On the first weekend of March 2025, I set out on an exhilarating two-day desert driving refresher course, eager to immerse myself again in the vast, winter sun-scorched landscape of the Saudi Hinterland.
The golden sands stretched endlessly before me, and the thrill of navigating the rugged desert terrain always fills me with nervous anticipation. My self-doubt often asks, "Can I do this? Do I know my car well enough? Can I keep up with the experts around me?"
Each twist and turn of the winding paths through the dunes feels like a new adventure, reminding me that no matter how much I learn, the Saudi desert always holds more challenges and surprises waiting to be discovered.
I will definitely get stuck, and I will definitely beach myself on the crest of a dune because, as the experts around me say, "If you do not experience that, you are not learning new skills. "
This weekend, some key maneuvers to focus on included finding an alternative path if the route you are on feels too demanding. Instead of going over obstacles, consider going around them. Additionally, I worked on improving my navigation skills and learned some rescue tips. Finally, I practiced effortlessly cresting a dune like a pro with less speed and more precision and technique. Adjusting your speed and your momentum across the undulating Saudi desert is your constant focus while driving amongst the dunes.
Returning home safely from a successful desert driving trip is a great feeling. My body is weary, muscles ache, and from head to toe a fine layer of dust clings to my skin, all remnants of the adventure that just unfolded beneath the endless blue Arabian sky.
The scent of dry earth lingers as I pull into the driveway, my car packed with treasures from the trip – vibrant sunsets captured in my photographs and the whispers of the wind still echoing in my mind.
Even as I approach the daunting task of unpacking the car, my mind shifts to thoughts of my next escapade, as I have already begun plotting where the next Saudi horizon will take me.
#AlDhana Dunes
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