The Middle East is a land of contrast. Blazing deserts, verdant valleys and mountainous highlands dusted with snow. For Mohammed Rasheed, a Syrian living in Saudi Arabia, these extremes inspire him to explore. A born adventurer, Mohammed explores the region to seek out beauty and test himself and his rig against the elements. From Syrian Snow to Omani Monsoon, his overland journey through the Middle East is as much about exploration as it is self-discovery.
The Rig
Mohammed’s vehicle is a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. This rig serves as his trusted base camp, a modern mechanical camel prepared for long stretches of asphalt and challenging off-road tracks. It is the starting point for every adventure.
To facilitate Mohammed’s overland journey through the Middle East, his Jeep is kitted with Alu-Cab gear designed for self-sufficiency and comfort. This includes the Gen 3-R Rooftop Tent complete with the Gen 3-R Backrest and Interior Drop Down Table, 270° Shadow Awning and Shower Cube. This gear transforms the Jeep from a mode of transport into a complete, mobile basecamp.
The Proof is in the Use
Mohammed’s conviction in his choice of gear was not something he was sold in a showroom. It was having friends in high places, in Mohammed’s case a rooftop tent, that proved the performance of the entire system and helped him make his decision. “The equipments was so good that after I tried my friends’ gear I bought my own immediately.”
He then set about putting it to the test in all sorts of different conditions. “Sleeping inside the rooftop tent, while snowing or raining or even when the sun’s out, is great because of the insulation and blackout fabric.”
The World Is Your Campsite
The reliability of having the right gear translates into freedom on the open road. For longer trips, Mohammed’s setup offers crucial respite.
“When taking a longer trip and I start to feel tired, I’ll stop my car in a safe place, pop open the rooftop tent and rest. Afterwards I can continue my trip focussed.”
It’s this simple advantage that changes the rhythm of travel, replacing fatigue with recovery.
An Upgrade in Comfort
Mohammed’s appreciation for his Gen 3-R Rooftop Tent comes from direct comparison with how he did things in the past. Like most of us, his earlier sleeping arrangements were less than ideal, and the upgrade from ground tent to rooftop tent was something of a revelation. The overarching benefit is clear and is about “Making my life as comfortable as possible with the right gear.”
Unforgettable Conditions in Oman
When asked about a memorable trip, Mohammed points to Salalah, Oman. What made it unforgettable was not just the location, but the full spectrum of climatic challenges experienced within his rig.
“I slept soundly inside the rooftop tent in rain, sun and heavy wind. I was sometimes scared the gear would fail but it was strong and everything worked great.”
The confidence that your gear can stand up to a storm is invaluable to any overlander.
From Omani Cliffs to Syrian Snow
Beyond Oman, Mohammed recalls the profound quiet of a snowy night in Syria’s Alzbadani Mountain. A serene, frozen remoteness, and stark contrast to the monsoon rains of the Gulf.
Looking forward, his ultimate bucket-list adventure aligns with his next major goal: Europe. It’s a journey meant to fully utilise the capability of his rig and represents the next logical step in his overlanding journey, taking the experience and resilience learnt from his overland journey through the Middle East to new continents.
The Global Tribe
For Mohammed, the overlanding community transcends borders. “It’s making new friends, sharing good experiences and picking up on traditions from other countries.” It’s this global network connected by a shared mindset where cultural exchange happens naturally around campfires and on the trails.
His advice for newcomers is practical and direct, born of his own experience. “Start with quality equipment.” It’s this foundation of reliable gear, the balance between capability and comfort, that in his view makes everything that follows that much more straightforward.
Simple Pleasures on the Road
His camp routines are refreshingly simple. A meal is “mixed fruit and a soft drink.” The driving soundtrack is a blend of “country and jazz.” And if he could choose one companion for any trip, the answer is immediate: “My wife.”
The Next Horizon
Mohammed’s plans are continuously evolving. His next step is a deeper commitment to the lifestyle that serves him so well and the intention to further refine and complete his setup.
He concludes with a note of appreciation for the support that enables these explorations, a sentiment shared by adventurers everywhere: “Supporting from you guys to take a good exploring on the world.” For Mohammed Rasheed, the world—from the mountains of Syria to the coasts of Oman and the future trails of Europe—remains a beautiful place to explore, one resilient, well-equipped camp at a time.