated for the Emiratis who LIVE the whole weekend in the desert in winter months just for fun. :wings:

We have a dedicated ARB store in Mussafah industrial area, Dubai has ICON motors (and several other 4x4 outfitters) who have all the overland gear you need. Mainly Australian and South African. They outfitted me with Frontrunner racks, Jerrycan holders, ARB Frdige, Hijack, etc and they custom build roll cages and modify cars. As for vehicles they can be had easily including Toyota 75s, Defenders and all points in between. I saw a frickin Cadillac Escalade dune bashing last weekend.

Every September there is the Hunting and Equestrian show and all the major suppliers beign their gear to the convention center. Short hops to Oman can get you major overlanding experience. I am headed to Sudan via Saudi Arabia to explore their Pyramids next year with my archeologist son.

Also AD 4x4 club does trips ever weekend and major trips to Egypt, Jordan, etc several times a year.

You sound like you are in my field of work so stay in touch.

[Gunnslinger]

Sounds great. I can't wait to get there.

[UK4X4]

"Sounds great. I can't wait to get there"

after 2 years in the middle east


we can't wait to leave !


Mind you Oman was not sooo bad............some interesting mountains to explore , nice beaches and some awsome empty desert to ride dirt bikes across.

But if you want scenic dunes and a quiet camp you will have to drive a way out.

Both in Oman and here the nearest dunes are just a big noisy accident zone with 18 year olds trying to out do each other on quads and daddies LC

Qatar just plain sucks

The locals can keep their sand, dust, rubble and attitude

I think the middle east was nicer and friendlier when the locals were doing this
:26_16_2:

rather than this :roost: with Petro dollars

[burn_e]

"Sounds great. I can't wait to get there"

after 2 years in the middle east


we can't wait to leave !


Mind you Oman was not sooo bad............some interesting mountains to explore , nice beaches and some awsome empty desert to ride dirt bikes across.

But if you want scenic dunes and a quiet camp you will have to drive a way out.

Both in Oman and here the nearest dunes are just a big noisy accident zone with 18 year olds trying to out do each other on quads and daddies LC

Qatar just plain sucks

The locals can keep their sand, dust, rubble and attitude

I think the middle east was nicer and friendlier when the locals were doing this
:26_16_2:

rather than this :roost: with Petro dollars

Another one with nothing but complaints about the Middle East...

If it was such a pain, what held you for 2 years (or was it even more)? The Petrol Dollars and the share you wanted from it?
If you look carefully enough you can find even in paradise something to hate (its eternal etc).

[UK4X4]

More, yes a tad, 2 years 4 months if you want to be exact

I have lived and traveled in many countries, my view is not from a singular excursion from my home country.

and certainly not just western countries previously I did short trips to Malaysia, Indonsesia,Tunisia, Morroco, Libya and Iran
before longer times in Oman and Qatar

I really don't want to to comment further than I have already.............

many an expat family has been thrown out of the middle east within 24 hrs
due to commenting on the local laws and customs

so I'll stop at this point and simply say


we are happy to be leaving.


Once we have left I'll be happy to comment with my real views:coffee:


Petro dollars

I've worked for the same company for over 12 years, I just go with the flow, they move me when they feel fit, and I follow, in order to provide a good living for my family, and I enjoy experiencing new countries and cultures.

My comment was due to my experiences in the desert with friendly people, who always stopped to say hi and help if required.

and something diferent in town

that is all

If you wish to be a censor please apply to the moderators !:)

[burn_e]

Hey, don't take it to serious, I agree with you on most things. Isn't it, that when you respect local laws, than you usually have a peaceful life?

Just don't spoil the party of the guy who is really excited to go abroad, give him the chance to make own experiences. The bias will come soon enough.

:beer:

[Caduceus]

Another one with nothing but complaints about the Middle East...

If it was such a pain, what held you for 2 years (or was it even more)? The Petrol Dollars and the share you wanted from it?
If you look carefully enough you can find even in paradise something to hate (its eternal etc).

If there are so many people with complaints, have you ever stopped to ask why?
-laws?
-customs?
- cost of living?
- all that sand and no beach?
- it's way too freaking hot for him?

who cares why he stayed? I'm pretty sure it's a safe guess that he wasn't on some great adventure when he realized "you know, I don't think I like it here. But let me stick around for a bit just to make sure I don't."

2 years is plenty of time to form an opinion. What's wrong with having one?

[Gunnslinger]

"Just don't spoil the party of the guy who is really excited to go abroad, give him the chance to make own experiences. The bias will come soon enough."


I lived in the Persian Gulf for 9 years between 1992 and 2001 and have traveled to over 35 different countries for work and for enjoyment. I understand the challenges and my expectations are realistic. The Arab culture and values are often at odds with western values. That's just the way it is. I will be polite and patient and see what happens, easy enough to cartch a ride on an outbound flight if it doesn't work out.

[Caduceus]

"Just don't spoil the party of the guy who is really excited to go abroad, give him the chance to make own experiences. The bias will come soon enough."


I lived in the Persian Gulf for 9 years between 1992 and 2001 and have traveled to over 35 different countries for work and for enjoyment. I understand the challenges and my expectations are realistic. The Arab culture and values are often at odds with western values. That's just the way it is. I will be polite and patient and see what happens, easy enough to cartch a ride on an outbound flight if it doesn't work out.

True. One could easily make the argument that western values and culture are at odds with Arabs (for example, middle easterners going to England for college).

Not trying to stoke an agrument, just trying to avoid people interpreting things wrong. :)

[Doin_It]

Stop already........................

[Abu Buckwheat]

"Just don't spoil the party of the guy who is really excited to go abroad, give him the chance to make own experiences. The bias will come soon enough."


I lived in the Persian Gulf for 9 years between 1992 and 2001 and have traveled to over 35 different countries for work and for enjoyment. I understand the challenges and my expectations are realistic. The Arab culture and values are often at odds with western values. That's just the way it is. I will be polite and patient and see what happens, easy enough to cartch a ride on an outbound flight if it doesn't work out.


There are plenty of ATVs and Dune Buggies in the Desert but no one travels alone here and I have been on multi car trips in the Moreeb Dunes at Liwa where we ended up with NO ONE for miles and miles. Anywho, my near 30 years of operating in the ME (and 5 years here) has taught me that the biggest dilemma in the UAE is which resturant to go to each Thursday ... then again, do I want another Guiness with dinner? is the other great Dilemma. :coffeedrink:

Know Seef Mall in Manama? Multiply it by 50 and surround that number by hundreds of 10-30 story buildings for rent, add a million foreign workers, bunches of high end hotels and the occassional Emira

[Gunnslinger]

I remember when they built Seef Mall, opened a Chilis next door which quickly lost it's liquor license. Bahrain, being an island was limited on outdoor recreation. I look forward to exploring the area, Oman, etc. And the food and the difficult decisions like how many Irish coffees should be consumed after dinner.

[tamin]

I just came accross this forum and am now a registered user :)

I live in Dubai and LOVE it here! Unfortunately I am leaving in July. I came to Dubai on a 3 year contract and to prepare for my dream overland expedition around Africa.

www.everythingexceptthehorn.com

I cant believe I only have 6 months left :(

I am sure to be back so I wish you the best and if you come up to Dubai please drop me a line and we can go Dune bashing together :)

[Gunnslinger]

Tamin, good luck with your project. That will be quite an adventure.

[Christian P.]

I just came accross this forum and am now a registered user :)

I live in Dubai and LOVE it here! Unfortunately I am leaving in July. I came to Dubai on a 3 year contract and to prepare for my dream overland expedition around Africa.

www.everythingexceptthehorn.com

I cant believe I only have 6 months left :(

I am sure to be back so I wish you the best and if you come up to Dubai please drop me a line and we can go Dune bashing together :)

Wow, just checked your site - please keep us posted!

[Gunnslinger]

Well, I arrived in February and the family joined me here in July. I bought a 2011 Nissan Xterra Off Road and mounted a RTT and awning purchased from the folks at www.blingmytruck.com (Awful name for a company if you ask me, but their service is excellent.) My Bajarack for the Nissan should be delivered next month. Ace hardware and ARB have been able to provide recovery gear, a Waeco 40l fridge and some basic kit.

Now that the weather has cooled off we plan to start exploring the deserts, mountains and beaches.
A test drive to Wadi Bih went well a couple of weeks ago but got cut a little short due to illness.

Abu Buckwheat - I have seen a silver Defender prowling around downtown, in the parking lot at the corner of the Corniche and 32nd and at the Jones the Grocer around the corner from my office.

[ColinTheCop]

Dubai has ICON motors .

The owner Chris is a top bloke.... spent some time out there and he took us out for a thrash in his rally prepared Mitsubishi, he's a fantastic driver.

He's currently racing a unimog,

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217202_4685824575_594249575_119062_4298_n.jpg

[Gunnslinger]

I haven't made it to ICON's shop yet. My son will be happy if he gets a look at the Unimog. He has been trying to convince me to buy one since the day he saw his first GXV.

[Byblos]

Hi there, I am in Dubai with exp ready 4runner brought with me from Cali.

Hope to meet up.

[Gunnslinger]

Hi there, I am in Dubai with exp ready 4runner brought with me from Cali.

Hope to meet up.

Sounds good. We are trying to get a trip together soon. I'll send you a PM when we get our plan together.

Welcome to the UAE.

[Abu Buckwheat]

Gunnslinger ... Wow! you work near my old office which was the building next to Jones the Grocer. Yes, thats my Defender with the Snorkle, expedition load out and roof rack. Its famous around these parts ... the Emiratis call them Den-Dens and I am documenting the Defenders of the UAE for Land Rover Monthly. Also starting the Defender Owners Club but Xterras are welcome!

I have also seen your truck the other day ... I thought " 'Bling My Truck?' WTF?" ... man its a small world. PM me and we'll meet up.

[burn_e]

Gunnslinger ... Wow! you work near my old office which was the building next to Jones the Grocer. Yes, thats my Defender with the Snorkle, expedition load out and roof rack. Its famous around these parts ... the Emiratis call them Den-Dens and I am documenting the Defenders of the UAE for Land Rover Monthly. Also starting the Defender Owners Club but Xterras are welcome!

I have also seen your truck the other day ... I thought " 'Bling My Truck?' WTF?" ... man its a small world. PM me and we'll meet up.

You might have come across the recently founded facebook group "Land Rover Owners Club UAE". Lots of LR chat and trips going on there. Have a look!

[Abu Buckwheat]

No I haven't heard about this because i avoid Facebook like the plague ... but I will get my kid to sign me in ha ha!

[burn_e]

No I haven't heard about this because i avoid Facebook like the plague ... but I will get my kid to sign me in ha ha!


:arabia:

[Byblos]

So, can 4runners join in the super cool Land rover club of UAE? Friday went up to camp by the river bed south of the hatter pools, passed by a group of land rovers right after the Omani checkpoint, waived as I passed, had to get to camp. Had the wife and 4yr old son, for him was first time camping and loved it.

I work in DIC.

When r we heading out?

[burn_e]

So, can 4runners join in the super cool Land rover club of UAE? Friday went up to camp by the river bed south of the hatter pools, passed by a group of land rovers right after the Omani checkpoint, waived as I passed, had to get to camp. Had the wife and 4yr old son, for him was first time camping and loved it.

I work in DIC.

When r we heading out?

Hi Byblos, are you the guy with the metalic red 4Runner in Emirates Living? There are not so many of these Toyotas in UAE anyways, so the few stick out?

[Byblos]

Its a white 4runner with a white safari rack on the roof. I had to bring it as spent bunch of cash to make it off road savy ex: ARB front/Back. Only problem is fuel tank is not so big, have about 18 gallons...something like 90 liters? is not enough for major off the highway. Dont do insane engine burning dune bashing. Though about adding long ranger tank from a Hilux Surf, instead maybe just wait to get a 78 troopy or 75 pickup and convert that to an official made in Germany overlander.

I may be adding a RTT on it as its more convenient than my REI 5star special tent. Lets meet up someplace for caribou coffee?

[Arabia]

Here is another expat in UAE, ME !!!! Anyone of you is with Ad4x4 ???


Ciao

Franco aka "Arabia"

[Gunnslinger]

Here is another expat in UAE, ME !!!! Anyone of you is with Ad4x4 ???


Ciao

Franco aka "Arabia"

Welcome to Abu Dhabi Franco.