As winter approaches in the UAE, mild days and crisp nights are drawing adventure seekers back to the golden dunes. Among the country’s most talked-about destinations this season is Exit 116 in Umm Al Quwain — a once-empty stretch of desert now transformed into a vibrant hotspot for motorsport and camping enthusiasts.
The story of Exit 116’s revival began in early 2022 when Emirati resident Mohammed Al Mazrouei visited the site and noticed its potential despite declining footfall. Inspired by its natural beauty, he decided to take the lead in restoring the area and turning it into a safe, family-friendly destination.
Using his strong presence on Snapchat and Instagram, Al Mazrouei rallied support from followers and local communities. “The area was almost empty, with no rescue teams, paramedics, or organisation,” he told Khaleej Times. “A group of friends and I started cleaning and organising the site, coordinating with volunteers and paramedics to secure it.”
The initiative reminded him of Ras Al Khaimah’s Awafi dunes — a favourite among off-road and desert lovers. Al Mazrouei and his team cleared paths, marked gathering points, and set up designated entry and exit routes to ensure safety. Week after week, they worked to make the site cleaner and better prepared for visitors.
What began as a small clean-up soon evolved into a community movement. Between 30 and 50 young volunteers joined hands with teams such as Desert Falcons Rescue, RAK Volunteer Team, and Almubdaa 700 Team. Together with local garage owners and paramedics, they provided essential safety support and event management.
The group’s dedication quickly gained attention online. Viral videos showcasing Exit 116’s revived charm drew visitors from across the UAE and the wider GCC region, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. To cater to growing interest, Al Mazrouei launched an English-language page to share updates and safety tips with international followers.
By 2024, the site had become a recognised destination for motorsport lovers. “After a year of work, people began flocking here from everywhere,” said Al Mazrouei. “Exit 116 is now known for being safe, organised, and fun for families.”
Today, the site hosts weekly gatherings every Friday, featuring car and motorcycle shows, friendly competitions, and awareness campaigns promoting safety and cleanliness.
Despite receiving wide recognition, Al Mazrouei credits the success to collective effort. “This is not about one person,” he said. “It’s about everyone — the volunteers, rescue teams, and residents — who made this possible.”
His initiative aligns with Umm Al Quwain’s broader tourism vision. Earlier, Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, directed the establishment of a motorsports and desert-adventure destination to diversify tourism and promote safe recreational activities.
From quiet sands to a social media sensation, Exit 116 stands today as a symbol of community spirit, safety, and adventure — embodying the UAE’s love for the desert and its heritage.