Off the Grid, On the Map: Designing Integrated Platforms for Off-Road Safety and Community in the UAE Desert

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Source of Publication

Proceedings of the 29th World Multi-Conference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics (WMSCI 2025)

Publication Date

9-9-2025

Abstract

Off-roading is a popular cultural and recreational activity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yet it presents persistent safety, logistical, and communication challenges. Despite increasing participation, off-roaders often rely on fragmented digital tools ranging from general-purpose GPS apps to informal WhatsApp groups that are not designed for the desert’s shifting terrain, lack of cellular coverage, and convoy-based driving style. This literature review examines existing practices, safety risks, and the limitations of current mobile platforms used in UAE off-roading contexts. It identifies significant gaps in emergency response coordination, real-time location tracking, and knowledge sharing, particularly for newcomers. Studies on outdoor and adventure platforms such as Gaia GPS and AllTrails highlight key design features like offline maps and user-contributed content, but these tools lack cultural and environmental localization. The review also draws on research in user-centered design to argue for a mobile solution that integrates live tracking, safety alerts, and social features tailored to the UAE's off-roading community. By analyzing both global best practices and local user behavior, the study lays the groundwork for a unified, region-specific platform that supports safer and more connected off-road experiences. This approach aligns with national goals for smart mobility and digital inclusion in recreational spaces.

ISBN

[9781950492855]

ISSN

2771-0947

Publisher

International Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics

First Page

273

Last Page

276

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

desert navigation, mobile platforms, off-roading, UAE smart mobility, user-centered design

Scopus ID

105021490220

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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