Where are you from?

We are originally from the U.S. but have spent much of our adult lives living and working in the Middle East, first in the UAE and now in Saudi Arabia. Sherif is Egyptian American, and Poe is Cambodian American—our families immigrated to the U.S. when we were young. While we identify as Americans, "home" is wherever we park our TANK.

When did you start your interest in exploration?

We've always been drawn to the outdoors and off-the-beaten-path travel, but living abroad expanded our perspective. Our passion for exploration started in 2008 when we moved to the UAE and befriended another family who loved camping and off-roading. That friendship took us deep into the deserts and mountains of all seven Emirates and Oman, sparking our love for overlanding.

In a place like the UAE, where extravagance is the norm, we took our family exploring to keep our kids grounded. We wanted them to experience nature’s simplicity, wide open landscapes, and the challenge of self-sufficiency—fostering appreciation beyond luxury.

What is a brief understanding of your background story up until you started seeking adventure?

While living in the US, we both grew up immersed in our respective cultures, Egyptian and Cambodian. We embraced an expat lifestyle shortly after starting our family, moving abroad for work. While we are definitely city dwellers, we crave balance in the outdoors, leading us to overlanding and vehicle-based exploration.

What special skills do you have to help with your explorations?

Sherif’s background in design helps with vehicle build and modifications and camp set-up, while Poe’s expertise in logistics and planning ensures that our trips run smoothly. Over the years, we've honed skills in survival, navigation, and efficient packing. Most importantly, we've developed a deep appreciation for cultural discovery, which adds a whole other dimension to our journeys.

Where have you explored so far?

We've traveled extensively across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America. In terms of vehicle-based exploration, we got our start in the UAE and Oman and are now focused on Saudi Arabia’s vast and diverse landscapes. Most don’t realize that Saudi Arabia is roughly one-quarter the size of both the US and Europe and stretching the same distance from north to south. This presents a very varied and diverse landscape to explore!

What is a brief understanding of your adventures so far?

Our travels push boundaries—whether crossing the desert landscapes in Saudi Arabia, navigating Oman’s rugged mountain trails, or venturing into the remote regions of the GCC. Every trip is about embracing the unknown and testing both machine and mindset in challenging conditions.

What are the top three destinations you hope to explore next, and why?

1. The Asir and Jazan Regions – Lush mountains, diverse wildlife (baboons!), and a unique side of Saudi Arabia few get to see.
2. Tabuk – A stunning blend of biblical history, volcanic landscapes, and rugged terrain perfect for off-road exploration.
3. The Empty Quarter – The ultimate challenge: towering dunes, desert lakes, and extreme distances in one of the most unforgiving terrains on Earth. (This may be too challenging for our TANK 300 as we need to carry a lot of fuel!)

Where would you recommend others visit?

Saudi Arabia for its untouched desert landscapes, history, and diversity; Oman for its dramatic mountains and coastlines; and the UAE for an incredible mix of everything!

How do you primarily travel on your adventures today?

We explore in a 2023 Great Wall Motors TANK 300, a highly capable off-road vehicle. Some trips also include an off-road trailer for extra gear and comfort.

Top 3 modifications:

1. Suspension upgrade – Enhanced off-road capability.
2. Roof rack system – For our awning and rooftop tent.
3. Onboard air compressor – Essential for airing down/up on different terrains

What are five pieces of equipment that you always travel with?

1. Navigation tools (GPS & maps)
2. Recovery gear (winch, snatch cables, battery booster)
3. EcoFlow power station - Keeps us powered off-grid
4. First aid & emergency kit - Non-negotiable.
5. A chemical toilet – because comfort matters, even in the wild!

What inspires you to explore more?

The thrill of the unknown, the challenge of self-reliance, and the stories we collect along the way. But more than anything, it’s the need to stay grounded. Exploring remote places strips away the noise of everyday life and reminds us of what truly matters—connection, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the world around us.

How do you engage with others?

Through storytelling, photography, and conversations—both online and in person. Every journey is about connecting with people, learning from them, and sharing experiences.

Why is it important to embrace global cultures?

Understanding different ways of life broadens our perspective, fosters empathy, and challenges our biases.

What are your goals when you explore?

We want to have fun, challenge ourselves, document the journey, share insights that encourage others to step outside their comfort zones, and demystify what Saudi Arabia is all about.

What are some challenges you have experienced?

Dune driving. Every time we attempt it, something happens—whether it’s rolling a tire off a rim, popping bumper parts off, or launching the car over a dune crest with a hard landing. Once, we even rolled the car down a dune—an expensive and traumatic lesson. But overcoming challenges is part of what makes the journey memorable.

What has been your most meaningful moment so far?

Camping under the vast desert sky in Saudi Arabia—realizing how small we are but how connected we can feel to the land, the moment and each other.

How has exploration changed you?

It’s made us more adaptable, patient, and aware of how much we don’t know until we truly immerse ourselves in different places and cultures.

What is the number one lesson that you have learnt through your exploration?

Preparation is everything, but flexibility is key—because no plan survives the road.

How do you explore locally?

By seeking out hidden trails, desert routes, and cultural sites—even in familiar places, there’s always something new to discover.

What does the explmore mantra mean to you?

It’s a mindset. 

        Explore More - Never Settle

        Engage with Others - Embrace Humanity 

        Embrace Global Cultures - Keep Learning

What advice would you give to others who are seeking life changing adventure?

Start where you are, use what you have, and just go. You don’t need the perfect setup—just the right mindset.