
'A real rush of adrenaline': Saudi Arabia gearheads take on towering dunes
Sport
Droves of people flock to Zulfi where adrenaline-seeking motorists drive superpowered cars across steep dunes
AFP
Az Zulfi, Saudi Arabia, April 2, 2025 (AFP)
April 02, 2025
Wearing a helmet and strapped securely into his four-wheel-drive, Abdelilah Al Rabea tore off across the Saudi desert, kicking up clouds of sand as a crowd of hundreds cheered him on.
Every year through the end of April, droves of people flock to Zulfi, more than 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, where adrenaline-seeking motorists drive superpowered cars across steep dunes.
Dune bashing, or tatees in Arabic, is an adventure sport that involves driving off-road across challenging desert landscapes, and has long been a popular pastime in the oil-rich kingdom.
"This is a popular sport in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf because we have these dunes," Al Rabea said.
It requires "considerable effort", he added, but the payoff is "a real rush of adrenaline".
Abdallah Al Amar, who came to watch the show with his son, said spectators were willing to "travel great distances" for the meets, flocking from all over the country to watch the drivers perform their stunts.
In Zulfi, hundreds of cars and pick-up trucks dotted the sands as far as the eye can see, while nearby a motorist raced up a 100-metre-tall dune.
"The cars you see here are specially equipped" for the challenge, Al Rabea told AFP.
"We wait for this moment all year. We optimise the engine, the car, every single detail."
For many, dune bashing and desert drifting is a passion that began in adolescence.
Badr Al Ghamas, a 33-year-old man from Al Qassim, began practising the sport when he was only 15 years old.
"For some, sports means to play football or swimming. For us, it's going dune bashing," he said with a smile.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Today
8 hours ago
- Gulf Today
2025 a standout year for FIA championship: Ben Sulayem
The UAE's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place at Yas Marina Circuit from December 4-6 next year in a championship, which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels. This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau on Tuesday, which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference. The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain on April 10-12, Saudi Arabia from April 17-19 and Qatar from November 27-29. Saudi again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on February 13-14, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem speaks during the meeting. Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from January 3-17, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from September 28 to October 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on November 22-27. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar. Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week. 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.' The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027. The WRC27 rule set has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations. To achieve this, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but within this volume, manufacturers and constructors have the freedom to scale and integrate almost any design. This means that, without effecting performance, cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, cross-overs and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the ten-year regulation cycle through to 2037. Meanwhile, a new street circuit in Madrid will make its debut on the Formula 1 schedule in September of next year, replacing the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.


Web Release
a day ago
- Web Release
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia shows support for new health and fitness event
The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia and its Sport Sector Team have signed an investment agreement with RX Arabia to support the successful launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom, which will debut at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from 1-3 October 2025. The sports and fitness industry in Saudi Arabia continues to gain considerable momentum. Organised by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and under the theme for a strong and healthy society, FIBO Arabia is already 60% sold out following a successful sales launch at FIBO's flagship tradeshow in Cologne, Germany last month. There, 1,200 exhibitors and partners from 60 nations and 154,748 visitors from 129 countries were welcomed. The launch of FIBO Arabia coincides with the Saudi government's significant support for investing in the country's sports sector as part of the Kingdom's 2030 strategy to diversify its economy. The government aims to increase sports spending by US$22 billion by 2030, encompassing sports clubs, academies, sportswear and equipment, and sports facilities. Vasyl Zhygalo, Managing Director, Middle East and Emerging Markets, RX: 'We are honoured that the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia is supporting the launch of FIBO Arabia. This underscores the importance of health and fitness to the Saudi Arabian government and highlights its investment-friendly attitude towards overseas entrepreneurs and progressive companies that want to invest in their health and fitness sector.' The country's focus on becoming a global sports hub is underscored by the announcement of major events to take place in Saudi Arabia, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, which will provide a significant boost to its position as a global sports hub. Furthermore, according to Gymnation, which operates a chain of fitness centres in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Saudi fitness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% between now and 2032 when the health and fitness market is projected to be worth US$2.28 billion. The growth in the market is largely attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing the population's quality of life and promoting physical activity, as well as a rise in health consciousness among the population. Basim K. Ibrahim, Sport Sector Investment Development Director, Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia, added: 'FIBO Arabia represents a pivotal platform in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals by promoting a culture of fitness and wellness while also highlighting the Kingdom's growing potential as a hub for investment within this sector. With increasing emphasis on exercise, sports, and wellbeing across the Kingdom, the event provides a vital opportunity for international and local brands to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the industry. We look forward to the positive impact FIBO Arabia will have on our communities and the exciting prospects it will unlock for the future.' Professional development will be a key focus of the show, with FIBO Arabia hosting a series of expert-led workshops, seminars, and keynote sessions. These continuing education opportunities are designed to equip attendees with the tools, insights, and certifications needed to thrive in today's rapidly evolving fitness and wellness landscape. From innovation and education to networking and live engagement, FIBO Arabia 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for anyone passionate about shaping the future of health, fitness, and wellness in the Middle East and beyond. For more information on FIBO Arabia, please visit


Web Release
a day ago
- Web Release
Nissan achieves 10% growth in Fiscal Year 2024 across the Middle East, driven by SUV demand and iconic nameplates
Nissan has announced a 10% year-on-year growth in the Middle East region for fiscal year 2024 (April 2024 – March 2025). Spanning over 18 markets, including the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, Levant, Iraq, and CIS, the brand's regional business unit achieved strong results, fueled by increased demand for SUVs and crossovers, which accounted for more than 55% of total sales. SUV sales rose 17% year-on-year, led by the World Premiere of the All-New Nissan Patrol in Abu Dhabi, which saw a 21% increase in sales. Closing FY24, Nissan expanded its SUV range with the Magnite, a compact SUV introduced regionally in Saud Arabia, offering a value-driven option for city living. Saudi Arabia remains Nissan's largest market in the Middle East, contributing over 35% of total regional sales in FY24. The Kingdom continues to be a key pillar in Nissan's regional strategy, with the SUV portfolio including Pathfinder with a 27% increase, and KICKS with a 10% increase, resonating strongly with Saudi consumers. This market remains pivotal to Nissan's growth, especially in the SUV segment, which has seen strong demand in recent years. Thierry Sabbagh, President of Nissan Middle East and INFINITI and Divisional Vice President for KSA, Middle East, and CIS, said 'FY24 marked a strategic turning point for Nissan in the region. Amid shifting market dynamics and heightened consumer expectations, we remained focused on what drives long-term value, strong partnerships, competitive product lineup, and operational agility across our markets. Our performance in Saudi Arabia, our largest market, reflects the strength of our product strategy and the trust we continue to build with customers and dealers alike. As we look ahead, we see clear opportunities for growth, particularly across the SUV segment, supported by a robust FY25 product pipeline and closer collaboration with our trusted partners across the region.' Beyond Saudi Arabia, Gulf markets played a key role in driving regional sales growth. These markets saw a 16% uplift in sales, with Qatar emerging as standout performer with a 32% increase. The UAE registered a 16% increase in sales, while Bahrain posted an 11% rise. The Patrol saw impressive gains in these markets, with sales surging 80% in Qatar and over 30% in both the UAE and Bahrain. Additionally, the X-TRAIL recorded strong double-digit growth across several key markets, including a 32% increase in the UAE, and 25% in Kuwait. Product performance across the region also showcased the strength of Nissan's portfolio. The Pathfinder achieved a remarkable 96% year-on-year increase, driven by robust demand in the UAE. Meanwhile, the KICKS saw a 28% regional increase, with particularly strong performances in the UAE and Bahrain This momentum was further boosted by the February 2025 launch of the all-new KICKS, which featured upgraded features and a refreshed design, reflecting its popularity among younger, tech-savvy urban drivers. Entering FY25, Nissan stands on a solid foundation, having reinforced its product lineup with both iconic models and exciting new introductions. Building on its momentum, FY25 will see the continuation of Nissan's product offensive strategy, with new models and nameplates set to launch across the region. With the recent introduction of the new Magnite and KICKS strengthening Nissan's SUV offering, the brand remains focused on meeting the growing customer demand for SUVs and crossovers. Guided by a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer engagement, Nissan is poised for sustained growth in the evolving Middle East market.