Who you’ll learn from.

Certified Marshal

Nic

Originally from Italy, Nic has spent many years driving and instructing in the deserts of the UAE — leading desert driving courses and developing the curriculum that shapes how new drivers learn. His engineering background sets his approach apart. The same eye for detail that lets him work alongside car manufacturers on R&D testing in the dunes runs through everything he teaches. Behind the wheel of his Prado 150 on a Long Travel kit, Nic's driving is precise and clean, always reading the terrain for the perfect connection from one dune to the next. Based in Dubai, that particular, deliberate style is the pillar of the Desertica teaching philosophy — and what students come to learn.

Italian · English

Certified Marshal

Gabi

Gabi is one of Desertica's lead instructors — several years in the dunes and a natural, instinctive feel for the terrain. Originally from Costa Rica, where desert and wild nature have always been home, she drives a manual Jeep Wrangler with a style that's clean, precise and unhurried. Teaching is her passion and comes to her effortlessly: she's calm under pressure, genuinely fun to learn with, and exceptionally skilled on recoveries. Equally at home with nervous first-timers and advanced drivers chasing the big dunes, Gabi teaches the full curriculum — from the very first beginner session all the way to mastery — in English and Spanish.

Spanish · English

Certified Marshal

David

Foundation programme

David is one of Desertica's experienced off-road instructors, with extensive driving experience across both the UK and the UAE. Over the years, he has tackled varied terrain in Land Rovers, Toyota Land Cruisers, Jeep Wranglers and Toyota FJs, and currently drives a Ram Rebel. With a genuine love for the desert, David has extensive experience teaching, leading and supporting drives across the UAE's dunes. He combines clear, practical instruction with a calm and reassuring approach, helping drivers build their skills and confidence at their own pace. Whether guiding first-time off-roaders or supporting more experienced drivers on challenging terrain, David brings patience, sound judgement and a strong focus on safety to every drive.

English

Mark

Foundation programme

One of the core instructors on the Foundation programme. Mark has extensive experience in the desert — originally from the UK, he has lived in the UAE for over 15 years.

English

Saud

An experienced desert driver with years behind the wheel across the UAE deserts. An Arabic speaker, Saud runs a modified FJ.

Arabic · English