Almost4x4

Hello Guys

Moreeb Dune Challenge was not just about driving it was about everything that came with it. Early arrivals, unexpected moments, freezing nights, long conversations around the fire, learning from each other, and finally an intense and rewarding drive through challenging terrain. From reaching Liwa earlier than planned on the 19th, to camping under cold desert and taking on wet, unpredictable dunes on the 21st, these three days were packed with memories, lessons, and great company.I will definitely remember this trip for a long time.

19-Dec: Early Arrival

@siddharthsai @hidayathshaik and I arrived in Liwa on the night of December 19th. As soon as we reached, we deflated our tires and headed straight to attempt the Moreeb Dune. We initially tried a straight approach, but it was heavily congested with other drivers and didn’t feel safe. We decided to move to the side and take a different line, which worked perfectly, and we successfully reached the top.
It was dark and crowded, and the sand had hardened due to the rain. During the climb my car jumped for a few seconds, and in that moment, I could clearly hear Shamshi’s voice in my head saying, “No flying,” exactly the way he usually says it.
After finishing the dune, we met up with the members who were camping that night. After completing some small shopping, we headed to the campsite with @Rashidjass , @Moustafa , @Warrior12 @King and @Msharhan and others . We spent the night chatting until around 4 am. Rashid shared his driving experiences and valuable tips, while Moustafa and king made sure everyone was laughing throughout the night.
A big thanks to King and Sharhan for making tea and corn for everyone it was perfect for the freezing weather. We finally tried to get some sleep around 4 am, but the cold was intense.

20-Dec:Camping Day

Despite getting very little sleep, I woke up early the next morning. The cold weather made it difficult to rest properly. While I was fixing the tent, CICPA police approached us and informed us that the area was unsafe, asking us to leave. We packed up, had a quick photo session, and then moved to another spot opposite Moreeb. A few more members joined us there as well, and it turned out to be a perfect place to watch the day’s events.
We spent the day exploring Liwa and visiting some shopping booths. Around 5:20 pm, we attended the Extreme Mud Fest, which was thrilling to watch. The performers did some crazy stuff with their vehicles jumping, racing, and pushing the limits. There were even multiple rollovers, which made the whole event intense and exciting to watch.
After the event, some members headed back home, while those who had the drive the next day stayed back for camping. Moustafa recommended a dinner spot called Abo Al Abed, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. Sid and I had a spicy chicken sandwich, which was absolutely amazing. After dinner, we bought a few souvenirs.
We then drove to a new camping spot, farther away than the previous one, where Abubaker had already arrived. We quickly parked, started a fire, and settled in. The weather was much better compared to the previous night. @massaleh prepared Salab for everyone, which was perfect for the conditions. Later, Germain and Shamsi joined us. Shamsi greeted everyone, then gave a quick briefing about the next morning’s drive before leaving. We continued chatting late into the night before finally going to bed.

21-Dec:Epic Drive

I got up at 7:00 am, packed everything, and by 7:45 am I was ready for the drive. I inflated my tires and had a decent sleep overnight, as it wasn’t as cold as the previous day. The campfire was still on, and members were cooking and chit-chatting, enjoying the morning atmosphere.

We started the drive around 10:00 am. @alshamsi_m led the convoy, with @Kuba as second lead, @KIMOz as the sweeper, @Mostafa in the mid-convoy, and @Mabubaker was floating. Shamsi advised keeping tire pressure at 15 psi due to the hard sand after the rain.
I was a bit worried, as I had never driven at such a high psi before and wasn’t sure how my car would handle it.

The drive started fast over flat terrain with small climbs, and I initially thought it would remain that way. As expected, there was a twist the climbs became bigger, the sand was wet and slippery, and handling became much more challenging. One particularly tricky section was a buggy dune drop, where everyone had to go in 4L 2 gear, at a super slow speed. My car kept pulling to one side and slipping, making it even more difficult.
Throughout the drive, we encountered landscapes that looked like another planet. The views were mind-blowing, and we stopped at several points just to admire them. We also saw dunes just a few meters away from the Saudi border.
Later, we reached a dune where Shamsi allowed us to play and attempt climbs. I tried four times. On my final attempt, I went in with higher speed but had slight confusion about the exit point, which caused the car to drift for a few seconds. I immediately corrected it by steering straight and accelerating. It was scary, but it taught me an important lesson if there is even a small doubt or confusion, it’s better to turn down.The adrenaline was pumping, and the feeling afterward was epic.

As the drive continued, it became even more technical due to the unpredictable wet sand, making every move challenging. We had a short break with Shamsi famous coffee before continuing. Eventually, the drive concluded after covering approx 55 km. It was an great experience, with the wet sand adding a whole new level of challenge.

After the drive, we headed to refuel and then went for lunch . The restaurant was full, so we opted for takeaway. We found a nearby spot, laid out a mat, and enjoyed our meal together. The food tasted amazing, especially after such an intense drive.After lunch, everyone left, ending a great trip.

These three days flew by and left me with a lot of good memories. I’m really grateful to be part of such a supportive and fun group. A special thanks to Mostafa for helping me out with almost everything, Abubaker for always looking out for us during the drive, Kimoz for constant support, and Shamsi for putting this whole drive together and leading it so smoothly. and I am genuinely looking forward to many more drives.

Liaw December 19 -21 2025

Alright, buckle up let’s rewind the tape ..

Two weeks ago, we had a drive in Liwa, at that time the festival hadn’t even started yet, but wow, it was an amazing drive with soft sand, huge dunes and balconies. Fast forward to this weekend, the plan was different. Think of it as the “preparty before the official party” organised by the legend himself, @Mostafa . The mission was pure Liwa relaxation in exploration off the sand.

I missed Friday’s camp thanks to rain, turning my area into Venice. So, to make up, I started my Saturday adventure at 6:15 AM sharp. Vroooom, with only one stop, four hours later, and boom I’m at Tal Moreeb by 10:15 AM.

First time there and… WOW . Engines roaring everywhere. It’s like being at a car fashion show “Oh, nice car… oh wow, that mod, and this and that” you can’t stop getting amazed.

I stopped first at the market, and let me tell you, it’s camping heaven. Everything you can imagine, gear, gadgets, gifts. You start with “I’ll just have a look” and end up whispering to yourself, “Stoooop buy wisely”.

The whole place is full of adrenaline. Like when your mom’s out of town and you throw the ultimate party no rules, just unleash the beast inside..

Chapter Two, Mostafa calls, guides me to the new camping location as they had to move because well.. what happens in Liwa stays in Liwa but @King “ King did it” “الكينج عملها”

The new spot is a balcony view over Tal Moreeb. Took breakfast and then enjoyed the cold weather, although it was sunny and chit-chat with the friends. At 4:30 PM, we roll to the Mudvist show, it was a wild monstrous cars doing insane tricks. Later, back to Tal Moreeb for the main show, some food, then off to the new camp where Abu Baker awaits. First mission was the fire as it was freezing. Then came my moment, I made Sahlab (سحلب) to warm everyone up, as a result Abu Baker upgraded me to Advance level

After that, one by one, we hit sleep mode, but engines still roaring all night, luckly I was exhausted and thus closed my eyes 1, 2 …. zzzzz

Morning came nice and clean weather, we had light breakfast, Al Shamsi joins, we pack up for Chapter Three, the Drive.

Now, this drive was special, rain had made the sand tricky, hard on top, wet underneath. First cars dig in, tracks get muddy, cars start slipping. Bu Salem ups the challenge gradually, arches, climbs, drops. Then we hit a big dune. Standing at the edge, cars look like ants below. With Abu Baker and Bu Salem’s guidance, we had a nice drop. Later, sabkhas, small dunes, until oops.. my car slips, hit the front right corner hard . Mud strikes again. I am stuck, @KIMOz pulls me out. Then had refusal in the clim, Abu Baker says, “4L and push” boom it works.

After the break we keep going, then hit a monster dune with nice arches to play. I skipped this one as I felt not ok after the hit, and regret it later as looked like crazy fun and I dare that there were nice photo shots by Mostafa.

Chapter four was the lunch, we head to Anbar w Looz (عنبر و لوز) it was full no seats, so we switch to desert mode, chairs, tables, floor picnic, what a lovely time we spent.

Final chapter, is the journey back to home, Four hours drive, mmm easy, as I had Red Bull, nuts, and videos ready to watch along with punch of calls to make.

After driving for almost 150 KM I stop for Maghrib prayer. I was shocked, the front right tire is flat on the ground “الحمد لله” I don’t’ know how but I did not feel anything while driving on 140 speed, even till I stopped and by luck i saw it , I thought it might be something while parking aside.

In short, I decided to inflate and test for 10 km and then check the pressure, unfortunately it fails as I was losing the tyer pressure. I Spot an ADNOC station, I headed hoping to have a tyer shop to have an easy go. What a luck there is none. So I didn’t want to risky it I will change the tyer and give it a go. Took out the spare, unscrew the flat tyer, put the jack maxed out but car won’t lift , thanks to lifting up with the suspension I am missing those inches . I started build a mini tower under the jack with wood and some blocks, finally swap the tire and ready to go, it took one hour in this issue. Then 2.5 more hours to Sharjah.

The drama is here at the tire shop , he checked the “damaged” tire, but it was perfectly fine and he put it back and moved… ahhh

Overall, it was two days of Liwa magic, far away, but worth every second.

Huge thanks to Almost 4x4, @alshamsi , @Mabubaker , @KIMOz z, @Mostafa afa, and all the awesome friends who made this unforgettable.

The moral of the story that Liwa is a different story

Hello All,

So it all started when i tried to register on the drive but went to the waiting list. after what i wasnt sure that i will be added on the drive, but then i got luckily added to the drive.

It was surely an experience which every off roader must have to go to LIWA and witness the off road festival madness.

I went on Saturday to Moreb Liwa to saw the Mored Dune Challengers revving up on the dunes, for sure it was a feast for the eyes and the ears.

After that i joined the club by 10pm and went on to the camp site where we all camped, started the bonfire and had some snacks and bonding in the group.

It was really cold at night because of the rain earlier the sand was still wet and cold even with the tent thick layer.

Next morning we all had breakfast at the camp and then packed up and started our drive on to the LIWA dessert.

The desert was really beautiful to watch as we drove around and reached the Saudi border. after that we did some of interesting lines on the way back with some of the big and small dunes.

We took a pit stop during the drive, special thanks to @alshamsi_m for the hot coffee. and @Mabubaker and @Mustafa for their support and assistance during the overall camping and drive.

We finally ended the drive safely around 2pm, after that i went off as i was out of energy, while some of the drive members stayed little longer for the lunch.

Overall, it was a lovely experience thanks to the Almost club.

Looking forward for the next drives.

Nomi

I have just started the week after Liwa, and the hangover is real. Liwa seems like a place assembled by a committee of 10th-standard backbenchers with access to unlimited fuel and car mods and no time for doubt or caution. You know what that is! A recipe for unlimited fun. Before I get into this trip report, I would like to appreciate Abu Dhabi Police for their hospitality and vibing with the rest of us in this small town of fun. Trust me, when the government backs up your craziness, you know it's OG. Thank you Abu Dhabi police once again.

People often ask me. What is Liwa?

Liwa is a town that does not pretend it is old. It has no interest in your mood or your nostalgia. Liwa is like a kid who skipped childhood. While other areas like Badayer or Sweihan try to be normal, Liwa only chooses to remember the future. I found it odd they marked a 2025 event as 2026, but once I was there, I knew what it meant. Liwa feels like it rises from the desert like a spreadsheet that decided to become nature. Every dune is 60 degrees, packed with modded cars, politely uninterested in your stock Pajero.

Liwa believes deeply in having fun. The core idea of the event revolves around fun. You know where you are going, you know how you are the moment you deflate and get ready, you know how long you can stay, There is nothing confusing or something masquerading as pretentious. Everyone in Liwa transfers the burden of uncertainty to one another. You are on your own once you start the Moreeb climb.

Liwa runs on a simple rule. You may come from anywhere, believe anything, and rev the hell out of your exhaust. In return you will not ask anything. Just pure adrenaline. The town has no time for existential angst.

Friday morning:

After hours of doom scrolling last night, I woke up around 9am to see some activity in the group talking about reaching camp early. It was @Moustafa who started the discussion. Suddenly it hit me. I have absolutely nothing to do on a friday night! Why not go to the camp site and join some people? I immediately texted @alshamsi_m to check if I can join the camp early. He gave a go ahead. I immediately texted @Minhaj to see if we can prepond the trip. Minaj's reply was a gif:



If you know the context of this, it's really funny. Glad to have friends like him who resonate on the same level. We decided to meet at AUH around 5pm and move from there. We had a small dinner and left from AUH around 6pm with @hidayathshaik as Minja;s passenger. At around 8:30PM, as the fireworks started, we pulled into LIWA, seeing the drone show and the fireworks as we crawled through the traffic on the roundabout. We climbed the Moreeb public extension 4 times; it was looking more and more dangerous at one point so we decided to call it a day and I texted @Moustafa who we met up with @Warrior12 @KingZoma @Rashidjass and others. We met at Lulu and we quickly grabbed some stuff to eat and headed to camp around 11. At the camp we met @alshamsi_m who pointed out to us the area to camp, and then we all sat down for some amazing conversations and food under the night sky. It was extremely cold beause the wind was continuously blowing. While we sat down, the temp was around 12°C.

In the morning we woke up and were just about to make tea when the CICPA infra police came and asked us to move to a safer area since there was an oil field near where we camped. We decided to go to Moreeb and find a nice spot to set up our camp for the day. Surprisingly, my digestive system decided to give me no headache this time. I was super fresh in the morning. Moustafa made us bread and eggs as a sandwich, and omg, it tasted so good. I can still think about this and feel the taste. After that a few more members joined us for the camp. We sat down and had the classic Sunflower seeds from @Rashidjass. It was awesome. It was 2pm and was still windy and 17°C.

After that we all headed to the mudfest, where we saw some super-modded cars do some jumps and crazy stuff. Was a little disappointed since most of their cars were damaged and couldn't perform at their full potential. After the event we got some nice dinner in the Liwa walk area. It was probably the best sandwich I have had in recent times and quickly became my all-time favourite. We did some souvenir shopping later and headed to the new camp location. The convoy to the camp was led by @Moustafa. Thank you for all the help and support during the trip.

Sat night camp:

This was the best camp of the trip. The area was like 3 km behind Moreeb and a perfect flat spot. We quickly put up the campfire, which was so needed, but the temperature was actually much better than the previous night, and I think everyone agrees to that. I forgot to mention that I slept in the car both days, as I found it to be much better than sleeping in a tent. It's simply more convenient. Shamsi joined us at the camp, and we quickly reviewed our plans for the next day. We decided to do around 65 km, loop around near the KSA border and then head to a bowl to have fun and so on. We decided to leave by 9-9:30AM. @massaleh made us Salaab again, which was the highlight of the night. I want to have Salaab every day. Camping isn't complete without his signature dish and add-ons anymore.

I slept in the car around 1am when I was sleepy. I had a sound sleep for the next 8 hours. I actually woke up to see Minhaj packing his tent. It was very close to the drive time when I looked at the watch. Around 9:30 we packed up and left for the drive.

The drive:

The drive was completely different than anything we have done. Shamsi asked us to be on 14-15 PSI because the sand was too hard and wet due to the rains. Trust me, 15 is something I have never driven at. Driving the Pajero is really hard in this setting simply because the rear has a tendency to slide while coming down a dune. The rear is really light even with my heavy jack on the car. After, like, 30 mins of driving, I was used to the new suspension behaviour and how the car handled, but I still wasn't fully confident about the car itself for a while. LIWA landscape is so beautiful. At times it feels like driving on the planet Mars. Like a carbon copy. We climbed down the buggy dune, and Shamsi told us about the stories about that area and how you need to be at high speed to climb and maintain momentum. We crossed some advanced areas in the drive simply because the sand was hard. That was good to experience and probably something newbies don't get to often.

This convoy was epic. We barely had any refusals in the drive, and everyone was at the same level. We climbed a massive bowl in the middle of the drive, where we got to try it multiple times. It was really nice. We took a short break to have some nice coffee and snacks from @alshamsi_m. After that we hit the sand again with very weird terrain that looked like sharp rocks, but it's actually sand. Crazy!

The drive wrapped up around 2PM, and we inflated. Shamsi invited all of us to have lunch together. We had a very satisfying lunch sitting outdoors, setting up our own area. Then we said goodbye to everyone and left for home.

Liwa is not like a dream. Dreams are fragile and spurious. Liwa is a plan. And plans unlike dreams lasts forever. Thank you @Mabubaker and @KIMOz for all your support and guidence.

THIS WAS EPIC.

Ciao,
Sid

Missing Liwa vibes already!!! Take me back!!
It was such a weekend, 3 days full of joyful and exciting moments. I have created memories that I will cherish my whole life.

Friday, 19th Dec – Day of Arrival

I hit the road with my sister at 12:30pm then met with @Moustafa in Seih Shueib petrol station, then joined @Msharhan and @King on the road. We drove together till we reached Liwa.

We reached Liwa festival at 6:30, we drove for almost 6hrs we had few stops to get snacks, food and fuel for our cars and since I was driving the Jimny her tank is tiny, needed refill few times.

The festival area was not crowded as it was raining till Friday morning so people decided to stay at home which was a plus for us we enjoyed the festival more. We have enjoyed watching off road passionate climbing the dune and then the freestyle challenge on the other side.

Later on we left to grab dinner and walk around Liwa walk. @King , ,my sister and I decided to get dinner from alfarooj, they had good shawarma, thanks @king for the treat. @Moustafa and @Msharhan went for a burger which was an epic fail . After dinner we went for a dessert and Tea to warm us up in the cold weather, it was cold and windy. We had halawa beljbna, Kunafa and black tea from Kunafa burger, though the name is not exciting, the dessert was fantastic though, I loved it. Thank you @Moustafa for the dessert treat.

We enjoyed the drone lights performance, fire works, took photos then it was time to head to the camp, we had to stop at the LuLu to get what is missing, prayer and toilets. We also were waiting to meet up with @Minhaj @siddharthsai , @hidayathshaik and @Rashidjass . We all gathered in were ready to move to camp site.

Reached the camp area was freeezing cold from the wind. We lit the fire @king made us tea and grilled corn for us thank you. @Kuba Med joined us later at night.
I had to go to bed at around 2am the rest stayed till 4am I don’t know how they did it but for me I cant sleep late to wake up early, I ended up not sleeping well due to the continues noises and the cold weather it was freezing.

Saturday, 20th Dec – MudFest day

In the morning I wake up early and then was informed that we had to evacuate the place since it was not allowed to camp in the area as it was a gas field oops. LOLZ
We packed and left the camp site to Liwa festival site. Gathered on top one of the dunes that are near Mur’eb Dune to have our breakfast and enjoy the site of the cars climbing Mur’eb Dune. @massaleh @AhmadHasan @Aljamhi @Paddy and Ahmad Mafia with his sister joined us in the afternoon.

Around 3pm I have asked @Rashidjass to play little bit on Tal Mur’eb, we had one round then @Msharhan and @Paddy joined us and we had another round at the back side of Tal Mur’eb, it was amazing experience.

At 4:30pm we prepared to leave to the Mudfest arena. It was amazing experience to watch the MudFest for the first time. The performance was amazing watching big cars playing and racing in the mud there was few roll overs I think it might have been essential to add up to the excitement.

After the event some of the members left as they had some commitments and they will not drive the next morning. The rest and I went to grab dinner in the Liwa Walk; after dinner @Mustafa , @King @Minhaj , @siddharthsai , @hidayathshaik @massaleh headed to the new camp area @KIMOz and I went to fill our cars tanks for next day drive then went back to the camp.

Driving to the new camp area at night was another experience, there was 2 big drops which gave me chills and the sand was still wet the car was slipping. We reached to the camp safely thank god

Had Sahlab made by @massaleh it was so good then I went to sleep to get some good rest since we have a drive the second day.

Sunday, 21st Dec – Drive Day

At last the drive day came, I couldn’t sleep again from the cold weather and at some point I was reconsidering my life decisions and choices . I woke up at 6am prayed and started packing my camping gear on my own pace so I will not be rushing myself later own. After that I went to the camp area I saw @massaleh was preparing breakfast I joined him till the others woke up.

We waiting for @alshamsi_m then we started the drive at 10am. The car I had was the Jimny which @alshamsi_m lent me her, in the morning he told me I will be driving Mando the FJ and he will lead with the Jimny.

Convoy positioning:

First lead @alshamsi_m, second lead @Kuba I was positioned the third car @Moustafa was in the mid of the convoy @Mabubakr was floating and @KIMOz was the sweeper.

The drive started with flat terrine. The sand was wet from the heavy rain in the past week, it was and advantage for us as we were able to finish the drive on time didn’t take long time and we didn’t get stuck or needed recovery. If this drive was on a day were the sand was soft we will not be able to finish it fast and it will be so hard.
The drive was 10+ newbie level, where I am still 10- level. The drive was fast and got hard. However, I tried to manage and I think I did manged very well the drive.

Losing the track

I was position the 3rd car after the second lead @Kuba , we were driving on a chain of dunes that we had to do it fast with keeping distance, the second lead @Kuba lost the track so I lost it with him, I reported losing that track due to many tracks on the dunes and it was hard to figure out which one was the first lead track. I was waiting for the second lead to figure out the way back but he didn’t, it was a situation where I was waiting for him and vice versa, it was a moment of silence between him and me LOL . Therefore, I had to take the initiative to lead us back to the track. @Moustafa , @Mabubaker @KIMOz where waiting with the rest for the second and I to get into position again.

I lead the way and figured out a different track to reach the first lead, it was hard decision making as I had a passenger with me and didn’t want to risk it with an area that I don’t know any thing about. However, in the end I surprised my self with managing to get out of the area and climb to a dune and make space for @Kuba to take his position again.

After we got out of that area @Mabubaker told me that he instructed the rest of the convoy to take the same track I took to get out of the area, it was thrilled as I am still a newbie level but having a marshal acknowledging my efforts and following my track made my day. Even though I thought I might be doing a mistake of not following the rules of not following the second lead and waiting for instructions from the marshals.
Moreover, @alshamsi_m said that it was a higher level and was a test area.

The thing that made me able to get out I was remembering all the things I learned from my previous drives and watching @alshamsi_m careful and learning from him.

Speed on flat

In one of the flat areas we were speeding my speed reached 115km my passenger was excited more than me. felt like a rally racing XD.

Hitting a side arch on a huge wall.

Reached to one of the highest dunes I saw in my life, the dune was humongous compared to all the dunes I have climbed ever. For me it was a no no, and @alshamsi_m told me that I am not allowed to since its not my level also to tell the truth even if I am allowed I was scared to climb it. after all the members they were playing I asked @alshamsi_m if I could try it but if he was with me in the car. Changed to 4L and started with 4th gear then when reaching the dune had to change it to the 3rd gear with a high speed. I was able to reach high and cross the wall till the end with the support of @alshamsi_m. I cant get over the feeling was amazing. I kept screaming once I hit the ground the adrenaline was hitting.

Second try – distance is important

At one point I almost got stuck in top of the crest due to not keeping a proper distance, then I was much more cautious about the distance.
There was an area of high dunes that we were not able to stop or slow down if we did we were at the risk to role over or get stuck in a nasty position which will be a nightmare for rescuing.

A drop from HELL.

We took a break at a the highest drop I ever experienced. The break was to appreciate the drop before taking it. sheeesh she was created in hell, I made a mistake of pushing my breaks so hard and didn’t allow the second gear to engage also we had to change from 4H to 4L. It was scary drop.

End of drive

The drive ended early at 2pm, we had the chance to have lunch together then head back home, took me 3hrs to reach home.

Liwa is not for the weak.

Thank you all of the support and joyful time we spent together.
@Moustafa @King @Mabubaker @KIMOz @Minhaj , @siddharthsai , @hidayathshaik and @Rashidjass @Kuba @alshamsi_m @Aljamhi , @Paddy , Ahmad Mafia and @virginiasz

See you soon in the sand.

What an amazing day and company. reports above shows a great some of the glimpses of what happened, but the combination of camp and drive was unforgettable.
I was 10+ in 2017 and my 10th drive with the club was in Liwa, that's why I love bringing back those memories by joining these drives.
@alshamsi_m crafted a beautiful and challenging track which I believe have elevated the skill and confidence of the entire convoy.
Until next time.
M Abubaker

Hello everyone,

It was 10 years ago that I brought a Suzuki to Liwa in our official drives. So after all these years, her we are with a Jimny in the lead .

Liwa might be tough with high dunes and soft sand but I have one more thing for it which lite weight.

I would like to thank @Mabubaker & @KIMOz for the support of making this event another successful one. Also for all of you who joined us this year.

Looking forward for more drives

See you in the sand
Shamsi