In the stillness of a desert night, far from the glow of city lights, the shape of adventure reveals itself. After hard miles and technical tracks, it’s here in the profound quiet, with a cup of coffee under a vast sky, that the simple joy of a home set up among the peaks is felt. For Nawaf from Kuwait, this is the essence of overlanding the gulf region.
Driven by a love for nature, beautiful scenery and exploration, we connected with Nawaf to hear his story. What resonated was a simple, universal truth. The call to see places with your own eyes, and to find a moment of peace there.
“Everything I do is out of love for nature, enjoying beautiful scenery and exploring,” says Nawaf. This philosophy guides every trip from his home in Kuwait, shaping his choices and defining his adventures across the Gulf region.
A Trusted Truck
Nawaf’s basecamp is a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500HD, a capable platform chosen to access the diverse terrains of the Arabian Peninsula. His build philosophy is a balanced equation of capability and comfort, with a clear emphasis on durable, practical gear. “My choice of equipment was well thought out,” he says. The cornerstone of that choice? Alu-Cab.
He runs a Gen 3-R Rooftop Tent and the 270° Shadow Awning. The decision was deliberate. “I decided to equip my vehicle with a tent and an awning that are easy and comfortable to use.”
This setup has fundamentally transformed Nawaf’s experience. “Equipping my vehicle has made traveling much easier. My tent serves as my home and comfort while sleeping, meeting all my needs.” The awning expands his living space dramatically, becoming a versatile shelter for every season. “The 270° Shadow Awning allows me to enjoy sitting under it with my coffee during winter rains, while in summer, it provides shade at the beach.”
Quality for the Long Haul
Nawaf’s equipment strategy is clear and practical. He sought to outfit his vehicle with items that are “comfortable, high quality and withstand natural conditions.” In the demanding climate of the Gulf, where searing heat and sudden storms are a reality, durability is a necessity for safe, enjoyable travel.
This focus on resilience led him directly to Alu-Cab. The products he runs are the 3.1 Roof Tent and the 270° Awning. His reasons for choosing them are straightforward and born of experience: “because of their quality, durability in the hot Gulf weather, and elegant design.
“From first sight, I loved Alu-Cab’s tent and awning,” he recalls. “After watching the explanation videos, I felt that these were the products I needed.” This combination has since become the cornerstone of his camp, providing a dependable home in every environment.
The Unexpected Joy of Presence
For Nawaf, the greatest reward of overlanding is a profound sense of place. He describes a common moment that transforms into something magical: “When I drive on the highway and see the mountains from afar, I never expected that the real joy would be sleeping among the mountains and exploring the surrounding environment. The views are breathtaking, and the feeling is indescribable.”
This ability to not just see, but to inhabit the landscape, is what his setup provides. It allows him to trade distant views for intimate experience.
Transforming Travel into Living
His Alu-Cab equipment has fundamentally changed the travel experience. “Equipping my vehicle has made traveling much easier. My tent serves as my home and comfort while sleeping, meeting all my needs.”
Two iconic destinations stand out in his memory. They were places he felt compelled to witness personally. The first is “the mountains of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and their terrain.” The second is a unique coastal landmark: “A boat in Oman, in the Salalah Governorate, which got stuck on rocks on the edge of a mountain during a storm in 2018 and became a beautiful tourist view.” For Nawaf, seeing these with his own eyes was essential.
A Test on the Trail
The community’s spirit is often forged in challenging moments. Nawaf recalls one such instance in the mountains: “One friend stopped on a slope where the soil was soft and almost tipped over, but recovery tools saved the situation, and I pulled him out.” It was a reminder of the importance of preparation, good equipment, and teamwork far from help.
When asked about the most remote place he’s enjoyed, he returns to the mountains of Tabuk. There, the experience is holistic and meditative. “Seeing the mountains by day or night with the moon and stars creates an unforgettable, meditative experience.” It is the perfect embodiment of the calm and freedom he seeks.
The Bonds of Community
This shared pursuit creates a powerful bond. “What I love about the overland community is that we understand each other, share knowledge and experiences, exchange advice, and spend enjoyable, unforgettable moments together. A perfect community.” This network thrives on mutual respect and a common language of exploration.
His advice to newcomers mirrors his own approach: “I advise newcomers in this field to keep exploring beautiful places and living the moment filled with freedom, calm and experiences. They will find themselves in a whole new world.” The emphasis is on starting the journey and letting the experience itself be the guide.
Proven Durability
Nawaf trusts his gear because it has served him reliably for years. “My choice of equipment reflects careful thought. My gear provide all comforts and I like how I can set up everything by myself. It’s practical, durable and heavy-duty.” He offers the best feedback of all: “I have been using the same tent and awning for five years, and they are still like new.”
Camp life revolves around simple, satisfying rituals. His favourite brew is a V60 coffee and for meals, he enjoys a traditional dish of bread and meat. His soundtrack is a blend of “music and the sounds of nature,” depending on the mood of the landscape.
LIWA and Beyond
Nawaf firmly sets his sights on future adventures. He plans a trip to the United Arab Emirates for the famous LIWA event, “which includes vehicle camping, caravans, motorcycles and fun automotive activities.” Following that, he will return to “the mountains in Saudi Arabia,” drawn back to the place that offer him peace.
He adds with characteristic gratitude, a nod to the community “I thank you for listening to my story, supporting us and sharing in our journeys.” It is a sentiment that captures the essence of the community. A group of individuals, like Nawaf, finding their own unique path to connection under a vast and starry sky.
The Journey Continues…
From the coast of Kuwait to the majestic peaks of the peninsula, with a tent that feels like home and an awning that frames the perfect view, Nawaf’s story is about adventure and exploration. United by a shared love for the trail, the rig and the quiet moments in between, we love discovering how no matter where the members of our community call home, we are so similar in our outlook.