Almost4x4

April 26, 2025

We had been eagerly anticipating this drive for a long time, and the hunt for a spot was filled with suspense. Luckily, I secured my place.

Before the drive day, everyone in my family was looking for the passenger seat , as I am limiting it to one, or, exceptionally, two only. This time, I made the selection and did not give it for hunters , My mom will be my passenger. I informed her the night before, knowing she loves the desert but not the safari drive as she used to get scared when she see the off-roading videos. I put her in a position where she had no choice.

I arrived early at the meeting point, with Haider being the first. The weather was pleasant in the early morning. As we prepared, my mother was warmly welcomed by everyone, especially our TV stars @Ehab and Aljamhei, whom she recognised from TV show.

Bu Salem gave us a briefing on what to expect and practice during the drive, and then we set off.

Throughout the drive, my main concern was ensuring my mother had a good experience, enjoying herself while feeling safe, knowing I was learning from the best.

The fun began going up and down dunes, climbing and surfing arches until we reached the eftar pool were the adrenaline was out of the window. We then reached a challenging spot before the pyramids where many struggled, but with guidance from @Barish Baresh and @Ehab , we succeeded.

Midway through the drive, we took a break, and the ever-hospitable @Mostafa surprised us with a chilled watermelon, giving us all a boost.

We continued, facing another challenging spot where some in the convoy had difficulties. The lucky drivers who made it earlier enjoyed their time under the honeymoon tree until we caught up.

Finally, we made it safely to the end. It was a remarkable day, especially for my mother, who was greeted warmly by everyone at the petrol station. Truly, the Almosters are like a second family.

I have a few additional highlights. During the drive, there were several rescues and second attempts, all handled with professionalism and patience. Three notable rescues stood out:

• 1. Ibrahim was at a 45-degree angle, and Kimoz pulled from the back while Ehab supported from the front.
  2. The Prado was rescued with two Vikings extended to Ehab and then another one to Bu Salem, thus she was pulled by two cars, providing a strong pull.
  3. Ibrahim's final recovery with deep stuck and pop out, everyone was supporting, led by Ehab and Barish, despite the 45-degree heat.

Every drive with the Almosters brings new experiences and sweet memories, thanks to the professional team.

Thank you all!

Mohammad Assaleh (العسالة)

We have unfinished business at Area-53 !!!
When I read this message in the group chat box a big smile came on my face while setting with family in EGYPT. Then, waited early for the trip announcement and got lucky to reserve my place in the convoy just after return to UAE.
Got early to the meeting point at 6:45 AM and get pleasure of meeting everyone and felt the happiness for getting together after I missed the last trip. Trip briefing was very informative and detailed as usual by @alshamsi_m and it was a big convoy with total 22 cars (12 Newbies + 4 Intermediates + 4 Rescue + 2 Marshals). the track was meant to emphasis on what had been learned before and to get more technical challenges to enhance driver's conscious and confidence by driving near military camp then forward through easy dunes gradually till reaching higher dunes called as "pyramids" as recognizes by shape from distance an, heading to "IFTAR Bowel" with planned break to write-down some memories at "Honeymoon Tree".
Convoy lined up and trip stated on 7:30 AM. it was a bit hot, and weather kept heating up while challenge raises till, I lost the power climbing up then our experienced Marshals and Supporting team realized that; my tire pressure is not appropriate for such kind of drive as it was 12 PSI and it should be 10 PSI. a big shoutout to @Pavan for helping me deflate to right pressure quickly.
Proceeding smoothly and suddenly got my radio battery dead and felt isolated for while till I requested @Ehab for support and immediately he generously gave me his mobile radio without hesitation depending only on his stationed radio.
As we encountered some delay at the back of the convoy, when reach last to the rest-point, I decided to slow down to say Hi to Abu Salem creating the most hilarious scene ever and got stuck!!! However, it was great opportunity for live demonstration to all audience on "How to get out of Bowel" with guidance and support by our great leader @alshamsi_m .
Upon reaching Break-Time we got very pleasant reward! a chilled Watermelon generously provided by @Mostafa Thank you bro ..you made my day.
The trip continued after break but due to several stops the time runs away fast, while reaching the Honeymoon Tree, it was 9:50 AM and accordingly we decided to make it quick to resume the track back to meeting point.
Heading back, we experience another challenge with pop-out tire, it was very amazing team spirit and teamwork example and makes everyone feels that it is not only off-roading club, but we are a Family.
unfortunately, I got my flag bracket loos, so I decided to remove it as we near to exist point. However, it has been immediately noticed by our great Marshal @Barish and guided me to be last to ensure my safety and other vehicles in the convoy.
Finally, we finished, and we have reached the petrol station, loaded with mixed feelings of joy, excitement and gratitude to all the Marshals, supporting and rescue teams for making it happens and ensuring our safety without saving any effort for guide and help. it is always privileged to be among you.
Thanks you ALMOST

When the ride was posted on the app, I wasn’t fast enough to grab a spot — but luckily, I made it onto the waitlist, and just a day before the drive, I was fortunate enough to join the convoy.

The trip kicked off with a detailed and exciting briefing by @S.ALSHAMSI, as always packed with important info and setting the right energy.

The drive had plenty of tricky dunes, recoveries, and the highlight was an impressive double-rope recovery of a Prado. We also had a pop-out and a tire burst along the way, which called for a quick tire change.

I did miss the honeymoon spot as we were at the tail end of the convoy, caught up with some recoveries, but managed to catch a quick glimpse once we were back in motion.

The watermelon break was absolutely spot-on — perfect for replenishing sugar levels!

Since our convoy was quite large and there were other groups around, there was a little mix-up where the marshals briefly thought I wasn't part of the ride — but a quick radio confirmation sorted it out.

Overall, it was an amazing time spent with the group, and I absolutely loved it.

Already looking forward to the next drive!

Hello All,

This was the 3rd Golden Dunes drive which I did, as 2 drives in Ramadan under -5 group; and this one was -10 (the next level). As the increased category, the difficulty level was also increased which made the drive more interesting.

We did a lot of bigger climbs in this drives as compared to the last ones, overall it was a lovely experience. We gathered at the starting point at 7am and started off our drive at 7:30am and went on to the drive.

We completed almost the full scheduled track and special thanks to @alshamsi_m who extended the time on the drive as we did not completed enough track in the beginning.

Special thanks to @Barish for bring the second lead and also special thanks to @Mostafa for his hospitality and his extra efforts of bringing watermelon for everyone.

We went to the all the big bowl and then at the end to the Honeymoon tree where we gathered again for some watermelon before ending the drive.

Special thanks to rest of the support team as well.

Looking forward for further drives.

Noman (Nomi4x4)
Grey Pajero

Wat a melon day!

Finally my 9th drive. After posting memes for about 2 months and risking getting kicked out of the group, I have finally 9 drives under my belt. The drive was a mix of a lot of things. Felt like it lasted for 7 hours. It had its high and low moments for me.

Before I say anything, it's not child's play to take 22 cars with different levels of experience and organise such a professional drive. @alshamsi_m and @Barish / team, you guys are incredible. Your years of experience clearly reflects on us too. We are slowly learning what it takes to be professionals in the dunes. Thank you for the mentorship.

I reached on time as usual (I'm never late for drives). I had some issues with my flag mount and needed some tools from @alshamsi_m and it got sorted quickly. It's always nice to hear the marshals calling out the names for attendance and when they already know you are here. It's a long yet satisfying road from being called "Sid silver pajero is he here?" to "Sid is here". Relationships are everything and I can truly see the value in all this.

Drive started off great. I was car no 5 for most of the drive. We had multiple refusals on the way. The good thing about offroading is that, you are never as good as you think. When I see someone getting a refusal, I don't think that I'm better, I immediately understand why that happened and that gets stored in my mind. Not everyone is an expert when it comes to driving in the sand. People take their own time to build that confidence.

Dune-wise, it was super challenging, yet super fun. I think it was a shock to some of the newbies when it came to bowls where you need to keep the momentum or you're stuck. I have been driving alone in Al Badayer for a while, learning how to navigate and doing things right in my free time, so I was pretty used to that area. Of course I count this as practicing and not cheating on the club

I solved my AC compressor issue, so the car is very silent (engine wise) and Im just getting used to this luxury of quietness.

Thank you everyone involved, and especially the advanced and intermediates, for all the recoveries and for doing all the leg work.

Looking forward to my 10+ drives.

Love,
Sid

After few months of time I finally joined for the drive. The registration spots filled up within minutes once it opened, so I end up on the waiting list. I got confirmed only at the last moment—huge thanks to the organizers for their kindness in accepting newbies like me!
Excited to join the drive, as I haven't driven in sand for the last few months due to several family & work commitments.
We touched the sand and went smooth until we are hitting the high dunes. I was struggling to cope with the climbing and cresting. The sand on top was churned by vehicles passed in front and made it little technical to cross. At one point Abu Salem was instructing the FJ to use 1st gear to cross the soft sand area. It clicked me that I am not using my first gear and that the reason I am struggling in the dunes due to the auto shifting at high rpm.
From then I started in 1st gear for the high climbs and 2nd gear for the small ridges etc. Drove in D for the straights. I was surprised to see the power of my car and I realized what Abu Salem told me in the break that Xetrra is a powerful car in the group. Had the constant power due to this change which helped me to cross every dunes in front of me. I am not sure if Barish or our supports have noticed the Xterra in second half of the drive.
Overall, it was a fantastic drive that covered almost all the techniques needed for desert driving: vertical dune climbs & followed with side slopping to cross the bowls, crossing the bowls, self recovery from a bowl, ridge driving, crest crossing, tackling soft ridges, and more. I also got to witness and learn some critical recovery techniques—like support from the top and bottom side to avoid rollovers, handling pop-outs, and simple ridge recoveries.
What made this drive truly special was the way the support team worked together and enjoyed helping others. Huge thanks to all of them for making this experience a memorable one for everyone. I felt safe whenever I am driving with ALMOST and moreover the difficult drive was made easy to pass through…
A very special thanks to Mr. Samshi for accepting me at the last moment, and an extra-special thanks to Barish—he was literally everywhere, providing support wherever it was needed. Felt great to be back!

Golden Dunes - Unfinished business at Area 53

This was my 8th drive with the club (almost reaching #10!), and once again, I couldn’t be more grateful to the marshals and fellow members for making every trip a memorable and valuable learning experience. With each drive, I gain more confidence, better understand my car, and improve my control over RPMs. The wealth of experience shared by the team truly reflects in all of us. Driving in the sand isn’t something you master overnight — everyone develops at their own pace. Thanks to the mentorship and support here, we’re gradually learning what it takes to become true professionals in the dunes.

We gathered at the starting point by 7:00 AM and kicked off our drive at 7:30 AM, with me rolling out as car number 7 — my lucky number!

The trip began with an exciting and detailed briefing by @S.ALSHAMSI, who, as always, set the perfect tone with important information, energy, and plenty of good humor.

The drive itself was packed with tricky dunes, several recoveries, and even featured a memorable double-rope recovery of a Prado. Midway, we took a refreshing break where the ever-thoughtful @Mostafa surprised everyone with chilled watermelon — a real energy boost!

Later during the drive, we encountered a pop-out and a tire burst in a tricky ditch area. Thanks to the marshals’ swift action, the situation was handled safely: the pop-out was fixed, and although the tire had a cut, it maintained pressure long enough to rejoin the convoy at the Honeymoon Tree.

We managed to cover almost the full scheduled track, and special thanks go to @alshamsi_m for extending the drive time, ensuring we completed more of the planned route after a slow start.

Every outing with the Almosters brings new challenges, lessons, and unforgettable memories. I’m incredibly thankful to be part of this amazing, professional community.

Thank you all! See you on the sand

Med

Apologies I am not able to produce essays without pain in my brain (STEM mind).

- Very enjoyable drive
- Higher climbs
- I can see my progress and the way I can quickly recover myself from simple situations without thinking much about it
- Loved the watermelon
- Saw some interesting types of rescues
- lovely tree house
- introduced 2 friends who are very excited to join now
- Thank you to everyone!

I miss spending full day in desert and no regrets, it was great catchup with my fellow drivers and it’s always great to observe the progression of new off-roaders. It was great lead and great location. See you soon.

Hello,

It was another traditional Almost 4x4 training day in the desert. This time it was in a very well known area.

It is always my pleasure to be ready for any support for our members with excitement and eager to learn, willing to improve and contribute in our club's achievement on the way to create independant offroaders.

Priceless training session from our founder Bu Salem and successful drive from our members despite of several surprises throughout the drive.

Dont forget: change is nothing without improvement.

See you next time

Barish