With over 2,000 members and counting, The Adventurous League of Mountains, Oceans and Sand Thrills most popularly known as ALMOST4x4 comprises one of the largest 4×4 groups in the United Arab Emirates. A multi-cultural group with members of varying race and expertise, it could be said that this group is the “it” group to be part of.
Tracing its origins back in 2006 as a group made by a couple of friends, the group became officially known by its current name in 2008. Spanning 22 years of off-roading expertise with mechanical, communication and navigation skills, the group is also recognised as a professional off-road club by the Emirates Motor Sports Federation (EMSF) which is the governing body for grassroots motorsport in the UAE.
One of the unique things that I noticed with the group is that everything seems to carry meaning. From the logo to the group name, all of them bear some meaning. According to their forums (www.almost4x4.com) the acronym stands for the wide range of activities that the group takes part in. Other than that it also encourages people into their group by presenting a non-elitist approach of having to have a 4×4 to be able to join – in their own terms, “to encourage non off-roaders to join in on the group as well.”
The logo also has an interesting provenance as it exhibits the group’s wide activities. Upon close look and with the help of conversing with the group, the logo’s three elements: the inverted triangle – which they used to grab attention, the scorpion – which is a common animal associated with the desert and lastly the colour orange – which symbolizes the sun and sand. Putting all these together, they have created a logo that is encouraging all people, off-roader or otherwise to join on their group regardless of race, creed or colour.
What is amazing is that the group has members spanning all of the nationalities of the UAE! Call it the United Nations of off-roading because it is. The group has members as well as marshals that represent the diverse community of the UAE and thus it comes to their benefit because the members get to see various perspectives and viewpoints from the other cultures that they mingle with. Apart from cultural diversity, the group also prides itself as being non-specific about their vehicles – any car with 4×4 capabilities is eligible to be part of their driving group.
One of the biggest benefits of being part of the group, apart from the espoused comradeship is the fact that there is a wide room of opportunity for each and every member to grow thanks to the guidance of their experienced marshals who give friendly tips on safe driving techniques, technical know-how and even to break the ice for newcomers to come and feel at home. All their trips are graded so that there is something for everyone – experienced or otherwise.
As a large and as mentioned, diverse family. ALMOST4x4 is perhaps the metaphorical equivalent of the UAE in off-roading. Its people hail from different countries all coming together towards a similar interest and goal. Their vast range of activities also proves that they love playing it wide and they’re good at it.
Words By: Keith Perena
