Spray on 'sand'?

[Roland E Odorant]

I have been in KSA for a couple of weeks now and have noticed quite a few 4 x 4s with a coating of 'sand' across the front. I dreamt that this was from some great desert safari or expedition.

I mentioned this to a colleague of mine who poo poo'ed it and said that it was a spay on effect. A lengthy argument/debate ensued with neither party surrendering and the matter reamined unresolved. However, upon parking my trusty Elantra in the hotel car park tonight there were two of the aforementioned 4 x 4s with the same coating. On closer inspection it seems that I may be breakfasting on humble pie. It is indeed a spray on effect.

two questions for the PH ME residents

1. What is it?
2. Is it common in other parts of ME?
3. Why?

Sorry thats 3 questions, be gentle with me. I'm new to this.

B

[Roland E Odorant]

Thanks for the replies Guys.

So, it's not the Middle East answer to stick on flames?.

Maybe I shall have the Elantra prepared with this before I set off into the desert.

Or, maybe not