4×4 Frenzy: UAE Off-Road Groups & Events In 2026

Dubai’s deserts draw off-road enthusiasts with vast dunes and structured clubs that offer training and trips. This guide lists key groups in Dubai and upcoming 2026 UAE events for safe desert adventures. If you are looking for cool camping spots, here is an updated list for your adventures.

Off-Road Groups

Dubai Offroaders

Runs licensed desert driving courses from beginner to advanced levels. Organises family events, camping trips and WhatsApp-based convoys in Qudra Lakes. Active since 2007 with membership options.

Carnity Off-Road Club

Hosts multicultural newbie and fewbie drives across the UAE dunes like Al Badayer. Features forums for trip planning and regular morning or night outings. Focuses on certified guides for all skills.

Savage 4×4 Club

Supports overlanding trips with skill-building sessions in the UAE terrains. Draws diverse members for group desert explorations and vehicle recovery practice. Based across the UAE with online sign-ups.​

UAE Raptor Club

Gathers Ford Raptor owners for dune bashing and overland runs to Oman or Saudi. Shares performance mods and organises graded drives. Open to similar 4×4 owners via website.​

Almost4x4

Largest forum-based group with over 8700 members offering free entry. Covers all vehicle types and skill levels with family trips and advice threads. UAE-wide with event calendars.​

ME4x4

Veteran club with 25 years of desert trips across the Arabian regions. Plans exploratory convoys and shares route maps. Dubai-focused, with membership for regular participants.​

UAE Desert Hawks Offroad Community

Provides community drives and training in the UAE deserts. Emphasises safety gear like tow hooks and flags. Active online for trip updates and newbie integration.​

2026 Events

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Cross-country rally from 22-27 November in the Al Dhafra region. Attracts pro riders in multi-stage desert navigation. Spectator zones and live timing available.

Dubai 4×4 Off-Road Expo

Three-day event on 20-22 November at Safa Park. Displays off-road vehicles, gear and expert talks. Free entry with demo drives and vendor stalls.​

Liwa International Festival

Dune racing and stunts at Moreeb Dune into early 2026. Features bike and 4×4 competitions plus family zones. Check dates via the EMSO calendar.

Emirates Adventure Rally Raid

Early 2026 raid per the UAE motorsport schedule. Test navigation in remote deserts for amateurs and pros. Entry via the official EMSO site.​

These groups require 4×4 vehicles with recovery gear and operate from October to March for mild weather. Verify events on club sites or EMSO as schedules update. Join via websites for Dubai’s off-road scene.

Khaleej Times Desert Drive

Annual non-competitive off-road convoy event with 100-145 km routes through Ras Al Khaimah dunes. Attracts 500+ vehicles; includes marshals, family camping, and safety exits every 20 km. The 2025 edition was 22 Nov; 2026 details pending, but typically late in the year.

Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive

43rd+ edition in 2025 at Tilal Swaihan (Al Ain); overnight dune drives with tyre deflation, easy/hard terrains, and team support. Draws hundreds for fun, non-rally off-roading; 2026 likely Feb per pattern.

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