The eighth edition of the annual desert adventure brings together seasoned off-road drivers and first-timers for a guided expedition, with support from marshals and recovery teams.
Rows of 4×4 vehicles, colourful flags fluttering in the morning breeze and drivers making last-minute preparations set the scene at Bab Al Shams Arena on Saturday as KT Desert Drive 2026 got underway in Dubai.
The eighth edition of the annual desert adventure was flagged off at 9.30am by Ted Kemp, Chief Content Officer of Khaleej Times, and Sagheer Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer of Khaleej Times, marking the start of a day of off-road driving across Dubai’s dunes.
As KT Desert Drive flags waved, the first vehicles rolled past the starting point, followed by a long convoy of 4x4s. Some displayed UAE flags, while others carried colourful safety flags mounted high above their roofs.
Excitement builds from early morning
Participants began arriving as early as 7.30am, turning the arena into a meeting point for off-road enthusiasts. Before long, rows of Toyota Land Cruisers, Nissan Patrols, Jeep Wranglers, Ford Raptors and other modified vehicles had filled the parking area.
Some drivers arrived in vehicles equipped with large off-road tyres, raised suspensions and recovery gear, ready to tackle the sandy terrain.
Preparations begin early
Before setting off into the desert, participants visited registration counters to collect their event materials and enjoy breakfast, which was served from around 8.30am.
While some gathered around the breakfast tables, others got busy preparing their vehicles.
Drivers crouched beside their wheels to deflate their tyres, a common practice that increases traction on soft sand. Others secured tall flags to their vehicles, checked their equipment and made final preparations for the drive.
Marshals moved between the vehicles, assisting drivers and briefing them on what to do — and what to avoid — during the expedition.
For many participants, the morning was as much about connecting with fellow off-road enthusiasts as it was about getting ready to tackle the dunes.
Abdul Rahman, one of the participants, said he was looking forward to spending the day in the desert.
“We have been looking forward to this drive. It is going to be a whole day of fun and adventure, and that is what makes it exciting. Being out in the desert with so many other drivers makes the experience even more enjoyable,” he said.
Another participant, Jacob, shared the excitement as he prepared for the drive.
“It is not something we get to do every day. This is my second time hitting the desert. We are looking forward to enjoying the drive, exploring the dunes and having a lot of fun throughout the day. The atmosphere here this morning has made us even more excited,” he said.
Being held in Dubai for the first time, the event brings together experienced desert drivers and newcomers for a guided drive supported by marshals and recovery teams.
As the convoy rolled out of Bab Al Shams Arena, the early-morning preparations gave way to the adventure participants had gathered for — a day of driving across the dunes.
