Almost4x4

Hi everyone,

“Patience you must have I” was for me a dream come true as it represented my first intermediate lead in Almost after a few newbie drives done, but lets get started from the beginning…

Area’s selection and meeting point: We have been driving a lot lately in Nahil, and I like it, but normally starting from the “oasis” area and finishing in the sewage treatment plant but this time, I thought otherwise and decided to make it in reverse but starting from a different MP. This second chain is short but very powerful with big dunes just in the doorstep.

Convoys: Thank to strong marshals’ support (specially Shamsi who save the day) we were able to open a second convoy so we did both levels, 10- and 10+. @David led the 10+ with both @Ehab and @Scorpio support and me the 10- with both @presa & @alshamsi_m . Media presence was superb as well with a few members shooting videos and taking pictures.

Due to foggy conditions , we got started super late but what to do…it was a good opportunity to catch up with all members and having a great time with no rush at all. Thanks Presa for the coffee.

Off we went with no time for monkey business, and we started to challenge some big dunes since the very beginning. Due to that and terrain conditions (very wet) I could feel that convoy was suffering a bit and decided to slow down a bit for them warm for a few dunes. After that, I believe that members were ready for what was about to come…never-ending transitions between dunes with switches here and there attaching the dunes from the top and from the bottom (both soft and hard sides) to allow our members to practice both techniques and including but not limited to, riding on the dunes (sometimes a bit bumpy & flat, sometimes steep) , anchoring right or left pair of tires to gain traction when riding on steep dunes, etc.

After one hour and a half, we reached the break point (Nahil bowl) with the other convoy and shared some more coffee and laughs. To my surprise, the bowl was completely chewed up but still, we manage to make a couple of exercises there under marshals watch out from the balcony.

Second section of the drive (from the bowl to the “oasis”) was fast and sometimes a bit technical. In our way back, we challenged some of the big dunes and the last 10 min we flew to reach the finish point on time, a few minutes after noon time.

All in all, it was a great experience for me, and I wish I could have kept on driving for some more time, but was time was over. I hope that our interm fellas learned something new last Saturday and had some fun at the same time.

Thank to all Interm friends and Marshals and Explores for joining and see you all very soon.

Carlos (CARLOSS)

Will start from the end ... First of all many thanks to Carlos for organising the drive and "gifting me" the 10+ ... I must admit I could get used to this, someone doing all of the admin work and after I get to lead a convoy!!!, don´t worry, “A Lannister always pays his debts”.

Secondly many thanks to Shamsi, Scorpio, Presa and Ehab for attending allowing us to have 2 convoys in this drive.

We started late, very foggy conditions that delayed the starting time, this was very annoying for me since it delays the time when the drive finishes and I must admit to be feeling increasingly difficult to drive at mid-day, mainly with very clear sands where it is difficult to spot the edges and shapes.

Ahmed was my 2nd lead and Jamhi was in charge of closing the convoy (thanks guys for the help), in between a group of very experienced interms. Conditions were not easy, I personally dislike driving in wet sand, it is dangerous as increases the chances of a roll over, harder impacts, not drifting ... the convoy did well to keep it safe in these non favourable conditions, specially those at the back that needed to drive on chewed up dunes ... Shamsi told me once "at the front you learn, at the back you learn to survive", never more true that in wet sand conditions.

See you on the sand soon.

Well this was a big drive for me! Not only was it the First Intermediate drive I have done but it was the first with “Red” the Jeep. I also hadn’t driven in the sand in about a year.

First lesson learnt - pay more attention to meet up time and set off earlier! Don’t be rushing to a meet especially in really foggy conditions - Whoops. Thankfully the drive was delayed allowing for my tardy arrival due to thick fog in the desert.

As @CARLOSS mentioned the sand was wet creating some new challenges for me, including how the convoy created deep trenches. This was very challenging for the back of the convoy. Thankfully I was number 3 so had the best opportunity to see the lines and find relatively fresh sand.

The first few dunes and a couple of second try’s blew the cobwebs off. Most of the rust felt like it had shaken loose by the time we made it to the bowl! However a little lack of judgment on leaving the bowl got me a well deserved reprimand from our much appreciated Marshals. Having escaped intact with pride largely still present and ego a little deflated, the lesson was well learned and we completed the rest of the drive and Myriad of crests and crossovers in good time.

Much enjoyed, much learned and many thanks as always to the club for their time and commitment to share their knowledge and passion with us! And keeping us all safe!

First of all, a big thank you to Marshal David for leading the drive so smoothly and professionally. Being second lead on this drive was a real pleasure, especially when everything is well organized and flowing—definitely something I could get used to.
Many thanks as well to Ehab and Scorpio for floating and keeping a close eye on the convoy, and to Jamhi for sweeping and remembering that crucial role at the back—much appreciated, guys.
We started a bit late due to heavy fog in the area, which delayed the kickoff. While slightly frustrating, safety always comes first. Once moving, the drive turned out to be an amazing mix of challenges, particularly because of the hard sand conditions in Nahil at this time of the year. Hard sand demands precision—lines are fast, margins are tight, and mistakes are punished quickly—so focus and discipline were essential throughout.
The convoy handled the conditions exceptionally well. The pace was controlled, recoveries were minimal, and everyone adapted nicely to the changing terrain.
Overall, it was a fantastic drive, challenging yet very rewarding, and a great example of teamwork and solid convoy management. Looking forward to many more like this.

Hello dear Almosters
Today drive was epic due to the conditions of the weather and the sand
The action started on the way to the meeting point with a heavy fog and speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour on the road but I managed to make it on time to the meeting point
As mentioned before we delayed our start for around 1:30 hour until the fog cleared
Our convoy (+10 intermediate) was lead by our great explorer David with the support of Scorpio and Ehab
The drive started with a fast pase very nice liens were chosen by our leader David he was really dancing on the dunes he was enjoying the fresh creasts and leaving us suffer at the back due to wet sand the surface chewed after a couple of cars which added a big challenge for us but that didn’t stop the fun for us
For me after one hour my car had an overheating issue after climbing Nahil bowl it seems that it was a clutch fan issue so we decided to leave it there until it down and I continued as a passenger with Al Jamhi (thank you my friend for the ride )
We played around half an hour and returned back to my car for the break meeting point, I checked it,added some coolant and tried it in Nahil bowl all was good so I continued the drive and didn’t miss the rest of the fun
Overall it was another great drive with almost family and I am looking forward to drive more and more under David lead
Finally I want to thank Carlos for organizing this lovely trip, David for his amazing lead, Abu Salim, Presa,Scorpio and Ehab for their great efforts in supporting us
Last but not least to my fellow intermediate who did well in this special circumstances
Till next time stay safe and I hope to see you all soon on a dry not a wet sand

Excited to be back on the dunes after two months without driving due to my leave. Many thanks to the organizer @Carlos and the marshals @alshamsi_m @Scorpio @presa @David @Ehab for arranging a second convoy for 10- intermediates, which I definitely needed to keep up and regain momentum.
It was a foggy morning that delayed the start of the drive, but it gave us a great opportunity to chit-chat, meet everyone, and enjoy the atmosphere and our dear marshal @presa coffee. Our 10- convoy was led by @Carlos , with great support from @alshamsi_m (mashallah he looks like having 8 eyes, we found him everywhere) and @presa floating. While waiting for the sun to clear the fog, the marshals conducted a thorough briefing and shared valuable tips on driving in such conditions—especially with the sand still saturated from the recent rain, turning it muddy and making vehicle control more challenging, particularly for those toward the back of the convoy.
The drive finally kicked off around 09:15 AM, maintaining the fast pace typical of intermediate drives. We practiced side cresting, switching, and riding the crests. One of the most important lessons I learned and actively tried to apply was the importance of keeping up with the convoy. Even if you can’t follow the exact same track, safely catching up is essential to avoid slowing the convoy down.
A very useful tip from the marshals in these muddy sand conditions was anchoring the wheels at the top of the crest to minimize sliding and drifting, allowing for better control. We covered approximately 58 km, starting from Sweihan and ending in Nahil.
Thanks again to the marshals and explorers @Carlos , @alshamsi_m , @Scorpio , @presa , @Ehab & @David for an amazing and well-organized drive. Looking forward to the next one!

Hi Almosters,
The excitement began early, especially since I wasn t expecting to join this trip my car is still not ready after losing the engine on the last Wagan adventure.
We set off early myself, @Moustafa, and @mrwkassem to make sure we reached the meeting point on time, despite the heavy fog that was expected.
I joined the (-10 Intermediate) convoy, led by @Carlos with the support of the safe angle @alshamsi_m and @presa.
For the first half of the trip, I rode as a passenger with @mrwkassem. A special thanks to him for allowing me to drive his car during the second half of the trip, and thanks as well to @alshamsi_m and @Carlos for approving this participation.
The drive was challenging: very wet sand, fast pace, high arches, and plenty of switches.
Big thanks to all marshals and explorers: @Carlos, @alshamsi_m, @presa, @Scorpio, @David, and @Ehab.
See you soon on the sand.

Hi everyone!

The New Year 2026 started beautifully — and at the same time, very challenging. I can confidently say that this was one of the most challenging drives I have ever had.

I have mentioned more than once that I am not a big fan of wet sand, but until this drive I could not fully understand why.

The adventure started early in the morning. As I left home, I checked the weather forecast, which predicted fog. Lately, I have learned to truly enjoy the drive along Truck Road — it is the closest road to my home. I have trained myself not to rush, to stay calm, and to enjoy the journey, even with a large number of trucks around.
But not in conditions like this.

This was not just fog — it was milk. Thick, white milk. Driving at minimum speed, barely able to see anything, literally diving into the fog, and suddenly — out of nowhere — a massive truck appears right in front of you. That moment was definitely a “wow”.
The road took me two hours.

When I arrived at the meeting point, most of the convoy was already there. Some drivers and members arrived together with me, and others continued joining shortly after. We delayed the start until the fog began to clear, because driving in such conditions would simply not be safe.

This drive consisted of two convoys: Intermediate 10- led by @CARLOSS and Intermediate 10+ led by @David ( looking forward for your lead).

I was part of the Intermediate 10- convoy, with the support of @alshamsi_m with media passenger @siddharthsai ( special thank you for your video) and @presa as floating marshal, @mpodroid as a Sweeper.

During the briefing, and in order not to waste time, @CARLOSS mentioned that the cars at the back of the convoy would struggle. And to say that I was struggling would be an understatement.

Wet sand works in favor of the first cars — it almost “draws” the track for them and makes the drive easier. But by the time car after car chews up and softens the sand for those behind, my feeling was that I was no longer driving on a track for cars at all. It felt more like driving through a trench made for tanks.

During the briefing, it was also mentioned that wet sand is not forgiven. It is very compact, and when it forms a wall on a slope, any wrong maneuver can result in a rollover. The sand is extremely slippery, the speed is high, and the elements are technical and demanding.

This was such a challenge for me that I honestly cannot remember the last time I used so many breathing exercises during a drive — conscious inhales and exhales just to calm myself down and start feeling the car again.

It got to the point where I asked the marshals for assistance, so they could explain how to move correctly along the side of the dune after the switch, how to manage speed, and how to avoid creating a dangerous situation while still keeping the track and following the car ahead.

@CARLOSS and @alshamsi_m explained that when the track is completely chewed up, during a climb we need to take the line slightly higher — about one wheel higher than usual — or use a technique known as anchoring with one wheel, allowing the car to straighten, regain balance, stay under control, and continue moving forward and where to be more agressive to avoid sliding.

After this detailed explanation, everything became much clearer. I started to practice it right away, I could see the results of the technique, and the drive became significantly easier for me.

Almost towards the end of the drive, the Second Lead had to leave, and I was offered to take that position. By that time, the sun was already high and the sand had dried. It was truly a great pleasure to drive in those conditions.

Overall, I can say that all participants performed very well. There were no major incidents — just a few recoveries and some self-recoveries and lots of second tries — but considering how challenging this drive was for everyone, not just for me, it went extremely well.

As they say, no pain, no gain.
Everyone came back with smiles on their faces, safe and sound — and that is always the key sign of a successful drive.

And finally, at the very end of the drive, I realized why I do not like wet sand.

A memory immediately came back to me from Salalah trip 2023. When right at the entrance to Salalah, on the very first slope — a clay one — my car suddenly started sliding uncontrollably towards cliff. The car was completely out of control. Back then @alshamsi_m and @Scorpio rescued me.That day later became my official second birthday.

At the same time, I am truly grateful for that experience.

I thought that revisiting this feeling might calm me down or help me release it — but no, it made me feel even more alive, more active, and even more excited to move forward.

A big thank you to everyone who organized this drive, and to all those who supported us along the way — for the help, guidance, teamwork, great time, and the many warm and positive memories we took back with us.

Till the next time.
Viktoriia

PATIENCE YOU MUST HAVE:
The day began with a late start, courtesy of a thick, foggy morning that wrapped the desert in mystery. Visibility was low, but spirits were anything but — energy levels were unlimited and the excitement was palpable as engines warmed and radios crackled to life.

After the attendance call, we were split into two Intermediate groups: 10+ and 10-. Support was abundant across both convoys, giving everyone confidence that safety was well covered no matter what the dunes had in store.

I was part of the 10+ convoy, with @David leading the charge. @Scorpio and @Ehab
provided solid support, @Ahmad (I tried so many times to tag you correctly but your tag did not show up) took on the role of second lead, and @Aljamhi taking on the role of sweeper — a strong lineup for what was clearly going to be a demanding drive.

I also had a young passenger onboard, which meant I had to develop full-on chameleon vision — one eye always on the line ahead, and the other permanently checking on her wellbeing. I was absolutely determined to avoid a repeat of @Presa's infamous passenger incident from once upon a time .

The conditions were tough. The sand was wet yet firm, deceptively grippy, while the ridges were extremely rugged and unforgiving. David was clearly on a mission: push the 10+ Inters, cover as much terrain as possible, and do it fast. The fog initially fooled us into thinking we had the desert entirely to ourselves — until we reached our play dune and discovered it heavily muddied with tracks from earlier visitors.

Still, once David led us in, the fun truly began. He carved out beautifully smooth lines with incredible flow, and we spent a long stretch of the drive in near silence — not because of fatigue, but because we were fully immersed, letting the rhythm of the dunes speak for itself.

There were plenty of lessons learned along the way:
• Wet sand can be deceptive — over-deflating tyres is risky, especially without beadlocks, increasing the chances of pop-outs and even rollovers.
• From the middle to the end of the convoy, it quickly becomes a survival game as tracks deepen into trenches.
• During side cresting, exiting early can be the safer option; overreaching the crest may leave you stuck on an unbroken ridge.
• We were also reminded that self-recovery isn’t always the safest choice — checking with a Marshal on recovery angles is essential to avoid hazards like bushes.

Despite the demanding terrain and high pace, every vehicle and driver exited safely, which is always the best ending to any desert drive.

All in all, my young passenger got her wish — she didn’t want to leave Dubai without experiencing some truly badass dune bashing — and I had an absolutely fantastic time driving, joking, and laughing with my fellow Inters.
An unforgettable morning in the dunes

I do not know where to begin or end this post. I was shotgun with @alshamsi_m for the very first time and he was not just in a mood to float.

I was initially just planning to come and shoot at the gathering point for this inter-drive, but Shamsi asked me if I wanted to be his passenger. Even though I had some work after that, it was not always you get to float as a passenger with @alshamsi_m and I took the call to go with him.

Even at this point, I had no clue what was coming.

I can say I have experienced something so and transcending that I just cannot put it into words. Sorry, but this trip report will be more about my experience with Shamsi than the drive itself. Ill start with things I came to know from this drive:

1. Gravity is a concept. It's not proven fully for someone like Shamsi. In theory you need to believe there is gravity but it's completely ok to forget it exists when shotgun with him.

2. At one point in the drive, I lost my complete orientation. The only way I could know where I was at this point is if there was a ground proximity warning system like on aeroplanes. You know that device that yells out "Warning, terrain..pull up".

3. FJ's can do some serious stuff. The car is mighty capable of things I couldn't know were possible with a car.

4. I'm a newbie and will remain a newbie for a while.

I really wrote this pos to appreciate the Marshals and Explorers who float. Not only do they have fun, but they also keep a close eye on the convoy, share their recommendations on the radio, talk to the passenger and do a lot more. For me, this looked impossible. I would need to rent another brain from Dubizzle to perform all this together.

I was struggling to hold the camera and shoot, while Shamsi was doing like 10 tasks every minute. We climbed crazy-looking dunes with ease. I still remember him saying, "Keep the car angry," when someone was about to climb and crest. It made a lot of sense. Just driving as a passenger, I could pick up a few interesting ways Shamsi drives. I also got a small lesson on how to come down a dune and land smoothly if you can't make the crest. I was witnessing pure brilliance.

Shamsi plays music really loud when doing crazy stuff. So when the volume goes up, it's a warning to hold on.

After we finished the drive, Shamsi took me to where I parked Snowy, and he did the same thing on the way, but the tyres inflated to 35 PSI. We literally climbed like 10 dunes with 35 PSI. The car behaved completely differently, and it was a realisation that years of experience have no substitute. To get more momentum at such high PSI, I noticed him drifting the car to get more speed. That was like a movie experience for me. Like you know when in the movie "Cars" you see Doc Hudson doing that drift. This scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Ra1LMYphM to be precise. Insane.

I would recommend everyone to try and experience being a passenger with @alshamsi_m but that seat is as unavailable as a Formula 1 VIP ticket. So look out for the opportunity.

The drive was incredible just seeing all the inter's doing safe and amazing stuff as always.

God speed!

Sid