Exit 116: UAE's Desert Wonder Awakens

Exit 116: The Birth of a Desert Sensation in the UAE

As the weather cools and the pleasant evenings of the winter months return to the United Arab Emirates, more and more people are visiting the desert again—not just for relaxation, but also for cultural and community experiences. In recent years, a particularly noteworthy location has come into the spotlight: Exit 116, which has grown to become one of the UAE's most exciting new desert community hotspots.

The Beginnings: The Renaissance of a Neglected Sand Dune

Exit 116 was originally a forgotten, seldom-visited sandy area with neither infrastructure nor organized activities. However, the area's beauty always held the potential to become a community gathering place. The initial steps of transformation were sparked by an enthusiastic group who recognized the location's potential—it just needed safety, cleanliness, and organization.

In the early days, volunteers cleaned the site, marked routes, set up entrances and exits, and assembly points. These efforts were supported by local rescue teams, garage owners, and volunteer helpers who collectively made desert adventures more organized and safer.

The Power of the Community

With weekly events taking place from Friday afternoon until dawn, Exit 116 now hosts car and motorcycle events centered not on competition but on the responsible practice of hobbies. The purpose of these events is to draw attention to keeping desert areas clean, adhering to safety regulations, and strengthening community experiences.

Present at the site are rescue teams, volunteers, and organizations like Desert Falcons Rescue and other local supporters who provide not only physical assistance but also equipment and gifts. Thanks to social media platforms, the initiative quickly spread and began to go viral among residents of the UAE and GCC countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Exit 116 as a New Tourist Destination

As time passed, Exit 116 became not only a rallying point for motorsport enthusiasts but also a tourist destination that perfectly blends authentic Emirati heritage with modern community experiences. Local authorities also recognized the significance of the initiative and integrated it into Umm Al Quwain’s tourism development strategy.

The emirate aims to offer more diverse and youthful experiences to visitors while showcasing tourism opportunities built on the country's natural assets and cultural traditions. Passion for desert sports has been present in the UAE for decades, but it is now that a community-based initiative is organized and regulated to such an extent.

The New Generation of Desert Destinations

Exit 116 is not unique in the region, but it serves as an example of how a desert area’s function can be redefined through collaboration between the local community and authorities. More similar destinations are emerging in other UAE regions, such as:

Al Ruwaya, Al Habbab, and Margham in Dubai – popular sites for dune driving and camping enthusiasts.

Lost Village near Sharjah – an exciting hiking spot amid the ruins of an abandoned village.

Liwa dunes in Abu Dhabi – famous for featuring one of the world's largest sand dunes and desert festivals.

These places have become safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable for visitors, thanks in part to similar community-based developments happening nationwide.

Social and Economic Impacts

The initiative offers not just leisure activities but also business opportunities: food vendors, vehicle rentals, tour guides, local brands, mechanics, and off-road service providers have appeared on-site. This encourages young entrepreneurs and supports the long-term sustainability of desert tourism.

Alongside active community participation, local leadership is committed to expanding the project, particularly in terms of sustainability, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation.

An Exemplary Transformation

The story of Exit 116 is much more than the revival of a desert site. It symbolizes the strength of community collaboration in the UAE, the reinterpretation of cultural identity, and the support of innovative and youthful approaches.

Today, Exit 116 is not just a GPS coordinate but a place where friends, families, and passionate drivers meet—in a safe, organized, and vibrant environment that perfectly exemplifies the UAE's modern heritage-making.

(Based on Umm Al-Quwain tourist destination.)