I had a brief stop in Dubai on my way to Italy. I have been to the souks on a previous visit, so I tried something I haven’t done before – wadi bashing. Yes, I know it is for for tourists, but I am a tourist, so why not?
I was picked up from my hotel by a very nice young man from Pakistan, named Abdul, and along with a couple from Australia we headed into the desert in our Toyota Landcruiser. We were not to be alone in this venture. Every evening hundreds of vehicles of various types flock to the sand dunes to drive at speed across the sand for no particular reason.
our driver Abdul
gathering for a pitstop before heading into the desert
a man and his bird
Each company has its own group of sandhills to drive aross. Our little convoy gathered at the edge of the desert and while people took endless photos of themselves standing on a windy dune, the drivers let the air out of the tyres for better traction on the sand.
it was windy out there
our bit of windy desert
car parts visible already
The leader took off and we were the next cab off the rank. The cars go surprisingly fast through the sand, up and down the sandhills. There are occasional mishaps, we saw the evidence strewn along the way. Bumperbars are scattered through the dunes. I wonder why nobody thinks to pick them up on their way out.
the leader heads off
we are not alone
following the leader
throwing up some sand
going over the top
late afternoon in the desert
a brief stop for photos and to check the vehicles
keeping the sand out
I think the desert is beautiful
locally known as camel chocolate
I don’t know how much training the drivers have, but Abdul seemed very confident and skilled and at no time was I scared. It was great fun. You should try it.
At sunset we were taken to a compound in the desert for a barbeque and some entertainment. There was the obligatory camel riding for those interested. I love camels, but I have done this before, so I declined.
camel riding in the desert
the compound where we had dinner
set for dinner
keeping an eye on things
where the food was prepared
gorgeous pots
I was particularly interested in watching how the bread was cooked for us.
the bread makers
the bread oven
pulling out the bread
hot bread
ready to eat
the bread makers
I love the setting
A belly dancer performed for us. How can you be in this area and not see a belly dancer?
she was very good
There was also a handsome twirling man wo did some serious twirling. I don’t know if they are called whirling dervishes here, but he was most dervish like.
serious twirling
with the lights on - perhaps a little less traditional
It was a beautiful evening in the desert. Despite the fact that it is currently winter in Dubai, it is still very hot during the day, but the nights are quite lovely.
a desert sky
As I said before, this is very touristy, but it is excellent fun. If you go to Dubai try wadi bashing.