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.

[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.

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


rather than this 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


rather than this 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).