Wahiba Challenge

The legendary Wahiba Challenge has been running for more than 20 years, starting small with just a few teams crossing the vast Wahiba sands. In 2019, the biggest ORAC annual event had nearly 400 participants,. The Wahiba Challenge is a huge off-road adventure that takes two full days of skillful driving and stamina. This event, proudly supported by various sponsors, including Omantel, the Wahiba Challenge has evolved in scale which is testament to its popularity with loyal participants and new thrill-seekers. For driving enthusiasts in Oman this is an experience not to be missed.

Typically, around 40 teams of 160+ cars arrive the Thursday night in the Wahiba to GPS co-ordinates set and scouted by ORAC. Greeted with dinner provided by Omantel, participants make camp ready for an early start. Friday morning, after a briefing and photo, co-ordinates for the rest of the weekend are distributed to teams filled with excitement and anticipation. Teams set off at a steady pace to traverse 40km of sand dunes. The challenge of a full day of sand driving, getting stuck and recovery to reach the midpoint campsite by Friday evening involves great teamwork and coordination. Many teams don’t make the midpoint in time, which is fine, and set up camp where they end up at sundown. There is no driving after dark. Teams that are successful set up camp self-sufficient and then enjoy this escape to the middle of the desert with a star-blanketed sky, campfires and parties. Saturday requires another 30km of dune bashing in the direction of exit co-ordinates to then drive back to the city by the evening.

Safety-first is paramount to this demanding challenge and therefore includes stipulations set by ORAC and expected of RAHRC.

Stipulations:

• Teams must have at least 4 but not more than 5 cars
• Up to two people in each car aged 16+
• in case of breakdown each team must have 2 spare seats
• All drivers will have completed the ORAC theory and practical training
• At least one GPS navigation system in each team
• Teams must have all recovery equipment and each vehicle must fly a sand flag while in the desert
• Teams must be prepared for two full days driving (fuel), camping, food and drinks
• Registration and event fee must be completed by the stated deadline
• Teams must have at least 1 RAHRC member per team