Henri
Abu Dhabi's immense desert has created great talk among adventure-spirited tourists. You too can join the club but be mindful of the essential kit you should keep handy in case of emergency.
As the roads are not that smooth, you need to have a good vehicle. But a good vehicle alone won't fit the game. When you purchase the vehicle, the very next thing should be to service it fully. Or if you are renting out a vehicle – suppose from one of the Sir Bani Yas Island hotels - the very first thing to check is when it is serviced.
You should be in anticipation for any vehicle breakdown at any moment. But a full service will halve that risk. Only a service could investigate any oncoming damage, deterioration or oil leak. If you do not have these issues fixed, then be ready for a nightmarish off-road experience.
A Global Positioning System would offer you many routes to reach a favourite destination. A map will offer you the same service in a different way. All the same, it is wise to keep both a GPS and a map ready. Sometimes the age-old manuals would show you the way clearly.
No one will give you prior notice for a flat tyre. You are likely to experience it at any moment. So the best bet is to check if you have the tool kit in the trunk. In Abu Dhabi, the vehicle companies are usually careful about these things. But it always serves you well to check if the tool kit rests there in the trunk in peace.
Sometimes the mobile phone would hardly be helpful, because in thick of the jungles you won't get any reception. But still you never know when this would be of use. In the thick of the jungle, you might not have reception. But certain areas could surprise you with a reception post or two on the mobile screen. That will suffice at any case of emergency. And remember to switch off internet and 3g connections, as they drain battery. The best way to preserve battery is to send the phone into the flight mode when you do not need it. Otherwise, the battery will also drain as the phone keeps on searching for signals. Try to have a spare battery as well.
Another must when you off-road. Vehicles do not ride smooth all the time. Roads are not smooth all the time. And you can never know when an accident would occur. Be familiar with how to use the items in the first aid kit, and you are safe on the adventure. Most hotels such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort will offer you a first aid kit upon request.
In the thick of the desert, you will hardly find petrol stations. Although your vehicle petrol tank can accommodate a large volume of the fuel, it is always wise to keep extra petrol ready. But that sounds a bit dangerous, if you do not follow safety precautions. You need to make sure that the container of petrol is sealed well.
