The eighth annual KT Desert Drive officially kicked off this Saturday at the Bab Al Shams Arena, drawing a massive crowd of off-road enthusiasts. The event began at 9:30 am, with Khaleej Times executives Ted Kemp and Sagheer Ahmed flagging off the convoy. Participants arrived as early as 7:30 am, transforming the arena into a vibrant display of high-performance vehicles, including customized Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Raptors, and Jeep Wranglers. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as drivers prepared their rigs with oversized tires and safety flags, ready to navigate the challenging sandy terrain.

Before heading out into the dunes, attendees enjoyed a morning breakfast while receiving final guidance from event marshals regarding safety and navigation. For many, the highlight of the day was the sense of community, as both seasoned experts and first-time off-roaders bonded over their shared passion for desert exploration. Participants like Abdul Rahman and Jacob expressed their enthusiasm for the adventure, noting that the unique experience of driving through the desert with a large convoy makes the annual event a standout occasion. As the long line of 4x4s departed the arena, the focus shifted from final vehicle adjustments to an unforgettable day of navigating Dubai’s iconic sand dunes.