ZULFI, SAUDI ARABIA — As engines thundered and sand flew into the sky, Abdelilah al-Rabea’s modified four-wheel-drive surged up a steep dune in the heart of the Saudi desert, drawing cheers from hundreds of spectators gathered for one of the Kingdom’s most exhilarating seasonal spectacles.
Each year, from the start of winter until the end of April, Zulfi — a town located more than 200 kilometers northwest of Riyadh — transforms into a hub for adrenaline junkies who travel from across Saudi Arabia to partake in or watch “tatees,” or dune bashing, an extreme sport that celebrates the country’s love affair with powerful vehicles and vast desert landscapes.
“This is a popular sport in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf because we have these dunes,” said Rabea, still energized from his run. “It takes considerable effort, but the rush of adrenaline makes it worth it.”
Desert Playground
Dune bashing has become deeply ingrained in Gulf culture, evolving from a local pastime to an organized and highly anticipated seasonal event. In Zulfi, the desert buzzes with activity — rows of off-road vehicles equipped with oversized tires and supercharged engines line up to take on towering dunes as high as 100 meters.
“The cars you see here are specially equipped,” Rabea told AFP, explaining how months of preparation go into optimizing performance. “We wait for this moment all year.”
The desert scene resembles a festival ground, with families and friends spreading carpets across the sand, sipping coffee and tea as they cheer on the daredevil drivers. The audience is overwhelmingly male, though enthusiasm for the sport cuts across generations.
Fuel, Freedom, and Tradition
The popularity of the sport is underpinned by Saudi Arabia’s status as the world’s largest oil exporter. With petrol prices among the lowest globally — just 2.33 riyals ($0.62) per liter — motorsports thrive in a car-dominated culture shaped by sprawling highways and blistering summer heat.
For 33-year-old Badr al-Ghamas, who began dune bashing at age 15, the thrill of the sport is unmatched. “For some, sports means to play football or swimming. For us, it’s going dune bashing,” he said with a grin.
Drivers like Ahmed al-Rumi meticulously prepare their vehicles in the months leading up to the season, modifying engines and tuning mechanics to improve performance. But the excitement doesn’t come without risks. “A while ago, there was an accident because the car was not fully safe,” Rumi recalled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Despite the inherent danger, most participants believe the experience is worth it — especially with the use of helmets and reinforced seat belts. For many, the sport also represents a deeper cultural expression.
A Legacy Passed Down
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues over the scarred dunes, the event slowly wound down. Tracks from the high-speed runs and oil stains dotted the sand — temporary reminders of the day’s action.
“I grew up on a farm and I’ve always loved the dunes,” said Abdallah al-Amar, who attended the event with his young son. “Now, I bring him along. He shares the same passion.”
From its roaring engines to its roots in cultural tradition, dune bashing in Zulfi is more than just a sport — it’s a way of life, passed from one generation to the next across the vast Saudi sands.