I’m far from being a speed freak – but there was something alluring about piling into SUVs and driving at high speeds up and down the sand dunes of Abu Dhabi.
I knew that there was a chance that the vehicle could roll-over (it did have a roll bar) But I also knew the driver had probably driven over the sand dunes many times. That didn’t eradicate my fears as I was elected to sit in the front seat, giving me the perfect view of the upcoming rolls and slides. Was I going to freak out? Would I be screaming like I was on a rollercoaster?
Unlike rides at the amusement park or other fast-moving adrenaline excitement, I loved it. I liked seeing how the vehicle slid down the golden sand, almost tilting onto its side, but then finding itself flat as it sped forward. The landscape was essentially sand and sky, with the occasional rock outcropping and skinny tree.
As the SUV kept up the pace in the line of vehicles, I laughed out loud as I realized the backseat passengers couldn’t see when we were about to seemingly tumble down a hill. I watched the reactions of my colleagues as their screams and comments echoed throughout the SUV. The reality of our car impossibly staying upright as the warm sand went from wall beside the window to the road beneath the tires became a game for me.
As the time came close to sunset, the drivers found a spot, and stopped, allowing the passengers to experience the sand dunes up close, being able walk on the dunes, touch the warm sand and see the shift in colours as the sun slowly set. I began to understand the allure of the landscape, with its lack of permanence and ever-changing shapes.
The inner adrenaline rush had subsided as the SUVs found our final destination, a touristy-spot to eat dinner under the stars, emulating the stereotypical way of the desert nomads. Thick carpets and plenty of cushions were spread out around a low stage, and we reclined, sharing our recent experiences of SUV surfing the dunes.
The speed freak that been awakened still wanted more dune driving, but it wasn’t going to happen in the darkness of the night. It’s still kept under wraps inside me for some time in the future.