A once-neglected sandy patch at Exit 116 in Umm Al Quwain has been transformed into a bustling weekly hub for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to a community-led initiative. Spearheaded by Emirati Mohammed Al Mazrouei in 2022, the area now hosts organised events and competitions, drawing crowds from across the UAE and neighbouring Gulf countries as the cooler winter weather returns.
A Community-Led Transformation
In early 2022, Ras Al Khaimah resident Mohammed Al Mazrouei saw potential in the underused site at Exit 116, which had seen a decline in visitors despite its natural beauty. Using his significant following on Snapchat and Instagram, he rallied support to revitalise the location for desert and motorsport enthusiasts.
“The area was almost empty, with no rescue teams, paramedics, or organisation,” Al Mazrouei said. He explained that the location reminded him of Awafi in Ras Al Khaimah, a well-known haven for dune bashing. Inspired, he and a group of friends began cleaning and organising the site, coordinating with volunteer teams to secure it. “We organised Al Arqoub, cleaned the paths, and marked gathering places, as well as entry and exit points, to make it safe for cars and families,” he noted.
From Local Clean-Up to Regional Hub
What began as a small project quickly grew into a community movement. Between 30 and 50 young volunteers joined forces with rescue teams, including Desert Falcons Rescue, RAK Volunteer Team, and Almubdaa 700 Team. Paramedics and local garage owners also provided crucial support, while businesses contributed gifts and equipment.
The revival effort gained significant traction online, with videos of the site going viral. This attracted visitors not only from across the UAE but also from Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. To cater to growing international interest from expatriates, Al Mazrouei launched an English-language page to share event updates and safety information. By 2024, the hard work was evident. “After a year of work, the team and I began to see real success,” he said. “People flocked from everywhere.”
Organised Events and Safety Measures
Exit 116 now serves as a weekly meeting point every Friday, hosting friendly events and competitions that comply with safety regulations. “We meet every Friday from afternoon until dawn in a safe and organised environment,” Al Mazrouei explained. “The goal is to raise awareness about cleanliness and safety and encourage young people to practice their hobbies responsibly.”
To date, five successful events have been held. Al Mazrouei is quick to credit the wider community, stating the success is a result of cooperation from rescue teams, volunteers, and local businesses. “The credit does not rest with one person, but rather goes to all the young people who contributed,” he insisted.
Official Recognition and Tourism Boost
The grassroots project has since gained official attention. Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, issued a directive to establish a formal motorsports and desert-adventure destination in the emirate. This move is part of a wider strategy to diversify Umm Al Quwain’s tourism offerings and enhance its reputation for sports and ecotourism. The UAE has many popular desert destinations, offering activities from dune driving and camping to family events.
The transformation of Exit 116 shows how a community-driven initiative can create a valuable local asset. By fostering a safe environment for motorsport enthusiasts, the project has not only revived a neglected area but has also aligned with the government’s vision for tourism and entrepreneurship in Umm Al Quwain.
