Winter Safari Season Sees UAE Off-Roaders Spending Big on Mods
The sun dips behind the dunes, turning the sand into a glowing sea of gold. A cool breeze cuts through the air. Engines growl in the distance. This is the moment off-roaders have been waiting for all year. The Winter Safari season is almost here, and across the UAE, garages are fully packed.
From Stock to Safari Ready
In Al Quoz, the clatter of tools echoes off concrete walls. Mechanics lift hulking 4x4s, swapping factory tyres for beefy all-terrains and bolting on winches that could pull a camel out of quicksand. For some, the bill is AED 10,000 with a decent lift kit, off-road tyres, and protective plates.
For others, it reaches AED 80,000 with custom shocks, snorkels, tuned engines, and rooftop tents that turn a Land Cruiser into an all-terrain trophy vehicle. “It is not just upgrades,” says Mohammed Mujeeb from Off Road Motors Garage. “It is a transformation. By the end, the car is a different beast.”
Chasing Dunes and Sunsets
When November rolls in, convoys of sand-ready beasts set out towards Lahbab or Sweihan. Drivers deflate their tyres, check radios, and rev engines before conquering the first golden dune. The Winter Safari is not just about tackling steep climbs or powering through soft sand. It is about solidarity.
Radios buzz with laughter, friends share karak at sunset, and someone always brings a grill for late-night barbecue under the stars.
Safety Under the Spotlight
Adrenaline is high, but so is the focus on safety. Veterans stress the importance of recovery ropes, roll cages, GPS trackers, and travelling in groups. Police echo that advice, reminding drivers that even the most kitted-out ride needs skill behind the wheel. Many clubs run training days where rookies learn to navigate without digging their tyres into a sandy grave.
A Growing Obsession
Every year, the Winter Safari attracts an increasing number of visitors, from first-timers renting a basic 4×4 to veterans upgrading their ride for the 10th time. Accessory shops see it as a major payday. Roof racks disappear from shelves, LED light bars sell out, and suspension specialists work late into the night.
For many, the season is more than a hobby. It is a mix of UAE tradition, mechanical creativity, and a love for the desert’s untamed beauty.
Conclusion
The Winter Safari is not just about the destination. It is about the build-up, the upgrades, and the stories told around campfires. Whether you spend AED 10,000 or AED 80,000, every dirham fuels an adventure worth remembering.
Will you be attending the UAE winter desert safari with your ride? Share your mods list in the comments and keep following Arabwheels Blog for more UAE motoring adventures.