“Scary Mountain,” the world’s biggest sand dune

American automotive culture is sometimes best reflected when mirrored through a foreign lens. For a good example look no further that the Liwa International Festival-Tel Moreeb Dune Events held in the UAE last February 3^rd-9^th. The festival, which is organised by Al Gharbia Sports Club, offers a celebration of UAE heritage with competition and activities including bike riding and camping in the desert.

The seven day festival brings together the region’s most powerful four-wheel-drives and bikers to tackle Tel Moreeb – the world’s tallest sand dune at over 300-meters high. With a reported 50-degree slope face, and a height of 120-meters, it’s the perfect place for hill climbs. Because of the super steep slopes, it’s been given the nickname “Scary Mountain.”

The anointed rig of choice here is a European/Middle Eastern Nissan Patrol that looks like a first-gen Jeep Cherokee. From there, beefed-up suspensions and big V8s with open headers pumping out up to 3,600 hp are the order of the day. Speaking of flames, check out the engine fire at 3:11 if you like pyrotechnics.

Surprisingly, no paddle tires anywhere in sight and the fastest time recorded is around seven-seconds. Spoiler alert, the best run is right at the top of the video if you want to get right to it. Be sure and turn up the sound and catch the V8 soundtrack too.

The festival features a crazy combination of events and sports activities including a remote control car competition, a falcon race, camel and horse races, bikes and cars, and even a classic car show. Who here wants to go next year?