The eighth edition of the KT Desert Drive commenced on Saturday at the Bab Al Shams Arena in Dubai, marking the first time the annual off-road event has been hosted in the emirate. Khaleej Times reported that the convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles departed at 9:30 am, flagged off by Ted Kemp, the publication's Chief Content Officer, and Sagheer Ahmed, its Chief Financial Officer. The gathering drew hundreds of participants who arrived as early as 7:30 am to prepare their modified vehicles for the sandy terrain.
The event’s route required nearly a month of preparation by a team from Dubai Offroaders. Marshals conducted repeated trips into the desert to identify suitable tracks and mark the path, ensuring the drive remained accessible to families while still offering excitement for seasoned drivers. Abdullah Al Balushi, a marshal with the group, explained that the planning had to account for a wide range of driving experiences, from regular desert enthusiasts to newcomers attending with their families.
Ahmad, another marshal, noted that the team could not finalize the route in a single day. They returned to the desert every two or three days to record progress on maps and adjust sections based on how different parts of the track connected. The goal was to create a path suitable for ordinary four-wheel-drivers rather than only heavily modified vehicles, ensuring that families could enjoy the dunes without the drive becoming too difficult or dangerous.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the balance between adventure and comfort. Vishal Kaplesh, who drove with his seven-year-old son Dhruv, said the initial challenge of navigating with a child eased once they covered a quarter of the track. He described the experience as wonderful and noted that every desert drive offers something different. Other attendees, including Sabrina Hatem and Ayoub, highlighted the pleasant weather and the opportunity to take photographs along the route.
The day concluded with a focus on leisure and community. Hatem described the sunset as the most memorable part of the outing, adding that the family looked forward to the evening entertainment and dinner. The event brought together experienced drivers and newcomers for a day of off-road driving supported by marshals and recovery teams, reinforcing the KT Desert Drive’s reputation as a family-friendly adventure.