OutdoorUAE - January 2017

Exploring abandoned villages and hiking through stunning scenery

The Liwa Fatbike Challenge The newest way to race across the dunes

Ultra Ultra running running inin Nepal Nepal

Will Sam swim The Channel?

How to stay fit for mountain biking

Top tips from Fitness First

Plenty of

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Tried & Tested

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LTZ Z71

Bhutan

A NEW ADVENTURE AWAITS

Vol. 7, No. 1 January 2017 www.OutdoorUAE.com

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OutdoorUAE Team

New year, new beginnings

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and General Manager daniel@outdooruae.com

It has become just as common to claim that you don’t make new year resolutions as it is to write a bullet point list of all you hope to achieve in the upcoming year. I kind of stand in the middle. On the one hand, I try to keep re-assessing my life throughout the year, continuously adding new goals and targets, yet on the other hand, I do enjoy something of a ‘fresh start’ on 1st January. Of course, I’m old enough now to know that there’s not really such a thing, and that we continue to have our vices and are a product of everything we have experienced before… but still, it’s nice to at least try to make some improvements year on year.

2016 has been something of a wild ride, and 2017 promises to be similar, with a sprinkling of the unknown thrown in for good measure. We don’t always like change, but we must take advantage of it and turn it into opportunity. The abandoned villages I visited in Oman last month definitely made me think about how those people felt leaving their entire community behind, and how they coped with such a dramatic change in their lives.

Change can also be a positive thing, such as taking up a new hobby that transforms your life and allows you to meet new people who you might never have met otherwise.

And so, as we enter 2017, I am embracing change also; this will be my last issue of OutdoorUAE. I’ve had a great time, and I’m also very excited Rachael Bruford Editor about what the future might bring. I hope that you all have a safe, healthy, rachael@outdooruae.com happy and outdoorsy 2017!

Editor For editorial content and press releases Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 5760322 editor@outdooruae.com Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tel: 04-447 2030 Mobile: 055 8647125 nela@outdooruae.com Mobile: 055 9398915 margo@outdooruae.com Published by Outdoor UAE FZE In cooperation with A2Z EVENTS P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E.

Tel. 04-447 2030 contact@outdooruae.com www.outdooruae.com Distributor Al Nisr Distribution LLC P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE 800 4585/04-4067170 Printed at GN Printing P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE © 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 7, No. 1, January 2017 www.OutdoorUAE.com Facebook.com/OutdoorUAE Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE

Nela Macovei Business Development Manager nela@outdooruae.com

Margo Ciruelos Sales and Marketing margo@outdooruae.com

Ireneo ‘Jung’ Francisco Designer and Photographer jung@outdooruae.com

Ian Sebeldia Circulation

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert

Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist

Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and off-road expert

Matt Ficco Adventurer and thrill seeker at discoveredtrax.com

Nico de Corato Diver and heli rescue swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels

Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE Cover photo by Photo House Media

Youtube.com/OutdoorUAE Dan Wright Freelance wilderness guide in the UAE

The information contained is for general use only.

We have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained in this magazine has been obtained from reliable sources. The publisher is not responsible for any errors. All information in this magazine is provided without a full guarantee of completeness, accuracy and chronology. In no event will the publisher and/or any of our affiliates be held responsible for decisions made or action taken in reliance on the information in this magazine.

All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.

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© 2016 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

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CONTENTS

10 WADIS IN OMAN

20 WADI AL FAR

28 TESTED TOUGH WITH COLUMBIA

EVERY ISSUE

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 38 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 09 LIWA FATBIKE CHALLENGE 10 EXPLORING WADIS IN OMAN 14 A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

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26 JEBEL JAIS VIA FERRATA 28 MOHAMMED AHMED AHLI 30 JOG TO THE BLACK SEA 34 DEAD2 35 TRAIL RUNNING LOCATIONS IN THE UAE WITH COLUMBIA

18 RUNNING NEPAL 20 WADI AL FAR 22 WADI AN NAKHUR 24 IRONMAN BAHRAIN

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43 GMC TRAILBLAZER

56 OFF ROAD

59 THE 5 KWT

LIFESTYLE

OUR EXPERTS

37 HABITUALLY HEALTHY

46 CYCLING - HELLE 48 DIVING - JAKE 52 NATURAL HISTORY – DAN 54 OUTDOOR EDUCATION - HAYDON 56 OFF ROAD – MARINA 62 FITNESS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING – FITNESS FIRST

TRIED & TESTED 39 BIG RED MOTORSPORTS 41 AL YOUSUF ACCESSORIES 43 GMC

PEOPLE 59 THE 5 KWT

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EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

JANUARY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

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Wadi Adventure Race

WAR means running through the desert, swimming through lakes and pools, and navigating dozens of obstacles. It is a fitness challenge and epic fun all rolled into one.

When: 14th January Where: Wadi Adventure Contact: www.premieronline.com

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WAR 12 Training session

Liwa Cycling Challenge

When: 7th January Where: Wadi Adventure Contact: gina.maria@wadiadventure.ae or call 03 7818422

When: 20th January Where: Moreeb Dunes, Liwa Contact: www.premieronline.com

Be prepared! These free training sessions will be based around the actual obstacles to be used in the up-coming Wadi Adventure Race, ensuring that each session is a full body work out, and will help participants get ready to face the obstacle come race day.

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2XU Triathlon Championships, Race 2

Challenge yourself with a swim, bike and run on this course that is suitable for both novice and experienced triathletes. There’s also the option to enter as a team!

The Liwa Cycling Challenge is a community Cycling event, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The 100km and 40km option will see riders traverse the most picturesque terrain in the Empty Quarter of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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When: 6th January Where: Al Mamzar Contact: www.premiertiming.com JANUARY

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#IGNITEDXB Puma Night Run Series Race 1

Abu Dhabi Duathlon

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s first Duathlon of 2017.

Open to both individuals and teams. Junior Distances up to Elite Open Distances at Al Wathba Cycle Park.

When: 7th January Where: Al Wathba Cycle Park Contact: www.premieronline.com

Race through the night over the iconic illuminated Meydan Royal Bridge on this challenging “up-and-down-hill” course.

Emphasis will be placed on the social aspect of the race.

When: 17th January Where: The Track, Meydan Contact: www.premieronline.com

OUTDOORUAE

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J A N

Abu Dhabi City Swim

Distances range from 250m to 2500m in this fun event suitable for all swimmers.

When: 21st January Where: Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.hopasports.com

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25th Salomon Wadi Bih Run 2017

Dubai Desert Road Run

When: 3rd and 4th February Where: Dibba, Oman Contact: www.premieronline.com

When: 4th February Where: The Sevens Contact: www.premieronline.com

Join in the 50km or 72km team event or brave the solo 30km, 50km or 72km events in this iconic and well established run through the dramatic Wadi Bih.

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Giant Duathlon Series Race 4

The 6-Race Giant Bicycles Duathlon Series is aimed at triathletes, duathletes, cyclists, runners and fitness enthusiasts of all ages and abilities; so whether you are a beginner or a finely tuned athlete, this series is for you.

When: 20th January Where: Hamdan Sports Complex Contact: www.premieronline.com

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Choose from either a 3km or 10km race and get some exercise for the new year. Taking in the Sevens ground on a mainly flat course, there are prizes for both overall and age group winners.

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Vertical Run Almas Tower

Climb the tallest business tower in Dubai! The ‘run’ consists of 64 floors and 1,600 stairs. There are cash prizes for both male and female winners.

When: 21st January Where: Almas Tower, JLT Contact: www.premieronline.com

Sandstorm Marmoum

Open to all fitness levels and backgrounds, with the option of Sprint (5km+) and Endurance (10km+) races. Expect the unexpected in the heart of the Dubai Desert with as many as 30 obstacles and 4 different terrains waiting for you.

When: 27th January Where: Near Trek Bicycle Store, Al Qudra Contact: www.premieronline.com

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BEST SHOTS Here are the best shots sent in by you for our monthly photography competition! Thank you for all your entries, they were all great and it was hard selecting the best photos this month. Congratulations to the top three winners, who will each receive Buff headwear, five free copies of the magazine and the Advance Off-road Guidebook: Yohbs Floresca, Dario Trombetta and Kenan DSouza. Well done!

Yohbs Floresca

Lake Labasin Sunrise and Bamboo Rafting at Villa Escudero, Tiaong, Quezon Province, Philippines

Dario Trombetta

Stuck in the Liwa Sands

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Kenan DSouza

Solo desert riding

EVENT REPORT

MZ wearing a guthra or a bandana is important to avoid breathing dust & sand during a challenge

L iwa 2016 Words by: Nico de Corato Photos by: Massimo Ziino and Photo House Media

If you love to mountain bike, then you may also enjoy a cycle designed for the dunes. A Fat Tyre Bike is suitable for cycling on sand outside Dubai and at the dunes in Abu Dhabi.

Fatbikes are versatile all terrain mountainbikes with over-sized tyres that allow cyclists to explore rugged landscapes, in addition to riding on soft unstable terrain, such as snow and sand. Only extra-wide bicycle tires can make it over these grounds with ease.

Of course, it is rare to see snowfalls in the region; in the past (2009), the Jebel Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah has been known to have snow in the winter (from October to March). A blanket of snow is an extraordinary phenomenon for the desert Gulf country, but it can happen.

Those keen on taking the customized bikes for a spin have the option to ride them at a few lodgings that offer fat biking as a guest activity. Trained guides can accompany riders on their journey to discover the stunning Arabian desert, if they desire. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a luxury Abu Dhabi resort resembling an entrancing desert oasis, for one, offers fat biking in the UAE desert.

Alternatively, you can also hire the bikes at rental places. Fat biking on the dunes is a great workout for anyone.

Touring the deserts on fat tire bike offers loads of fun and presents a distinctive cycling experience unlike any other in the sand dunes, desert beaches or shorelines.

Therefore, why not give sand dune cycling a go?

Almost twice the size of their original counterpart, the mountain bike (MTB), the fat tire bike offers many advantages over the MTB over the sand and through the snow. Riding them offers an amazing feeling of freeriding and that

MZ wearing the helmet, safety first

is why big tires are gaining popularity and have become a growing market segment.

People can expect more fat bikes in the coming months at cycle stores.

Today there are a number of fat bikes on the market from a variety of manufactured brands. Soon, you too may be pedaling around UAE on these silly-looking, but very necessary cycles that are suitable for all sorts of obstacles and terrains.

They do not come cheap, but a fatbike offers a unique activity in a special place! A purpose built fun machine meant to be ridden in the UAE. Within Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there are many fat bike dealers. Aside from the local retailers in the UAE, fatbikes are also easily available online.

The Liwa 2016 Fat Bike Challenge was held on Friday December 2nd at the base of Moreeb Dune; it was the Western Region’s first ever Fat Bike Race. A challenging course was a true test of skill

and navigation, across the top of the hill and across the basin before returning for an exciting downhill finish.

The Moreeb dunes are one of the most sought-after off-road destinations in the UAE, being 300 meters in height and with an estimated 50° slip face. The first-ever Fat Bike Challenge was created to challenge fatbikers, who had to climb one of the world’s steepest slopes before being expected to compete with one another on a 12km course.

The overall winner of the long course was Khaled Saif Al Muhairi completing the course in a time of 46m 26sec. The short course was won by Mauro Cereda in a time of 40m 43sec.

Riders set out at for the climb over the northern dune before encountering rolling dunes along the escarpment dropping into the basin and a fast trek along to the turn points. Elevations for the 3 climbs along the course ranged from 80 metres to a maximum of the 120 metres each for the final drop down the main escarpment to the finish line.

There was also a 7Km option and a junior 2.5k option on the flats.

Get ready for the next fatbike challenge...

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ACTIVITY REPORT

EXPLORING OMAN’S WADIS at Alila Jabal Akhdar Words + Photos by: Rachael Bruford

I’ve not yet met a person who doesn’t like Oman. From the unspoilt beaches and greenery in the south to the mountains and wadis in the north, and not forgetting the bustling simplicity of Muscat, there truly is something to be discovered, or rediscovered, on each trip.

When one becomes disillusioned with life in Dubai, a couple of days in this beautiful country is enough to refresh both the mind, body and soul. My husband and I were recently invited to experience some interesting wadi walks based in the vicinity of Alila Jabal Akhdar, one of

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the region’s most luxurious hotels.

Taking in stunning scenery and exploring abandoned villages, it was the perfect antidote to a long hot summer in Dubai.

Jabal Akhdar, meaning “The Green Mountain” in Arabic, is part of the Al Hajar mountain range, one of Oman’s most spectacular regions. Perched here 2,000 metres above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. This Oman resort is the perfect base for exploring the region’s magnificent landscape of rugged, untouched beauty while experiencing the height of sumptuous comfort. Favoured amongst hotels in Nizwa, the resort is a haven for adventure travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a retreat from the desert heat.

Arriving at Muscat International Airport following a very short flight from Dubai, we were met by a driver who took us through increasingly impressive scenery during a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Guests can also drive from the UAE to the base of the mountain, where they will then be picked up and driven the remainder of the way to the hotel.

We spent the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying some fantastic food. Both of us generally dislike hotel food, but this was delicious and made with local ingredients as much as possible; think lots of beetroot, pomegranate, vegetables, lamb and fish!

It certainly set us up for the following day, which saw an early start as we set off on our hike.

Our guide, Ali, was an expert on the local area, having grown up on one of the nearby mountains. His friendly nature and wealth of knowledge made for an enjoyable hike during which we learned a lot. Selecting a path that was suitable for both my husband and I, we made our way on an easy gravel track before climbing up a small ledge to

see an abandoned village. Having not been inhabited since the 1970s, the village was still in good condition and we were able to peer inside the houses to discover brightly

coloured paint on the walls. The mosque and meeting place for the village folk were also still standing, as were areas where people kept their animals. Goats dotted the local scenery as we looked down into the bed of the wadi below us. After taking some pictures, Ali led us out of the village, again on a manageable track, before we headed to a local area to learn about famous Juniper trees. Overlooking the stunning vista, we realised just how well the hotel blends into its surroundings, making us appreciate it all the more.

Offering an experience tailored to suit everyone, the trails include different levels of difficulty such as the gentle three-hour hikes that most will find manageable, as well as longer, more challenging routes that will satisfy and even challenge those with previous mountain hiking experience.

Mirage in the Mountains is a beautiful walk that takes you to the abandoned village of Sirab. Once home to the original members of the community, Sirab has provided much inspiration for Alila Jabal Akhdar’s design. Keep a lookout for herds of goats and sheep that roam wild whilst you make your way to Ali’s cave, which is a 60m deep pothole featuring breathtaking formations, and also Wadi Tallah, a fresh wadi that gives guests a chance to enjoy a cool swim in its pools.

The Discovery Trail starts from the nearby village of Hayl Al Hadab. From there it heads deeper into the mountain backdrop taking you on a fairly gentle 8km hike, passing by two abandoned villages as well as a small but very picturesque dam, and Ali’s cave.

The Adventure Trek is a 4-hour guided trek down an easy via ferrata (iron road) that is sure to get one’s adrenaline pumping right

from the start with a steep descent and the aid of climbing equipment. The path then leads steadily down into the wadi, passing some of the most stunning mountain scenery to the hidden village of Al Khutaymi located in a cave on the wadi floor. Walk a little further and discover the best swimming pool in the Green Mountain.

For those who really want to seize the whole day and go exploring, the following 5

to 7-hour routes are nothing short of spectacular. Follow the Aqbat Steps Traildown a steep slope, passing through the rocky canyons to Masirat Al Jawamid, a remarkable abandoned village in Oman located at the bottom of the wadi. The trail continues to the top of some Bedouin steps that lead down to the gardens below, ending at the top of a jaw-dropping waterfall.

Many of these sights can also be experienced on The Donkey Trail, which starts at Aqbat Al Biyut, about a 40-minute drive from the resort. As its name suggests, it follows a well-marked donkey trail, covering 8.6km with even more stunning views across the valley.

Last but by no means least, the 7.5km Lost Village Hikestarts at the small village of Mahaibis five minutes from the resort.

Passing through the abandoned cave village of Al Khutaymi, the trail then drops dramatically by 600m to the beautiful plantations of

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Sandy’s Second Hike

Masirat Ash Shuraqiyn that lie below. Here, deep in the wadi, you can swim and refresh yourself in preparation for the uphill hike back.

Unforgettable adventures in the Green

Mountain begin at Alila Jabal Akhdar. Simply pack a day bag, choose a trail, and see where it takes you… And don’t forget your camera to capture some of the most amazing scenes Oman has to offer.

Returning to the hotel, I took the opportunity to use the gym whilst my husband geared up for his second hike of the day. As Alila offer both guided and unguided hikes, he took the opportunity to revisit the abandoned village again, this time using a more difficult route by which to get there.

After seeing the abandoned village on an easy path, I decided to walk the valley floor to the village. This route was longer and more technical and included plenty of interesting sights such as different trees and wadi pools. At the end of the valley was a manmade dam which featured a kind of green algae growing on it. There were also plenty of goats which are unique to the region, as they are able to climb the steep sides of the mountains much more nimbly than the goats from other areas.

I ascended the valley on to a shingle track to find yet another abandoned village which was more recently inhabited. Unfortunately, I thought I would be out of the valley within an hour, but despite making good time I climbed out just before dusk on to the main road, only to discover that I was still another 4km from the hotel. Luckily, the light of the Supermoon helped, and as I climbed out of the valley floor, the brightness of the Supermoon only added to the feeling of magic.

As I walked along the main mountain road towards the hotel, a friendly Omani was kind enough to offer me a lift. Always be aware, there’s no such thing as a short walk, and don’t leave home without a mobile phone!

About Alila

The hallmark of Alila is the combination of innovative design and luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalised hospitality, and bespoke learning journeys. Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of the properties and impressions of the guests when they stay at Alila. In support of sustainable tourism, Alila hotels adopt Earth Check operating standards, integrating the natural, physical and cultural elements of their environments. To stay at any of Alila’s hotels and resorts is to embark on a destination experience – be it in recreating the flavours of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports, you will re-discover the luxury of living at Alila.

For more information visit www.alilahotels. com, follow them on Instagram @Alila Hotels or like them on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/Alila Hotels/

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Hakuna kilicho kitamu kuliko kilichopatikana kwa shida. There is nothing sweeter than what has been obtained at great effort. Swahili proverb

Words + Photos by: Geoff Patch

Most people are aware of Kilimanjaro, the iconic mountain in Tanzania, the highest peak in Africa (5895m) and one of the ‘seven summits’. Less well known is Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain located in a national park some 230km north of Nairobi.

It was in early 2016, some 10 years after I reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with a group of lively Australians that I was discussing a trekking trip with an ex-colleague from work. Gary, an enthusiastic hiker from the UK, was eager to sign up for a trek but due to personal commitments was limited to a maximum of seven days. This cancelled out some of the epic expedition treks in Nepal and after some research we settled on Mount Kenya in October. This was good timing in some respects, just before the rainy season was due to start, but it alsomeant our training options were limited to a few hikes in the Hajar Mountains in September and cycling at Al Qudradue to the intense heat of the UAE summer.Nonetheless, it was with great anticipation that we boarded the

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Emirates morning flight to Nairobi.

We were met by the local agent with a cheery “Jambo!”. Jacob helped us check into the Heron Portico Hotel in Nairobi, where we would spend the first night, meet up with our fellow trekkers who were flying in from the UK and finalise our kit for the trip. As with most porter supported treks, our camp kit (i.e. sleeping bag, roll mat, clean clothes etc.) was limited to a maximum 15kg, therefore no luxury items!

So it was on a bright Nairobi morning that Nigel and Liz (from Liverpool), Graham and Sally (from Edinburgh), Gary and I, loaded our gear onto a vintage Land-cruiser and set off on the 5 hour drive to Chogoria on the eastern flank of the Mount Kenya National Park. As we drove past well-tended fields, Edwin (‘Eddie’), our trek guide,pointed out the local produce including banana, pineap-

ple and mango. Eddie was born and bred in the Chogoria region of Mount Kenya and would prove to be an invaluable source of information during the coming days. As our journey took us slowly higher, the landscape gradually changed torice paddy’s, tea and coffee plantations.

At Chogoria, we swapped vehicles and boarded two long wheel base Land Rovers for the 25km off-road drive to the Chogoria Gate. Eddie had advised us that we would walk the last 5kmto the Kenya Lodge, which was most welcome after the bumpy drive through the forest.

I was awake and up before sunrise.

Stretching my legs outside our hut and with the full moon illuminating the area, I saw five waterbuck bolt from the meadow in front of the huts to the forest, two water buffalo for aging nearby and could hear the dawn chorus of birds warming up. As the first rays of sunlight crept across the landscape, an

auger buzzard circled above on the thermals and a troop of Sykes’ monkeys played noisily in a nearby baobab tree.This truly felt like Africa!

After a hearty breakfast, the first of many, Eddie briefed his team; Loyford (assistant guide), Ashford (cook), three general assistants and ten porters. All in all a party of sixteen to support just six trekkers. We had to be fully self-sufficient for the next six days, which meant carrying everything from tents, table and chairs to camp gear, food and fuel. Water was the one essential commodity that would be readily available during the trek courtesy of the numerous streams, rivers and lakes in the Park.

Eddie registered our party

with the Park Ranger at the Chogoria Gate and we set off towards the distant peaks of Batian (5199m), Nelion (5188m) and Lenana (4985m) that make up the Mount Kenya massif.The names of the main peaks commemorate Maasai chieftains; Mbatian, his brother Nelieng, and his sons Lenana and Sendeyo.

This first morning set the scene for the week; walking under a clear blue sky with cloud building by mid to late morning. We headed west towards the distant peaks, ascending through bamboo forest and onto coarse heathland. Our first camp would be

at Lake Ellis but a small diversion en route took us to the summit of Mugi Hill (3540m), which afforded magnificent views over the nearby ‘Giants Billiards Table’ and Ithanguni peak.

Lake Ellis (3470m) was an idyllic setting with only our party present. In fact, we would see no other trekkers until summit day.Ashford (our cook) had planned his daily menus carefully such that we were never hungry.

Another early start under a brilliant azure sky had us walking through rolling grasslands towards our goal. At one point, Eddie stopped and pointed at some animal droppings on the trail, “Leopard, less than 24 hours ago”. Eddie told us that in his 25 years on the mountain he had only seen a leopard on two occasions, clearly a very shy and reclusive animal. This prompted Graham to tell us his experience from the previous night, when answering the call of nature in the early hours he saw two red eyes staring at him, which he was now convinced was the leopard!

After several hours crossing streams and steadily gaining altitude we approached our next campsite, Lake Michaelson (3976m).

This required a detour from the main Chogoria trail, which would have taken us to Mintos Hut and required a descent down a steep gully to the banks of a lake surrounded by majestic cliffs on all but one side, where the lake spilled out into Georges Valley.

As always, our hard working porters had raced ahead to get the tents set up and as we lay down our packs everyone became aware of a sound that seemed a cross between the shrieks of a bird of prey and a barking dog. Looking carefully for the source of the sound in the rocks behind our tents we saw first one, then another and another small furry creature – rock hyraxes! Imagine a squat, heavily built guinea pig about 50cm long and you have a rock hyrax.

By now, we were settling into our routine of walking, eating and sleeping. On this evening, after leaving the mess tent around 8pm we were treated to a star filled sky. The waning moon had not yet risen and with no light pollution the Milky Way was clearly visible, a wondrous and humbling sight.

A steep down climb is often associated with a steep ascent, and this is what faced us the next morning. With the rock hyraxes and dawn chorus giving us a noisy send-off we left one of the most magical camp sites I have had the pleasure of experiencing.

The trail ran parallel with a stream that

cascaded to the lake below and on reaching the top of the cliff the scenery opened to a barren plateau populated by numerous giant lobelias.

As we gained more altitude, our pace slowed to a crawl to allow for the thinning air, depriving our bodies of much needed oxygen. We were now well above 4000m and in the ‘alpine’ zone where altitude sickness was a potential problem. “Pole, pole” (“slowly, slowly” in Swahili), is the key to acclimatisation, that and copious amounts

of water to stave off dehydration in the rarefied atmosphere. After a steep final section we reached our base camp, Simba Tarn, shrouded in cloud at 4600m.

The next day was what we had been working towards, summit day, so after an early dinner and briefing by Eddie we retired to our tents and counted down the hours to 3am when we would rise, have a light breakfast and start the slow ascent in the freezing darkness up the scree slope to Point Lenana.

Summit days often start during the night to enable the team to reach their destination in time for sunrise. With Eddie’s experience and knowledge of the mountain, he timed our ascent to perfection. As we each took our final steps to the summit, the thin golden line that spread across the eastern

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horizon grew in intensity until the brilliant ball of light that was the sun broke through the barrier between night and day, and rose in the chilled morning sky. It is moments like this that make the cold, sleepless nights and aching limbs worthwhile.

Eddie had warned us that we would only have about 10-15 minutes on the summit before we had to start our descent, as we

had a long day ahead. So after taking the obligatory summit photos we reluctantly left Point Lenana (4985m) and started the 20km trek and 1600m of descent along the Sirimon trail in a westerly direction to Old Moses Camp, our final camp of the trip.

There were still a few surprises in store, though. Gary, who had under-estimated how cold it would be on the mountain (despite my sage advice!) had an inadequate sleeping bag and had taken to utilising his Nalgene drinking bottle as a hot water bottle.

Unfortunately, on this final night the bottle had leaked, drenching his sleeping bag, which he placed outside his tent, forgetting that even at 3373m the night temperatures dropped below 0oC, and consequently woke to find the sleeping bag encrusted in ice.

Our final leg of the trek was a 9km walk to Sirimon Gate from Old Moses Camp, which involved literally walking across the equator – another bucket list item ticked off! On

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reaching Sirimon Gate, Eddie checked our party out with the Park Ranger and our trek was over. We gave our thanks to Eddie’s team without whose strength and support we would not have reached the summit.

With the rainy season about to break, the guides, the cook and porters would return to their farms in the Chogoria region and await their next assignment.

There are eight recognised trekking routes to Point Lenana but from this experience the Chogoria trail via Lake Michaelson is by far the most dramatic. Although somewhat in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, I found Mount Kenya to be even more spectacular in terms of scenery, flora and fauna – a trip I will not forget in a hurry.

How to get there

Both Emirates (Dubai) and AirArabia (Sharjah) fly to Nairobi.

Who to go with

There are many tour operators, we booked through KE Adventure (www.keadventure.com) who engage a local agent E.A. Rift Valley Safaris Ltd. (Telephone No. 00254 733 600 856)

When to go

Dry season – June to October, and December to March

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ACTIVITY REPORT

From Sea Level to 5400 meters in four days

Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

How do you get from sea-level in Dubai on Saturday to an ultramarathon on Wednesday at 3,500 meters, taking you over a Himalayan pass at 5,400 meters in a blizzard? And why?

Getting to the Start The Royal Penguin 60km Ultra Marathon in Nepal starts at Namche Bazaar, a two-day trek from the nearest airstrip in Lukla– called the World’s Most Dangerous Airport, but that’s a stretch since it’s not really an airport!

The hike to Namche Bazaar taught me the basic rules of trekking. Yaks have right of way.

This leads to the first corollary: before taking a selfie in the middle of a rickety bridge over a raging river, check to see if any yaks are bearing down on the bridge. Second, yield to porters who carry loads with doors, refrigerators, and cases of food often up to 100kg. I feel good when I zip past a porter lugging a smaller load Yak cheese up a hill, until I notice he is probably 12 years old and hauling sacks of rice while wearing flip-flops and writing an SMS. He quickly passes me on the next downhill. Good reality check.

The Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon

The Royal Penguin Ultra Marathon is a 60km single-loop race from Namche Bazaar up the Cho Oyu valley, over Renjo Pass and down the next valley. In mountaineering style, the start is at 03:00 replicating the early start of a summit day and giving me a chance to

Namche Bazaar

run three hours in complete darkness up rocky trails in the Himalayas. Imagine running in darkness along the edge of a cliff – rockwall on the left and unknown abyss on the right.

Because of fog and drizzle limiting the effectiveness of your headlamp, you can’t see what’s blocking the path ahead, so you get really close before you almost trip over a yak. You politely go around the first yak and the second, but the third one is perpendicular to the trail, so its snout and sharp horns are almost touching the wall on the left and its tail is over the cliff edge on the right. Quick decision: gored by yak horns into the rock, knocked into the abyss or hurdle the beast? I choose the abyss and am relieved that I don’t accidentally stomp on its tail. My running buddy, Ramzi, chooses the wall and a yak takes a swing, but at that point in the day, Ramzi doesn’t care. Welcome to trail running in Nepal.

Falling and Getting Lost

My desire to take the path less traveled

brings me to Nepal.

Interesting approach to life, but not applicable to ultramarathons.

When speaking to the organizers before the race, I mention two of my unique running abilities: falling down and getting lost. I had a minor event ten days prior at the Night Rebel race when I fell at 4km and my wounds still haven’t healed. Only people who run with me will believe what happens at 4km from Namche: Kaboom! I fall. It is cold, dark, rainy and foggy. I have no idea what I trip on, but fortunately I’ve got great experience falling and do a quick self-assessment. I land in deep mud that was soft (no injuries!) and surprisingly warm (ewww!). Now I know I’m gonna get lost, really lost. (I got wildly lost at the Hajar 100 this year and missed the cut off.)After the Dole Checkpoint, I decide to

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Foggy

Gokyo checkpoint Where is the trail

stalk the guy in front of me (“Bob”) who is a high altitude mountaineer. I stay ten meters behind him for two hours before he realizes what is going on and we continue together.

and running on rocks. Pride Fitness sessions are the best endurance exercises around.

Specifically the %#*?& burpees and squats, and the squats have other practical applications in the mountains. Overall, my fitness is pretty good for the event.

Thirsty at 5,000 Meters

I ask the race organizers if the mountain pass is free of snow: “Probably, since 150 yak crossed last week.” I should’ve asked a different question: “Is the mountain pass free of snow and yak dung?”Because of treacherous snow and blustery wind at Renjo Pass, the crew pack up the water and return to safety. So Bob and I leave Gokyo Checkpoint at 10:00 and when we hit Renjo Pass (5,400 meters) in a blizzard at 13:00, there is no checkpoint, no aid station, no water, no food.

Self-sufficiency mode!! We are out of liquid, and we don’t find any water until 17:00. No water and no nutrition at altitude is a tough combination throwing off your internal balancing gyroscope. Maps label the descent off Renjo as “Slippery descent. Fixed ropes for porters.” The fixed ropes are apparently covered by snow because I see snow but no ropes, as I meander 4km down a cliff. Concentrate, David.

Lost

Getting lost is more art than science – you never know when it happens until it happens. I study the course in advance, but during an ultra, things are different: I focus on not tripping and falling, hydration, nutrition, conserving energy, and then navigation. I should probably reprioritize. After 50km, Bob and I lose the path. Gone. Imagine two guys at night clambering over stone walls (the walls use gravity not glue for adhesion) and banging on windows,hoping people don’t have wild guard-dogs or guns. We decide to bivouac in afield with yaks because it’s dark and raining and we’re lost. As we start to inventory gear in our packs and scout the area for minimal yak dung, we notice that we are standing on the path! Onward to the Finish.

Snow and Rocks - not in Dubai

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Knackered

Equipment

Ramzi and the finishers

Endurance

The last leg from Thame (3,800 meters) to Namche (3,440 meters) should be easy 7km downhill along the river. NFW. In Nepal whenever you ask how far a place is, the answer is always in hours not kilometres, because the Nepali concept of the timespace continuum is based on a different unit of measurement: the time it takes to walk somewhere, as there are no roads or cars. When Bob and I arrive in Thame, I am toasted, completely toasted, but I’m naively thinking 7km downhill should be easy. It felt like 90% of this section was either uphill or up steps, despite a net elevation descent of 360 meters. Around every bend of the trail, over every hill, I expect to see village lights. I have about thirty minutes of hallucinations of village lights to my left, but every time I turn my head,I see my headlamp reflecting off a cliff wall and a 100-meter drop to the river immediately to my right. Only when I catch a whiff of yak dung fuel burning do I realize that I am finishing.

Other Royal Penguin Finishers Training

As an ultrarunner without acclimatization running with mountaineers in mountains, I feel like I brought a knife to a gunfight. To estimate my pace, I ran 60km at Wadi Bih this year in over six hours (to my ultra buddies: don’t ask about my last 12km at Wadi Bih!). On the trek to Namche, I run to test gear, navigation skills (dangerously lacking), and the rocks. Uggh. I’m way wrong.

Running at elevation is so tough that maintaining a 10:00/km pace is unfathomable!

Nonetheless, the DTR Wadi Showka runs are awesome for developing mental toughness

My Saucony Peregrine 6’s are perfect in rocks, snow and mud (I didn’t dare wear my Luna sandals). My old fav Salomon 3/4 tights lost all elasticity, much to the chagrin of anyone running behind me, and will be donated to a plumber. I used an Ultimate Direction belt-pack for two bottles and gels, but I didn’t touch anything in my Nathan backpack(including down jacket and rain jacket). Yeah, I whine a lot about the rain and cold, but I really, really hate removing my backpack to get stuff. Two headlamps (one on my wrist to provide depth perception), but batteries are effective about seven hours and the last hour of darkness is very dark. I love my Garmin 235, but the battery died after twelve hours – I need a new watch or to finish earlier!

Awards Ceremony

We plant trees to help fight erosion before the Awards Ceremony. I am honored to finishing 10th place (don’t ask out of how many) and awarded a trophy as the “Most Sophisticated and Distinguished Finisher” which the organizers call “Eldest Finisher”. To maintain my amateur athlete status, I donate the $150 prize to a local children’s group to support the community. The 60km ultramarathon takes me a little over nineteen hours: Eight hours – very dark darkness. Six hours – rain.

Two hours – snow. Three hours – heavy fog.

Seven hours – dreary clouds. Maybe an hour – sun. Twenty water crossings. Millions of rocks. In terms of relentless forward progress: One hour – running. Ten hours – power trekking. Five hours – stumbling over boulders.

Two hours – mountain climbing. One hour – getting freaking lost. Amazingly, I managed a negative split. In total, nineteen hours of pleasure.

Awards ceremony

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Wadi Al Far Hike Words + Photos by: Matt Ficco

Wadi Al Far may seem like a simple little hiking route starting out near the base of Jebal Jais but in reality it is a muscle-burner that challenges you and requires you to dig deep and use all of your strength to make it up and even more so, down.

This wadi was a first-time hike for all 20 members of the convoy. Nonetheless, we were all very excited to explore this infamous mountain gorge. We assembled at the trailhead at about 7:00am after an approximate 2-hour drive from Dubai.

Once everyone had their boots laced up and hydration packs filled we gathered for our standard group introduction and safety brief. As there were several folks joining Adventure Emarat for the first time we took care to understand everyone’s background, experience, and abilities before embarking on such an exploratory hike. With a few

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quick conversations and by sizing up everyone’s gear we could tell that the group was experience and capable of the hike ahead.

We had one pre-hike group photo and then we were off!

Wadi Al Far is one of those hikes that gives you all of about 50 meters to warm up; after that you have very steep climbs on large boulders and loose rocks. We took a few quick breaks early on to allow everyone time to catch their breath, regroup, and maintain their confidence; sometimes when hikes start out as aggressive as Wadi Far people may get discouraged. Once the body warms up though and is in its rhythm everything balances out; this is the rhythm that we needed to find.

After we climbed the very steep set of carved-out stairs we continued our hike up along the right side of the canyon wall.

We encountered more steep steps, large boulders, and slippery gravel and sand; not exactly a hiker’s idea of paradise! Due to the risk of falling rocks we had to scatter the convoy out and not have hikers climbing underneath each other. As we climbed higher the boulders seemed to get bigger and we soon found ourselves hopping from one massive boulder to the next while scaling in, on, and around them. We finally popped up to the mid-section of the gorge

and were greeted with a dormant plantation field, which would make for a great camping spot for an overnight hike.

Seeing a farmhouse on top of the eastern ridge we decided to head in its direction to sooth our curious appetites. We soon came across a few beds, sleeping huts, water drums, and a small, natural source of water.

Although it looked like it had been quite a bit of time there surely were the signs of part-time farmers that would inhabit the area. We climbed above the water source and up a few steep faces, which one could easily visualize would be a raging waterfall when the wadi was running. It would be a great sight to see, from a distance of course.

We continued our ascent up the southeastern ridge of the canyon. In spite of the terrain being very steep and rugged we did have an advantage…lots of shade. Wadi Al Far has steep canyon walls all around you so this helps keep the sun at bay for an extended period and keep the wadi relatively cooler. By this point in the hike however, fatigue and strain had started to set in a bit. The convoy was getting further spread, muscles began showing signs of cramps, and general feelings of tiredness started to spread. There was no lack of enthusiasm however, and everyone was easily able to muscle up and keep charging upwards.

Within short time we were at our summit of 1,050 meters. It gave way to magnificent views all around the surrounding Jebal Jais area. We were looking down into Wadi Bih, off to our north-western view was the Arabian Gulf, which we could see clearly even though it was over 12km away, and further west we could see the RAK skyline. It was a great moment with bright blue skies, a beaming yellow sun, and a crisp, balmy air blowing.

We hung around at the top of the wadi for about an hour; a few members of the convoy climbed a bit higher on the adjacent wall ledges. After a relaxing break we decided to get back up and start our descent. Not wanting to descend the same track we headed to the western edge of the canyon, which meant we were now exposed to the sun. The weather was still

pleasant thought and compared to what we are generally used to, the sun was not that bad. As we descended, our track saw us dip into a waterway gorge, which then ultimately T-junction-ed up with another gorge.

We once again found the shade as we were protected by the deep gorge walls.

The last quarter of the hike’s descent was very exciting. All of those large boulders that we climbed up in the beginning were now our playground for descending.

We were running, hopping, sliding, twisting, and turning over them, under them, through them, and around them. Everyone seemed to split up a bit and find their most preferred track down. We were like a bunch of kids playing on all of the monkey bars, swings, and slides at the playground; it was a thrilling way to end the hike. As we neared the trailhead, we had one last obstacle and it was that steep set of carved-out stairs.

Once cleared of these it was a few hundred meters or so back to the cars.

We had a great hike. We covered 5km

and with an elevation change of 750 meters and rose up to 1,050 meters. We did this in 8 hours and enjoyed every minute of it.

There were a few scrapes and bruises here and there but nothing that won’t heal during the week before the next adventure. Thanks to everyone who participated for making it such a great day and looking forward to the next one!

ACTIVITY REPORT

Words + Photos by: Matt Ficco

Wadi An Nakhur had been on my list of must-do adventures for two years and the two previous attempts at it were not successful. My research led me to believe that it would be an exciting offroad adventure in my 4x4. However, trying to get past several of the large boulders with a 4x4 proved impossible.

So I made the decision that I would not attempt it again unless I was on foot; I was not going to strike out for a third time.

After spending the previous two days hiking up and camping on Jebal Shams’ W4 path with Adventure Emarat and Adventure Oman, a small team was eager at the prospects of spending another afternoon hiking through a mountain gorge, which would reward us with fantastic views dropped in a lush oasis. We were able to drive the first two kilometres from the main road into Wadi Ghul. The rocky, wadi path wound its way around small houses and plantations before we turned up into a small hillside village nestled adjacent to the wadi. After a few polite greetings from the local villagers and purchasing a couple of key rings made from goat and sheep hair we continued on our path back into the wadi for our final few meters in the car. Our journey would be on foot from this point forward as we hiked five kilometres to reach the end of the wadi and

the mysterious abandoned village. We were not alone as there were a few other hikers coming and going in the wadi and there were several local farmers tending to their crops along the wadi’s edges. It was a very peaceful and relaxing hike with a comfortable backdrop throughout; the canyon walls towered hundred even thousands of meters above us, minimal sunlight hit us as the narrow canyon walls protected us, a cool breeze continuously blew through the air, and the ubiquitous flow of fresh streams into deep pools created a melodious rhythm.

Wadi An Nakhur is a hiker’s playground.

The elevation is negligible – about 200 meters over the span of five kilometres – and it is replete with large boulders, pools, and streams all settled on a pebble-filled bed. We ran, jumped, and climbed our way through the wadi, ever-determined to reach the end. We took a small break half way through the hike but other than this we kept the throttle forward and worked our way quickly through the winding gorge. At approximately four kilometres into the hike we came across the first signs of the village.

The plantation fields were as green as can be and stepped up along the wadi’s edge.

There were small huts that were used to store the harvested crops and the machinery and equipment that laid around let us know

that these plantations are actively farmed.

There was no one in sight but it was clear that someone had an interest in this area. We were careful not to disturb anything and then carried on further into the wadi to see what other treasures may be in store.

Within another 600 meters we came across the various small houses, rooms, majlises, and even as small mosque. This was the abandoned village that we had set out to see. To our surprise however, there were plantation fields still growing with fresh crops and water flowing through their intricate falaj systems. The five of us quickly and quietly scattered about checking out the various relics and treasures that had been left behind.

We gently explored each of the rooms and pathways as to be sure not to disturb anything. Much to our surprise, we found several of the rooms with shiny new locks on them.

This let us know that these rooms were in fact still in use and not completely abandoned; even one of the rooms had a satellite dish on it. After spending about 20 minutes roaming the ancient village-ways we decided to re-group start the five klick trek out of the gorge.

It was just before 3:30 pm when we started hiking out. The gorge was blanketed in shade as the sun had made its passing overhead. The cool, mountain-wadi air was

briskly flowing through, which offered a dose spook and mystery. We had all taken plenty of pictures, explored all of the nooks and crannies, and now had our sights set on getting back to the car. Irrespective of the fact we had spent the last two days hiking and camping all over Jebal Shams and had just spent the last 3 hours climbing all through Wadi An Nakhur, we were all able to muster up the last bits of stamina in our tanks to B-line it out of the wadi in record time. We covered the five-plus kilometre hike out in one hour; half the time it took us to hike into the wadi. Once we reached back to the car, we took a few minutes to change, freshen up, and have some small chit-chat with a local villager, which was a great interaction.

Despite my broken Arabic and his broken English, he was able to explain to me the history of the village, its former inhabitants, and its use today. This history definitely adds to the charm of the whole area.

We saddled up in the car and began our five-hour drive back to Dubai. It was a very nice exploration hike to finish off a great weekend on Jebal Shams; a mountain, which has so much to offer and continues giving us great experiences and memories.

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EVENT REPORT

BAHRAIN IRONMAN 70.3 the Ironman 70.3 in Bahrain and he runs the 72km Wadi Bih ultra.

When Ironman says “open water swim”, they fail to mention that it’s a “really salty swim in choppy water”. Four months of swimming training consists of one lesson, two pool swims and two open water swims, both of which leave me shockingly discombobulated, but at least I know what open water swimming feels like. Or so I thought...

Self-Assessment

Cycling

Triathlon Challenge or Endurance Challenge?

Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

What is the essence of the Ironman: to demonstrate which segment is tougher, or is it endurance? Who has the biggest advantage: the swimmer, cyclist, or runner? When you train for a 1.9m swim, 90km cycle, and 21.1km run, what training provides the best ‘bang for the buck’?

To find answers, my boss, Harry the Ironman, challenges me, the Ultrarunner: I do

Swimming

Before realising what I’m getting myself into, I accept the challenge and do a quick self-assessment. Swim? While I think I know how to swim, flopping around in a pool and jumping into waves isn’t swimming. In actuality I know how to not drown, so basically I have two speeds in the water: swimming and not swimming. Cycle? I have ridden a bike once since 1981. Running? I run often and far, with Beirut Marathon, Kuwait Marathon and two ultramarathons scheduled over the two months before Ironman 70.3.

Thinking you know how to cycle because you rode a bike as a kid is as naïve as thinking you know how to paint because you used to play with crayons. Cycling is more complex than I realise– the gear shifting mechanism is not intuitive, brakes scare the bejesus out of me, and I lack coordination required to reach down and grab a water bottle from the bike frame while cycling.

Running

As an ultrarunner, I don’t do any specific running training for the Ironman 70.3 – Irun with Desert Trail Runners in Dubai to maintain my endurance fitness.

Final Preparations

For me, the beauty of ultrarunning is its simplicity: shorts, shirt, running shoes (or sandals!), hydration and nutrition. In con-

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With the unexpected hydration intake, I develop a second swim stroke, “PWS” or Peeing While Swimming, which creates pleasant thermal properties but is not aerodynamically efficient. Eventually I find some rhythm and the end is near, with some doubt in my mind about that 1:10 cutoff. I climb – think drunken sailor – out of the water, my watch says 1:06!! I’m so relieved. Even though I’m 695th out of 699 swimmers, I’m probably first among non-swimmers. I confirm that many athletes are justifiably wary of Ironman competitions because of the open water swim.

The Bike

trast, the Ironman event has many concepts foreign to me, particularly the two Transition zones, T1 and T2,but with the help of my boss and his friends, I manage to get everything sorted out, although I felt like a little puppy wagging its tail and blindly following with no clue what to expect next.

Apprehension

My two concerns that would cause a dreaded DNF: missing the 1:10 swim cutoff and getting a flat tire (why bother with a puncture kit, as I wouldn’t know how to use it). The weather in Bahrain is seasonally brisk, with a strong breeze making the water choppy and the cycling challenging, even though the event starts in a somewhat protected bay by the Four Seasons Hotel.

The Swim

I respect the open water, but do not fear it. After the swim, I respect open water swimmers and fear the open water. With the rolling start, I am one of the last among 700 participants to flop in the water. Fortunately, I learned the previous day about the concept of ‘sighting’– where you aim for a landmark ahead as there are no lane markers in the sea – but between waves smacking my head and foggy goggles I flail in the open water.

Over the first 500 meters in the water, I master “ADP”, a new swim stroke which my swimming instructor neglected to teach me: Advanced Doggie Paddle. After 500 meters, when I pop my head up and look around, I notice swimmers nearby are doing the backstroke. I must dig deep, overcome my panic and start to actually swim. The challenge isn’t physically difficult, but I feel my electrolyte consumption is significantly higher than planned as I swallow salty sea water every other time I try to gasp for air.

Taking off the wetsuit is a minor challenge but I manage without using the scissors in my T1 bag. I put on my helmet, camelbak, and sandals and run up to the cycle racks.

Finding my borrowed cycle was really, really easy: it was the only one left on the rack.

While the swim takes me over an hour, it does not exhaust me. I simply do not know how to swim. When I get on the cycle, I feel very fresh albeit cold and wet.

After a few minutes, I notice an unexpected occurrence: I’m passing people. I don’t notice the coastline or the cool buildings along the Bahrain skyline, just the cyclists in front of me. The next surprise is the gusting wind! I almost get knocked over from a gust, and that gets my attention as a new potential danger. I’m just cruising along trying to figure which brake is front and which brake is back, and how to shift up and down the back gears (somebody on a fancy bike told me never touch the front gear).

The cycle route is smooth with few turns, thankfully, and no hills. The most memorable part is riding the last 5km on – literally, on – the Bahrain Formula One track! I am buzzing through the entrance to the track and am thrilled to see my wife, Olga, cheering me, but wonder how long she waited patiently to see me for three seconds. Her enthusiasm jolts me like a caffeine boost and I blast through the F1 track and finish the cycle.

Remarkably, I pass 55 cyclists and nobody passes me.

The Run

I love running and have a good sense of what I can do, but I’ve never run after swimming in open water the longest distance ever for me, and cycling nearly twice as far as I ever had before. I drop my camelbak at T2 and just grab a couple gels. Somebody told me that starting the run after cycling seems deceptively easy, and that I need to be careful. I heard about guys doing cycling/ running “bricks” to train, but that was impractical for me as I don’t own a bike or know how to swim.

Because I don’t swim and I start out so far behind everybody else, the Ironman swim and bike are lonely endeavors for me.

However the run route is an out and back, so during the first 5km of the run, I see everybody running back for their last 5km. This gives a little boost to maintain good posture and pace, as I come across a few familiar faces who recognize me as that guy wearing sandals. At 4km, I see my boss flying by on his seventeenth km! He’s running at a strong pace and finishes in 5:25, his personal best.

The run is a scenic route through the Al Areen Wildlife Park, but my focus is con-

stantly on each group of 3-4 runners who appear around the next bend until I pass them. The refreshment stations are every 2km with volunteers providing encouragement, as well as water and gels. It’s an awesome run, because the sun is shining and wind is calm, with some distractions of animals roaming the park. During the run I pass an additional 64 participants and again, nobody passes me. I have a pleasurable run and am thrilled to finish in 6:36!

The Essence of the Ironman 70.3

Ironman is a fun event with some great challenges, as it clearly demonstrates the correlation between training and results.

Swimming is a technical event, that requires proficiency which I demonstrably lack.

Cycling requires patience to know when to push it and when to coast and is fun (as long as you don’t have a puncture!). Running is a simple process that measures how much you can endure. With my preparation mainly involving running, I find the three events provide a level playing field, with the keys to success being your fitness and overall endurance – assuming you have mastered the ADP and PWS swimming techniques.

Would I consider doing another Ironman 70.3 or a ‘real’ Ironman in the future?

Definitely. Would I prepare and train more?

Probably not, as long as I maintain my fitness. Who has the natural advantage – swimmer, cyclist, or runner? Mastering the basics of all segments is obviously crucial, but I feel overall endurance determines Ironman success. In any case, I love the Ironman challenge and yes, I enjoy wearing my Luna sandals for both the cycle and the run!

some of the highest peaks in Africa, Asia, Scandinavia, Australia and Europe.

Via Ferrata is Open for Business Emirati adventurers

Huda Zowayed and Hamad Al Mazrouey climbed, trekked and zip-lined the challenge set against the backdrop of Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain peak.

The trio’s ‘acid test’ of the three-course Via Ferrata came as the Via Ferrata – the first commercial facility of-its-type in the region – opens to the public this week.

The three-course Via Ferrata spans the rocky facades of Jebel Jais, which rises to 6,266 feet and is part of the rugged Al Hajar mountain range where the average climate is 10 degrees Celsius below mean Gulf temperatures.

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For Dubaian Huda Zowayed, adventurer, the Via Ferrata challenge was another experience to add to her growing portfolio of adventure feats which have seen her trail blaze cultural exchange with an Ethiopian tribe and traverse five countries in Asia, the Subcontinent and the Middle East in a pioneering tuktuk drive.

“I found the whole experience invigorating. This Via Ferrata means we don’t have to look outside of our home country for experiences to test our capabilities, grow our personal confidence and build resilience, which are just some of the benefits I have found from adventure travel,” said Huda.

“There’s plenty research now that shows that adventure activities actually deliver powerful physical and mental health benefits and the beauty of this Via Ferrata is that a wide range of ages and abilities can attempt it.”

Ras Al Khaimah’s 470 metre-long Via Ferrata is unique to the region in that it comprises three individual start and finish points, as well as three zip-lines, measuring 165 feet, 195 feet and 985 feet, to expand possibilities for various age and fitness capabilities.

“I loved it,” said Al Mazrouey, Emirati adventurer. “The whole experience is a cross between rock climbing and mountaineering. It gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to reach the same high, vertical faces as rock climbers, without the same strenuous training or severe risk because of the metal-ladder rungs fixed into the rocks and the cable to which you are secured. This is where accessible adventure meets the extreme,” adds the seasoned climber who has scaled

What does the Via Ferrata experience involve?

• The standard and easiest course, the Ledge Walk, will take a group of up to eight adventurers around four hours to complete.

It starts with a gentle climb through sedimentary rocks, goes into a vertical stretch which leads to the 50-metre zip-line which runs 20 metres above a ledge below. A gradual slope then leads to the 60-metre zip-line, 70 metres above the nearest ledge before another path leads to 300-metre long zip-line for the journey back to the middle section. From here the return back to the wadi is about 225 metres long.

• The middle, technical route – the Middle Path – will take around 3.5 hours and comprises three vertical sections and a horizontal traverse. It rises 60 metres from the wadi bed to join the Ledge Walk before the first zip-line. The route is aided by steel pedals and rungs and includes two overhang sections. After completing the Middle Path, guests continue on the standard route including the three zip-lines and a walk out.

•The higher, vertical route – Julphar Scare – will take around 1.5 hours. This is the most direct route to the long zip-line. It’s a 120-metre ascent using ladders through five different vertical sections with adjoining horizontal sections.

All visitors will need to prove themselves on the standard course before being allowed on one of the more technical routes.

The new adventure product, which is just 45 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah’s growing stock of superb beach front resorts, is part of the emirate’s Vision 2019 Destination Tourism strategy and RAKTDA is now working with industry stakeholders to develop experience packages to also cover accommodation and travel.

Words by: Rachael Bruford Photos by: Jung Francisco

There’s something about Mohammed Ahmed Ahli’s incredible photography that makes you want to immediately book a trip to a remote location.

His stunning landscape images leave one breathless and capture the essence and climate of a place so eloquently that you almost feel as if you are there.

Based in Dubai but clearly somebody who travels frequently, Mohammed’s pictures demonstrate the sheer beauty and power of nature in a wealth of outdoor locations all around the globe. His passion for the wilderness is evident in each capture, which skilfully conveys the unique atmosphere of every different location.

Of his work, Mohammed says, “I seek the unknown and I look for the light within the shadows. I photograph nature because I listen to my inner self and want people

to connect with different perspectives of these mysterious places. My photography evokes the wilderness and stories of darkness and lightness of life. I use slow shutter speeds to explore the modulation of time.”

OutdoorUAE caught up with one of Columbia’s patrons to discover how he developed his talent, and found out exactly what Columbia’s “Tested Tough” slogan means to him.

How does Columbia gear help to enhance your experiences?

Professional gear is necessary for outdoor activities; of course, you can’t wear a formal shoe and use it for hiking, it may risk your life if you slip or fall from a cliff while climbing. Columbia gear helps to achieve my goals in a comfortable way by having the correct shoes to enable me to summit mountains while hiking or climbing.

What are your Columbia essentials that you recommend to everyone?

The most important thing for me is footwear and waterproof and windproof jackets. These are a lifesaver!

Columbia’s slogan is ‘Tested Tough’. How do you think your photography shows that you are ‘Tested Tough’?

My ultimate goal has always been to find in extreme nature conditions, as I try to visit natural places that few people on earth have touched. “Tested Tough” is all about what I do in my adventures.

What is it that draws you to the outdoors? Is it something that you have always enjoyed?

My connection to the outdoors has been constant since my childhood. It gives me a feeling of freedom and joy. I also find that it has huge health benefits, as it improves my concentration and reduces my stress.

What is your favourite outdoor activity?

Without a doubt my favourite outdoor activity is hiking, as it is the most spiritual experience that takes my mind deeply into the creation of this world. It is the most beneficial activity for my body and soul.

How did you become such an amazing landscape photographer?

It requires dedication and hard work. I have put so much time into taking pictures, whether it was during vacations or in work time. My talent was enhanced by lots of practice and inspiring myself.

What is your most memorable photography expedition and why?

My trip to Iceland trip in winter was full of adventures and risk taking. Most importantly, I saw unique nature that I wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world.

Do you have any exciting expeditions planned?

Very exciting actually. My goal is to have an expedition in South America and Hawaii.

What is your favourite image of the outdoors that you have captured, and what is the story behind it?

The ice cave in Iceland. The cave was melting every other hour and it was flooding from the ice melt. The heavy ice glaciers were falling and breaking as well.

The tour guide warned against going into the cave due to the warm weather and explained how the ice can break. It was the most beautiful thing I have seen, especially with the glowing of the cave. There was a sad fact in this photo, as I realised how everything in this world is limited and how even beautiful things can end one day.

“Being an industry leader in outdoor apparel and products takes passion, and an understanding of people who love the outdoors as much as we do. That’s why, from cutting edge technology, to our innovative heritage in Bugaboo, our jackets, pants, fleece, boots, and shoes are all tested tough so you can enjoy the outdoors longer.”

“IT’S PERFECT, NOW MAKE IT BETTER” This is the directive given by our very own tough mother, Chairman Gert Boyle.

It’s the reason we’re constantly testing our products against every type of terrible, no good, day-ruining condition the skies of the mighty Pacific Northwest can dish out. Sure, it makes life hell for us, but it means great gear for you. So when she finally does use her famous stamp of approval, you know you’re duly equipped to stay outside long after the featherweights have retreated indoors.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Jog to the Black Sea Words + Photos by: Sam Brenkel

It’s a strange feeling, pushing off from the beach knowing that the next time your feet touch anything you will either have achieved a mammoth feat that will live long in the memory or you will have failed.

There is no middle ground. This was my thinking as I stood on the beach at Dover waiting for my English Channel attempt to officially begin. Of course, the journey to get to this stage started many months ago, back in the sun kissed lands of Dubai.

The Channel swim was the original section of the trip and in September 2015, when I first decided to do this trip, my first aim was to get fit. This might seem like quite a broad goal, but I think it sums it up quite precisely.

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I immediately came across TriDubai, a great organisation, run entirely by enthusiastic volunteers. Although the conditions were far from identical to the English Channel, practising in the sea was extremely important.

Sea swimming is completely different from swimming in a pool and from now on, the only reason for me to do any pool swimming would be for stroke improvement. I soon became a regular at the TriDubai sessions, the main obstacle to my attendance was the sadistically early times which the swims took place, generally meeting at sunrise. I do have to begrudgingly admit that swimming at that time of the day, with the sun rising over the Burj Al Arab, was extremely pleasant. As Dubai headed into ‘winter’, the swims increased. The water temperature was perfect for swimming, hitting an all-time low of around 21°C in February.

In May 2016, I returned back to the UK and began my cold water acclimatisation.

The normal body temperature is 37°C. Hypothermia develops when the body temperature falls below about 35°C. It accounts for an extremely large amount of unsuccessful Channel crossings and was one of my main concerns throughout the whole planning stage. At the time of my swim, the English Channel would be approximately

15°C, many miles away from the bath-like water in Dubai. In addition to this, the Channel Swimming Association (CSA) have strict rules, one of which is that only “A ‘Standard Swim Costume’ is allowed,it shall be of a material not offering Thermal Protection or Buoyancy and the Costume must not extend beyond the end of the shoulder or below the level of the Crotch”.

Once I returned to Scotland, the cold water acclimatisation could begin, and it began with a thud on the beaches of Aberdour. It was a typically dreich day the first time I ventured down to the shores of the River Forth for my first dip. The water was around 8°C, which for those of you who aren’t aware, is cold. Within seconds, my hands and feet felt numb. I splashed around for about 10 minutes, entertaining a seal who had popped up to see what had dared to enter its world and then I was out. On the CSA website, it says one minute in May is worth one hour in August, so theoretically, I had just down 10 hours, a good start. Over the next couple of weeks, my tolerance for the cold water increased dramatically. With the help of my friend Jenny, I was now able to comfortably stay in for over an hour without a wet suit.

However, due to the cold, I was still finding it difficult to train for much more than an hour, so I made the decision to start the trip early and cycle down to Dover with plenty of time before my swim for some last minute preparation.

Dover is a real haven for open water swimming. The harbour is always bustling with swimmers, and on weekends the number of swimmers climbs up towards 100. Many of the people here share the same dream, to swim the English Channel. With the slightly warmer water, I was able to increase the time I spent in the water, while the rest of the day was committed to eating. I went

through several phases of varying emotions.

Some days I would be completely sure that I’d make it to France and others I would question whether I’d even make it out of the harbour. Dover is a great place to practise swimming, but it is an even better place for you to realise how unprepared you are for swimming the Channel. Every weekend, there are teams of people down at the harbour, most of whom have already swam the Channel, taking time from their lives to help others achieve their dreams. However, initially all the chat about Channel swimming can be a little overawing. “Have you done your 10-hour practise swim yet?”, “have you done a three hour no feed swim?”, “have you practised your feeding technique?”, when your answer to all their questions is no, it can be extremely disheartening.

So here I stood, on the beach of Dover with a sense of calm. Months of hard work had led to this moment, preparation complete and it was time to go. “I am going to do this” I told myself, I had absolutely no doubt in my mind. I stepped into the cool waters, the White Cliffs of Dover providing a dramatic backdrop, feeling every pebble with my feet as if it would be my last. Then, as the clock ticked past 7am on Friday July 15th 2016, I pushed off from the shores of Dover, my English Channel swim had officially begun.

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I immediately started swimming towards my support boat which was stationed a couple of hundred metres off shore. It was a beautiful morning, the sun was glistening and the water was as smooth as glass. My support team consisted off my parents, the observer Keith, the pilots Eric and Gary and Maria Conceicao, the inspirational founder of the Dubai based Maria Cristina Foundation. We had met a couple of weeks earlier, giving me a great opportunity to learn about her incredible sporting achievements and the amazing work being done by her and her foundation.

We had agreed to a feeding pattern of food and drinks every hour and drinks every half an hour after the first two hours. The first two hours passed beautifully, the water was extremely calm and I was feeling strong and most importantly, warm. After this, the breaks changed to every half an hour, which if for nothing else provides a nice target to aim for. Mentally it can be extremely draining thinking about the 13-hour swim that you have ahead. Simply thinking about the next 30 minutes is much more manageable. You just need to ask yourself “can I swim another 30 minutes?�, the answer will

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be yes, then just repeat this until you reach France, easy.

The swimming pool conditions that I experienced for the first hour were slowly waning, replaced by increasingly large rolling waves. After four hours, Eric asked if I could swim a bit faster. He was concerned that the tide was pushing us up the Channel, swimming faster would negate this, potentially reducing the swim by several hours.

I upped my pace a little bit, but upping it considerably is simply not possible when you probably have over 10 more hours to swim. The waves began to increase in size and little did I know, but concerns were mounting on the boat. The weather was turning nasty and forecasted to get worse.

At the seven-hour feed, Eric came out and explained the situation. We had drifted quite far up the Channel, the tide was just about to change, meaning that we would be travelling back down the Channel, against the wind. However, because we had drifted up further than planned, the tide would not take us down far enough before it changed again, meaning that I would be swimming well into darkness before reaching France became remotely possible. The waves had been growing steadily in aggression and were now causing the situation to become dangerous. Eric gave me the option, I could keep swimming, with the knowledge that

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

it would be into darkness, probably back into the light before we reached France and even then it would probably be too dangerous to land, or I could stop. I kept swimming.

A short time after this, Eric again appeared from the cabin and signalled me over to the boat. The waves were now so strong that even getting close enough to the boat to hear him was a struggle. Honestly, I didn’t need to be close to the boat, I knew what he was going to say, my swim was over.

Preparing for an event for so long can

be extremely mentally draining and not succeeding was extremely tough. One of the main reasons I wanted to take on this challenge was because I wanted to push myself to my absolute limits, both physically and mentally. My frustration was that factors out with my control meant that this was not possible, if I had tried and failed, then at least I’d know, at least I’d have given it my all and could accept that this time, it wasn’t enough. To be pulled out of the water when things were still going fine, nowhere near my limitations, was extremely frustrating.

Channel swimming is so popular that

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you have to book a slot at least a year in advance, sometimes two. For this reason, if you don’t make it across, it isn’t just a case of coming back next week for another go.

Most swimmers have to wait at least another year. Thankfully, appreciating that the failed attempt wasn’t my fault, Eric offered me another chance at the end of the season.

Looks like I can’t put away those speedos just yet, I’ll be needing them again in a couple of months.

I will cross the English Channel; I will not stop trying until I do. For now, however, it’s goodbye to Dover, the adventure continues.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Words + Photos by: Chris and Amanda Gordon

One of the first items on my bucket

list was to swim with whale sharks. I was disappointed to learn that I would not be able to check this off in South Africa during the winter season. Thus, I immediately started googling “diving with whale sharks in Africa” and was super excited to find that it was almost guaranteed during the months of October – March on Mafia Island.

Sure enough, we found ourselves on Mafia Island at the end of October. What perfect timing! We organised four days at the Big Blu Mafia Island Dive Centre, a beautiful resort located inside the marine park. Our first

day was spent relaxing, the next two days were allocated for fishing, leaving the last morning for the whale shark excursion.

While enjoying the bar on our first day we spoke to another guest who had booked the diving trip with the expectation to swim with whale sharks. He didn’t see a single whale shark! Could that be our luck? Had we made a mistake leaving it to our last day on the island?

7 AM and we were out the door. We arrived at the east side of the island where our boat was waiting for us. Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones who had signed up to swim with the gentle giants. We cruised for 10 minutes and were told to keep an eye out for the whale sharks. We were shocked that the encounter happened so close to the island, practically in line with the infamous ferry pier. Within seconds of arriving, the excitement began. We would not have the unfortunate fate of the other guest at the resort.

As their huge fins pierced the water, we soon realised where the name shark came from. Their dorsals resembled that of a massive great white. We were a bit intimidated by their size to say the least. With masks and fins on, we raced towards the whale sharks. As soon as we got close enough, our

guide told us to jump in. Just like that. We launched ourselves into the water, looked down, and there he was—this 8 meter, beautifully marked, open-mouthed, smiling gentle giant; cruising the big blue in search of food. The feelings of intimidation soon changed to joy and admiration for these massive creatures.

Over the next two hours, we were lucky enough to swim with 8-10 of these amazing mammals, getting as close as a meter away.

What we hadn’t been prepared for was the amount of swimming we would need to do!

Michael Phelps’ Olympic training would not have sufficed.

Just like that, another bucket list item was ticked. No picture could ever do this experience justice, and again, we were reminded just how lucky we are.

T R&I E D

TESTED ODUC THIS PR

OV T IS APPR

TDOO ED BY OU

RUAE

Words by: Daniel Birkhofer

In the past couple of years running has become more popular in the UAE, both in terms of the numbers of people running and the amount of events and running tracks on which to run. Trail running as a form of running is following this trend, with established runners getting to know trail running is and where it can be done.

Built for any adventure, this rugged, waterproof, leather Peak Freak Mid will take on any challenge that comes its way.

The upper is made of full-grain leather for support and durability, while the Techlite midsole provides long-lasting comfort and superior cushioning and the Omni-Grip, non-marking outsole gives it a grip that just won’t quit and makes it perfect for mountain trails. With more ridged soles to protect the foot from sharp rocks and punctures as well as an agressive sole to ensure best grip on rocks and loose gravel, the shoe is also durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions whilst a normal running shoe might tear apart after a short time. The ankle support provides great protection but it is a bit heavy to run on long trails.

Columbia Peak Freak

Columbia Razor

Trail running involves running on hiking trails instead of running tracks and paved roads. This means that it appeals especially to adventurous people and explorers since there are no limits where you can run. The equipment needed is very similar to normal running equipment and you don’t need much. You can start with normal running shoes but it is advised to get some specialised trail running shoes. The shoes differ mainly in the sole, depending on the terrain you are planning to run.

The Ventrailia Razor is a lightweight, flexible, trail shoe with welded textile and mesh uppers for maximum breathability, cooling and comfort. The Techlite lightweight midsole offers superior cushioning and highenergy return. It is a lighter version which is good for desert trails in soft sand or even for running on the beach or the road.

Columbia Outdry

The waterproof and breathable Conspiracy Titanium Out Dry with FluidFrame multi-density underfoot support and a TechLite midsole for high-energy return is ideal for wadis where you might need to wade through water since it is water proof.

If you are not sure where to start running, just drive to the mountains and follow a wadi or a trail, but make sure you can find your way back in case you’re not sure about the trail. Alternatively, you can also join one of the many groups on Facebook to find a starting point. Trails in the desert are usually much easier to start with since the way finding is easier and you can also build your skill level to progress to more demanding trails.

You should start with easy trails and progress to more challenging trails once you and your body gets used to running on uneven and often loose surfaces. To minimise the risk of injury, start at a suitable trail level for you. You should also take a mobile phone with you and ideally a GPS. Trail running requires a lot more concentration than road running, so it’s also advised to take a small first aid kit with you. If you go on longer trails, take a day pack with enough drinks or a hydration pack with you which you can find together with the shoes and clothing you will need in your local Columbia store.

Products are available at Columbia stores: Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall; Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall Instagram: columbia_me Facebook: Columbia Middle East

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However, nothing could be further from the truth.

So what does sleep really do for us?

Words + Photos by: Michelle Harvey

Whether you’re someone who indulges in it as much as possible or someone who wishes it wasn’t necessary,we all know we can’t live without it.

Allan Rechtschaffen (a sleep research pioneer) once said; “if sleep does not serve a fundamental benefit it’s the biggest mistake evolution ever made”. After all, when we think about sleep in more primal terms, it doesn’t really make sense. Whilst asleep we aren’t eating, finding a mate, protecting offspring, looking for food or socialising. It seems terribly inefficient. However, as new research about the functionality of sleep arises, we realise its pertinence and the consequences of not having enough of it.

Inherently, we all have an idea of the pertinence of sleep because we accept and encourage it in babies. It is recognised as critical to their development. However, somewhere between childhood and adolescence our attitude towards sleep shifts from necessary to superfluous. People view sleep as a kind of dormant, low battery mode where our bodies and minds are resting.

Maiken Nedergaard, a Danish Biologist, describes sleep as the time when your brain plays mental janitor. After a day of thinking our brain is littered with metabolite dirt.

Sleep is when the brain’s equivalent of the lymphatic system comes in and clears everything out. Beta-amloid, a protein cleared out by the brain during sleep, has been closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This has led researchers to believe sleep deprivation could be closely linked to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Sleep is also required to consolidate learning. Anyone who plays an instrument may have experience of practicing a song over and over, but not quite being able to master it. Then suddenly, the next day you sit down to play and everything comes together! This is because what we learned during a day is cemented into the neural architecture of our brain during sleep. Without sleep, it’s actually impossible to learn.

Beyond consolidating information, sleep is also a time when the different areas of the brain talk to each other. Matt Walker (a professor of Neuroscience and Psychology) explains that the slow down in brain wave oscillations seen during sleep is responsible for this. During this process we are able to test what we have learned in relation to other information stored in the brain. This marks the difference between knowledge (knowing facts) and wisdom (understanding and extrapolating insights between these facts).

Matt Walker explains that it is easy to measure the impairments we suffer from lack of sleep. He says “you can see at what point the elastic band of sleep deprivation stops stretching and snaps in terms of it biological consequence”. This is seen anywhere below the 8 hours a night mark – bear in mind, 8 hours is not optimal, but merely the minimum. These consequences range from increased risk of stoke, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and

Food can play a large role in affected how much and how well we sleep. Here are some related tips that may be of use: 1. Have tea/coffee ideally only in the morning. The effects of caffeine can last 6 hours so even an after lunch coffee can affect sleep quality.

2. Eat a good source of protein in the morning. The amino acids in good quality animal protein have proven to improve sleep quality (the Caveman Cravings on our breakfast menu is a good one for this).

3. Eat most of your carbs at dinner. Some studies have also shown that having a

spoon of honey before dinner can help you sleep. The thinking behind this is that it keeps liver glycogen full. (see our pumpkin pie recipe for a paleo dessert that would satisfy these requirements).

4. Drink bone broth at night. Glycine is an amino acid with sleep promoting effects and is found in bone broth.

5. Animal fat, olive oil and macadamia nuts all contain oleic acid – a precursor to the sleep inducing oleamide.

Pumpkin Pie: For The Crust: • 2 ½ Cups Almond Meal • 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil • 1 Egg • ½ TSP Cinnamon • Pinch Of Salt For The Filling: • 1 ½ Cups Roasted Pumpkin • 1 Tbsp Coconut Oil • 1 Tsp Cinnamon • 1 Cup Pitted Dates • 3 Tbsp Coconut Cream • 3 Eggs • 1 ½ Tsp All Spice Method: Begin by cutting the pumpkin into cubes and roasting at 165°C with some coconut oil and cinnamon until soft.

While the pumpkin is roasting blend all crust ingredients in a food processor until combined. Then press into a 20cm pie dish and set aside.

Add all filling ingredients to a blender (I find the blender better than the food processor at this point as the dates puree more smoothly). Blend until smooth and pour into the crust.

Bake at 165 °C for 12 minutes or until the pie has set on top (there should not be residue left upon touching the centre with your finger) You can garnish it with crushed nuts, powdered coconut or as desired. immune function. You also risk becoming vulnerable to infection and cancer, so much so that the world health organisation now classifies shift work as a possible carcinogen.

Against popular belief, you cannot ‘catch up on sleep’ over the weekend or on holiday. The brain cannot make up for what was lost on that one night of poor sleep.

Worryingly still, we can become so habituated to lack of sleep we think we are doing just fine. Think of all those people who revel in being able to get by on 4-5 hours a night.

However, similarly to the way in which an inebriated driver will feel fine to drive, a sleep deprived person will have a false sense of how optimally they are functioning on low amounts of sleep.

The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384 Phone: 04 425 3000

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PRODUCTS A ROUND-UP OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE RIGHT HERE IN THE UAE

Baby Miller Original Fluor Blue

Miller Longboard - Explorer 40”

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE and Qatar

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE and Qatar

Let the good times roll with Baby Miller. Skate anywhere, anytime. Baby Miller boards come in a range of fun and attractive colours, the perfect cruiser.

The new Explorer, a 40” pintail, gives you a manoeuvrable complete board with a medium concave that gives you extra grip.

Perfect for carving, pumping, cruising and freeride.

Miller Longboard - Palm Beach 38”

Miller Cruiser - Jungle 29”

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE and Qatar

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE and Qatar

The Palm Beach, a 38” longboard, gives one of the most complete longboards. Made from 100% Canadian Maple, with a medium concave, high performance grip and Creek 70mm wheels. Perfect for carving, sliding, freestyle and freeride.

The City can be a jungle, but we have a solution, the new Jungle 29” cruiser. With 7 Canadian Maplewood plies, single kick deck. It has a smooth concave and 60 mm wheels. Perfect for Street, Slalom and Quarters. No limits!

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Big Red Motorsports are one of the region’s leading providers of desert thrills in the region. With tours on buggies, motorbikes, quads and ATV’S, we spoke to some recent customers to find out all about their Big Red experience!

Anneke Du Preez, 23, Office Assistant, South African

The experience was amazing! It’s literally the best experience I’ve ever had in the desert, and Big Red offer a variety of options. For example, today we had a choice of an hour or two hours’ tour. We decided on the two-hour buggy tour. The view that you get from the tour is outstanding. I loved every part of it, especially the stops, where you get great tea!

If you have your own buggy or bike, you can store it at Big Red’s storage containers and even go out for free rides with them.

I’ve been on three tours. The first ride I did was a private night ride. It was quite scary as you can’t actually see what’s happening in front of you! It’s literally just feeling the motion of the buggy and then seeing the dune right in front of you. The second tour I went on was a day tour, which was actually scarier as you can see exactly what’s happening when you go over the dunes! However, the vehicles are so strong and handle the dunes very well. We went on a big loop from Big Red, to 2nd December to Pink Rock. Every tour I have been on has been a different route, but with the same stops. It was amazing to see all the different views of the desert.

The group I was with included another couple and a teenager with his father. As long as a child can be harnessed in properly and can touch the pedals, then they will be allowed to drive, although this is only on flat surfaces,

not on the dunes themselves. Big Red cater each route according to who is on the tour, so experienced riders and past customers get to tackle tougher dunes! The biggest group I’ve seen them take is five buggies, or ten buggies with two tour guides.

Big Red trust you to be responsible with your own vehicle, and also focus a lot on safety, keeping everything well maintained and clean. I would recommend the buggy experience to anyone and everyone because it’s absolutely amazing, feeling the dunes and actually going into the desert to see the camels and all the wildlife. Put this on your bucket list!

Bas Degeling, 43, New Equipment Director for the Middle East and Africa (elevator industry), Dutch

I started riding with Big Red about five months ago, after moving from South Africa to the UAE for work. The Big Red guys are great and very capable, and it’s also a fantastic environment in which to make new friends with other customers. You can create your own group of people who are at the same level, and go out into the desert to have fun!

Dubai is generally a hectic environment, so it’s great to get out into the desert and relax.

Big Red Motorsports were recommended to me by a colleague of mine. I started riding with them and never looked for any other company. I now recommend Big Red to people who say they are looking to go out on a tour. In fact, we just had a two-hour buggy tour with colleagues, which is a nice thing to do. I prefer medium sized groups, and would

say that buggies are perfect for children who want to come along on the rides.

Rob Dam, 27, Entrepreneur, Construction Industry, Dutch

I have been on tours with Big Red a couple of times before, but this was my first four-hour tour. With this tour you go a bit further into the desert and see new places. The guys always ask you if there’s anything you want to focus on or particularly want to do, e.g. riding on sabkhas or dunes.

It changes over time of course, but the guides know where to go and where not to go, which is really helpful and much better than going out alone.

It’s about my tenth time riding with Big Red Motorsports, and I’m thinking of getting a bike here with them, as I love it so much! It’s definitely a hobby for me and is all about having fun in the desert. Booking is really easy and I now just send a Whatsapp asking if there’s any spare slots available. We agree on a time that suits us both, so it’s super convenient.

Randy Stoter, 27, Entrepreneur, pepsports.com, Dutch

I was invited by Rob, so today was my first time with Big Red Motorsports. It was great to get out and ride a bike in the desert! I was riding a small bike in my home country, but this was my first time in the sand. I liked feeling the speed and power of the bike, and hope to do some jumps in the dunes next time!

Big Red Motorsports is located in Sahara Amusement Centre, Nazwa Dubai - Hatta Road, E44.

You can contact them at +971 50 919 2394 or visit www.bigreddxb.com to find out more about their tours and to choose the best for you, family friends or for corporate groups.

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

PRODUCTS SCOTT Prospect Goggle

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Mens Jacket Outdry Extreme ECO Shell

Mens Shoe Ventrailia Razor Multisport

Available at Columbia stores:

Available at Columbia stores:

Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall

Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall

• OutDRY™ waterproof/breathable fully seam sealed • Textile made from 100% recycled polyester • Trims contain 100% recycled content (Toggle, washer, phemo, eyelet, labels, webbing, zippers, thread) • 100% dyeless textile • Non PFC OutDRY Extreme Membrane • External seam tape • Bonded visor, hem, and cuffs • Attached, adjustable storm hood • Zippered hand pockets • Adjustable contoured sleeve cuff • Drawcord adjustable hem

When you want it all in one package the Ventrailia II Outdry™ will give it to you. Support, lightweight, breathability, traction, comfort and good looking as well.

AED 289

Fabrics • Shell: 100% Recycled Polyester

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1,350 AED

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AED 499

Upper Textile with welded synthetic overlays OutDRY™ Breathable Waterproof Construction Midsole TECHLITE™ lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return Midsole ports for air ventilation and cooling Outsole Omni-GRIP™ non-marking traction rubber

The Nolan N87 is Nolan’s latest full face polycarbonate helmet aimed at both sportsbike and touring riders.

The N87 comes with a drop-down sun visor, has a wide visor with Pinlock Max Vision insert and is designed to fit both Nolan’s N-com Bluetooth communication system and their novel rear stop light system (ESS).

The Nolan N87 looks to be a quality package at a competitive price. It has a wide visor with quick release system and Pinlock in the box to stop any fogging – and a UV400 drop down sun visor. It’s pretty light weight for a polycarbonate full face and is Bluetooth communicator ready.

It was safety tested by SHARP in 2016 and scored an impressive 4 stars (out of 5) which means it should give very good protection indeed.

The Nolan N87 is both ECE 22.05 and DOT certified – and is SHARP tested too.

The N87 is also the first helmet we’ve seen that can fit a brake light into the rear of the helmet – though that’s an optional extra.

The light is designed to automatically show under heavy breaking and can also be used as a flashing fog light.

The N87 has what Nolan call ‘Air Booster Technology’.

What that actually means is that it has a chin vent and double forehead vents! The chin vent consists of single large sliders that pull down and lets air ventilate the rear of the visor.

The main visor is designed to be wide and high for extra peripheral vision and forward vision when in a sportier tuck.

It’s also Pinlock-ready and comes with a Pinlock Max Vision in the box. Pinlocks are well worth having if you ride in conditions where your visor suffers from fogging.

There’s a built in sun visor operated by a switch on the left hand side of the helmet, just behind the main visor pivot.

Unusually, the sun visor on the N87 works on a ratchet, allowing for a few intermediate visor positions as well as the fully up and fully down positions.

The Nolan N87 is available in a wide range of sizes from XXS-XXXL. The internals are fully removable and washable and made from Clima Cool material that’s wicking and breathable. It also features Nolan’s Adaptive Eyewear System – meaning that it shouldn’t press the stems of your glasses into your head if you wear glasses.

The N87 comes with a micrometric 2 fastener. They’re nice and easy to use and, as long as they’re tightened correctly, will keep the helmet in place during an accident.

It’s Nolan’s N-Com Bluetooth communicator ready – with space for earphones and mic as well as a place to mount the unit.

Finally, the N87 comes with a chin curtain in the box and is supported by Nolan’s 5 year warranty, something that not all manufacturers offer.

You can buy the Nolan N87 helmet at the best price from Al Yousuf Motors showrooms. For more details, please contact 055 2179342 or visit www.aym.ae.

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Ready to go wherever your passion will take you Words by: Daniel Birkhofer Photos by: Jung Francisco and Supplied

The Chevrolet Trailblazer has been known to the public since the 2000s. Unfortunately, production ended in 2008, but luckily for fans,resumed after a few years, with the company re-starting production in 2012.

The new 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer is certainly one of the best mid-size SUVs on the market. Starting at AED 99,900, the Trailblazer offers not only seven seats; it also takes you wherever your passion leads you.

The 2017 model had a facelift, and we had the chance to test drive the top of the line model, the LTZ. As a new father, I have had to look differently at the car market with new demands and requirements. In a country like the UAE there are a lot of chances to go off-road and so an SUV is the best choice of car if you don’t want to compromise on anything.

The challenge for any car manufacturer is to put all of these demands in the perfect mix, giving the consumer a lot of space but not making the car too big, providing the maximum driving comfort without giving up off-road driving capabilities and loading it with safety and other features but not making it too heavy.

This is, in my opinion, the core and foundation of a good SUV, and all the other extra features are just the icing

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on the cake. If you don’t have a selection of cars each optimised for a specific use, then like most of us you will be left with a tough decision when deciding on a single car.

Chevrolet seems to have found a magic mix with the new 2017 Trailblazer.

revised stepboards which make for easier access both into and out of the vehicle.

2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer Exterior Design

The new design of the 2017 model has a signature dual-port grille with a refreshed front fascia and bold new headlamp with modern LED Day light running lights design.

Add in a ground clearance of 218mm for a tall athletic stance and better off-roading capabilities. The rear carries over from the pre-updated model except for some minor tweaks on the taillights and bumper. The 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer measures 4.9 meters long (4887 mm), 1.90 meters wide and 1.85 meters tall (1847mm).

The 2017 Trailblazer is fitted with new 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with

Engine and Transmission of 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer comes with a 3.6-litre gasoline V6 engine producing 275 horse power and 350 Nm torque with two and four-wheel drive option. The six speed automatic transmission ensures a smooth ride.

The 2017 Trailblazer included driver aids are Hill-Start Assist (HSA) and Hill-Descent Control (HDC), Traction Control (TC) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

With HSA

With HDC

Without HSA

Hill Start Assist Hill Start Assist (HSA) works to stop your vehicle from rolling backwards when moving up an incline. HSA engages automatically when a gradient of 3% or more is detected, holding the car stationary for two seconds after the brake is released in order to give you time to accelerate.

Hill Descent Control Hill Descent Control (HDC) allows for a smooth and controlled descent downhill, by using the ABS braking system on each wheel as you descend. You can confidently take on steep slopes.

Interior and Features

The interior is inviting with a fresh modern design. The high quality leather seats stand out and are fully electrical on the driver’s seat. The car can seat up to seven people and all the rear seats can be folded down to a flat surface, giving the car a lot of versatility no matter what your needs are. The revised center console houses Chevrolet’s second generation MyLink infotainment system.

The Trailblazer has a multi function steering wheel with cruise control and Bluetooth hands free. Other new amenities available

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Without HDC

in top-of-the-range LTZ models include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, electro-chromatic rearview mirror, reverse camera with guidelines, front parking sensors, remote control function for the engine and power windows, plus automatic climate control.

The LTZ is loaded with driver aids which kits out the Trailblazer with several new features like blind spot warning, lane departure warning and front collision warning.

It also comes with front, side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX anchors for child seats and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

Test Drive

These are just some of the technical features of the new Trailblazer LTZ, but in the end it all comes down to real world situations and how useful these features really are, as well as how well the car performs.

The seats are very comfortable and easy

to adjust for any driver, and the arrangement of instruments and buttons is clear and well organised so it is easy to handle.

The new infotainment systems can often be a challenge to get through all the menu options, but not here. Everything is more or less self-explanatory and easy to access via the big and very visible touch screen (even during broad daylight). The engine and its 275HP are enough for any road condition and the six speed automatic shifts smoothly even if you push the accelerator.

The breaks and steering are accurate even though the suspension is a bit soft for my taste, especially when cornering.

One of my favourite features is the remote start which comes in handy especially in summer when it is very hot, as you

can start your car remotely a few minutes before you enter it, so you never need to get in a hot car. As mentioned before, with a new born baby there are also some features which are suddenly of higher importance, and while I am able to sit in a 50C hot car I would never think of putting a baby in such a hot car before it is cooled down to a bearable temperature.

ISOFIX was also a feature I never even looked at but it is a great little feature which makes putting a baby seat into the car so much easier and safer. Unfortunately, a lot of people still don’t use baby or child seats or even use a seat belt for their children, and therefore I think highlighting this feature is important. I hope that the convenience of the ISOFIX will convince a

Electronic Stabilility Control

Applies brake pressure to the wheels while limiting the engine power when necessary to prevent your vehicle from skidding out of control.

few more people to give the safest ride to their children.

Hands-free should be a standard feature in all new cars in my opinion, since few of us resist taking or making calls while we drive. The Chevrolet ‘MyLink System’ is very easy to use and it’s a matter of seconds to pair your phone with the system. If you use an iPhone there are even additional features you can use such as full siri functionality.

The LTZ has fully automatic air conditioning in the front and rear, which, especially with five seats in the rear and given the local temperatures, is important.

The side blind zone alert is also a very useful feature. Just think how easily a delivery bike driver completely vanishes from your vision; this technical aid can save him from serious injury and your car from damage. I am sure most of us have had this type of close encounter with motorbikes in traffic.

The lane departure warning is considered first as a small unimportant feature, but after using and thinking about it I actually believe it is a great feature. First of all, I never realised how many times I change lanes without signalling; the lane departure warning did remind me of that with an acoustic tone and a small warning lamp.

The feature works well and is quite accurate. Getting back to how many people use their phone even if they shouldn’t, it would be great to have this feature in all cars.

On many occasions I have seen other cars drifting across their lane and when I passed them I noticed that the driver

is using their mobile phone. I believe that a lot of accidents are caused because people play with their phone rather than paying attention to the traffic. The lane departure warning could help with decreasing these accidents since I think it would be naïve to believe that people will stop using their phone while driving.

If you have a family or outdoor hobbies, you will need to transport a lot of things.

The Trailblazer gives you this space. All the back seats can be folded down to a flat surface so that you can use all the room in the boot and the back of the car to load your gear, or you could even use the back of the car to sleep in. If you go to the desert and can’t find a flat surface to camp on, it will top any tent in terms of comfort.

The clearance of the 2017 model is great for a factory car, and you can ascend and descend steep dunes without breaking the front or the rear bumper. You can never have enough power if you go off-road, but the 275 horse power is sufficient, especially since the Trailblazer is not as heavy as bigger SUVs or trucks. The tyre pressure monitor comes in handy if you have to deflate or inflate tires for an off-road drive, since you can easily read the pressure of each tire without having to use a separate pressure gauge.

Verdict

If you are looking for a car that is ready to go anywhere, yet you still need comfort and space, the Trailblazer is a good choice.

Furthermore, if you don’t want to miss out on any of the latest features and want a more aggressive look, the 118,500 AED Trailblazer LTZ model is ideal.

For those looking for more aggressive off road styling, the Chevrolet offers a Z71 variant of the Trailblazer which boasts black hood decals, black wheels, along with other various blackened accents and Z71 badging.

Active Safety to Keep you Moving

Traiblazer comes packed with a host of available driver assist technologies that use strategically located radar sensors around the vehicle to protect you and your passengers.

For more details and a test drive contact your local Chevrolet dealer or visit: chevroletarabia.com

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OUR EXPERTS

Women

n Wheels

Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt Photos by: Supplied

On the 16th of December, cyclists from across the world participated in the seventh edition of the annual Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge.

More than 2000 riders lined up at the start in the Dubai Autodrome, making this the largest cycle event in the Middle East and the highest participation in the event to date.

Cyclists of all levels were welcomed to take to the roads of Dubai, from juniors to beginners to professional riders. 37 female riders crossed the finish line in the Elite category with an additional 111 female riders finishing the Open category and a total of 66 females completing the shorter 53km course.

UCI Gran Fondo World Series Qualifier

For the first time in the history of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, the 2016 edition was also appointed as one of 15 worldwide qualifier events, leading to the UWCT final. This Gran Fondo World Series for amateur riders will ultimately crown age group World Champions. In the qualifier events and hereby also the Spinneys

Dubai 92, the top 25% finishers in each age category will automatically have the right to compete in the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships for amateurs and race for the coveted UCI rainbow jersey. The 2017 final takes place in Albi, France in August 2017.

Elite Female Race Report

The 92km course with start and finish at the Dubai autodrome offered in general pristine and flat roads. It’s a fast course on the long and wide roads, with the fly-overs presenting the most difficulty. The first part of the route took the riders through the desert and return via Hessa Street to the residential area of Emirates Hills, past Jumeirah Lake Towers and return to the autodrome.

The 37 strong elite female field comprised of the usual UAE based riders accompanied by visiting riders from countries including Canada, Denmark, Qatar and two riders from the Iranian national female cycling team.

At 6:07am the female field set off from the autodrome by ‘gun start’, a few minutes behind the first two faster male groups.

Aimee Wright, The Cycle Hub, set a strong pace from the beginning and led the string of female riders through the darkness and snaking autodrome track, leaving some of the visiting riders a little nervous about the unknown profile and lack of visibility. Hitting the roads of Dubai as dawn approached and moving towards the desert, the peloton

settled into a steady 34-36 km/h pace, with a total of 28 riders forming the main pack after a more challenging start to the course. The peloton stayed unbroken for the remaining of the race, despite Roisin Thomas, BeSport Women, launching several attacks with the aim of breaking the field and forming a breakaway. Deirdre Casey, Wolfi’s Contessas, once again demonstrated a strong performance at the front of the peloton, using her incredible strength and endurance to set the peloton pace high, making other girls work harder. As predicted on a flat course, the elite female race finished in a bunch sprint on the autodrome track, with Roisin Thomas, BeSport Women, taking the overall win in 02:31:41 (average pace 36, 8 km/h); followed

by Aimee Wright, The Cycle Hub and Helle Bachofen von Echt, BeSport Women, neck to neck in joint second and Julie Melville, visiting from Qatar in third place.

Elite Female Rider Experiences

Natasha Leask - Team leader of Wolfi's Contessas (based in UAE) “I have taken part in all seven Spinneys 92 races to date. On my very first event I raced in the general classifications. The second year I raced in the Elite male race with another two female riders. In the early days we were three road cycling girls only and all races were with the men. Now that we have encouraged more females into road cycling, we can have the numbers to have our own category which is safer and therefore more

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attractive to female riders. In this 7th edition of the Spinneys Dubai 92, we had some good riders visiting from other countries and areas around the Gulf. This made the race less predictable and also helps to raise the standard of racing in Dubai.

In the Wolfi's Contessas team we were missing some of our riders, with a few riders recently completing Ironman Challenges and Yvonne van Hattum currently away on training camp in Spain. Our team goal for this race, as with all races, was to have fun and we also successfully qualified for the UCI Gran Fondo final, despite no places on the main podium”.

Rikke Laursen, Denmark - Coach and Organizer of cycling trips to Dubai, Nice, Fuerteventura and Mallorca “I first visited Dubai in 2013; I loved the cycling experience and I knew I wanted to return and also give other riders a similar experience. In December 2014 I returned with 20 Danish riders and we all enjoyed a week of cycling at Al Qudra cycle track and the Hatta mountains and we also competed in the Spinneys Dubai 92 Challenge. The cycling facilities in Dubai are amazing and I have now, three years later, had more than 60 Danish riders with me in Dubai training and competing. Residing in the North, we are mainly attracted to Dubai for the cycling track and warm sunny winter weather, but also the service and the people of Dubai.

Participating in the Spinneys 92 Challenge for the 3rd time, I was particularly impressed with the improvement of road closures; and Simon, leading the master car for the elite female field, did an outstanding job leading us safely through the roads of Dubai”.

Roisin Thomas, BeSport Women (based in UAE) - Overall winner of the Spinneys 92 Dubai Challenge Female Elite “After racing in Rasnam Ban in Ireland in September, I have been on a structured training program and I felt in good shape going into the final race of 2016. Competing in the Irish stage races gave me valuable experience, among others I learned how to better deal with nerves and emotions before race day and on the start line. Going into the Spinney 92 I felt I knew better how to handle stress than ever before, but equally importantly I trusted that my training had paid off and that my fitness level was good.

I predicted one of three different scenarios in this race and I was hoping for and attempting to form a breakaway, but that didn’t happen. Instead I managed to place myself well in the bunch sprint. The event was well organised and I really enjoyed the race village as well. I am looking forward to competing in the final in France”.

Line Eriksen, Denmark - Danish Double National Masters Champion 2016 (road race and individual time trial) “I came to Dubai specifically to compete in the UCI Gran Fondo qualifier as it is a goal of mine to compete in the finals in France in 2017. It is now off season, winter and cold in Denmark and I have been

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training on an indoor stationary watt bike to prepare myself for the Spinneys Dubai 92. Arriving in Dubai and collecting my start number, my heart sank when I realized I had registered in the wrong category and I had no option than to start in group E (mixed male and female) towards the rear of the total of 2000+ riders, separate from the women’s and qualifier field. On the start line, I spotted a couple of male riders with shaved legs and their shades on the outside of their helmet, looking like they would be the fastest riders in this group. We moved to the front of the group and took turns in keeping the pace high. I ended up spending a lot of time at the front which made the race tough for me, but equally I really enjoyed the scenery; and the Dubai weather and temperatures were perfect for racing. I finished in a time of 02:26:33 averaging 38, 4 km/h”.

The Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge continues to grow and improve year by year and so do the numbers, strength and calibre of the UAE based female riders. With many now holding an entry to the 2017 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in France in August, we can be looking forward to seeing the female field training, racing, improving and gaining as much experience as possible in their preparations for the finals.

Helle Bachofen von Echt is a Dubai based amateur road cyclist competing in both local and International events.

She is team leader of a UAE based female amateur cycling team and she is also an Indoor Cycling Instructor at Flywheel Sports Dubai. Helle loves traveling with her bike and you can follow her adventures and racing in pictures on instagram @thegirlwhocyclesinthedesert and her blog page www.hellebve.com

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Dive Into the New Year : Words by: Jake Lyle Photos by: Jon Lyle

We as humans are drawn to exploration and new discovery – we want to search through the unknown, find new things and solve ancient mysteries.

Since the beginning of time, we’ve trekked across continents, crossed oceans and discovered 48

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new land. Early Homo sapiens followed herds of buffalo across vast landscapes, the Romans conquered nearly all of Europe, and Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic and became one of the first to discover the Americas.

All of these journeys and voyages however, led to the discovery of new land, and left the underwater realm untouched. Even today, we have only explored less than 5 per cent of the ocean – the substance that covers over 70 per cent of the earth’s surface – and so the quest to explore and discover the ocean and anything it holds within it, is still very much alive. So this year – why not join the search?

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It may be your first time, getting underwater, or it may be your hundredth – either way, make a promise to yourself that you will try to explore something new.

With the New Year upon us, a great many people begin thinking ‘what do I want to do differently this year?’ Now I’m sure you’ve already got a resolution in mind, whether it concerns work, health or family – but why not implement a second one? One that’s exciting, different and something you’d never thought of before? Sure, have your sensible resolution – to go the gym three days a week – but then have a fun one, for yourself – to get underwater – and explore something new.

Luckily for us here in the UAE, we live within minutes of a beautiful coastline, lined with perfect beaches that are met with calm turquoise waters ready to be explored. So there are very few difficulties for anyone wanting to take part in the quest to discover more of the ocean. Not only are the coastlines surrounded by vast amounts of ocean, but they’re also bordered by very diverse and varied waters. Someone partaking in a Scuba dive off the coast of Dubai may have a very different dive to someone exploring

the coast of Fujairah – so there is certainly no shortage of experiences to be had.

It may be your first time, getting underwater, or it may be your hundredth – either way, make a promise to yourself that you will try to explore something new. You don’t need to go far as there are plenty of opportunities close to home. There are a plethora of diving spots here in the UAE, whether it’s in Dubai, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi or wherever you choose. Maybe cross the border into Oman and explore the Musandam Coast, Muscat or even a little further afield in the Damaniyat Islands. If you got a little more time why not venture into the Red Sea? A trip from Dubai to Sharm El Sheikh won’t break the bank, but it will sure make for a great diving experience full of opportunities for you to explore something new. There is so much ocean to be explored, and there will always be something new that you can discover. The open ocean is not like the land, where people have already discovered most of it, governments have laid claim to it

and some of it is off limits to us. The ocean belongs to all of us and there are always new pockets to be discovered by you and me.

Maybe your goal of exploration this year is simply to explore the ocean for the very first time? Scuba diving may be something you’ve only ever seen on TV or in Hollywood films and now you think it’s your time to try it. Well there are very few places around the world with more diving centres and operations than here in the UAE. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah are all filled with dive centres ready to take in new divers and help them begin their exploration of the ocean for the very first time. Introductory and beginner courses can be completed over a weekend and cost less than an expensive night out on the town. If you’ve never dived before, make 2017 the year that you start, because I guarantee you, after your first few dives you’ll be addicted to this fascinating exploration of a world so few people have ever seen.

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What you explore and discover this year doesn’t have to be decided by luck, or depend purely on the location that you’re diving in. You can decide where you dive and what you see. Maybe you want to explore the realm of the Whale Shark and discover the majesty of this creature, and what has made it so revered across the world. Then make it happen. If a Whale Shark sighting 50

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is your goal, then go to the places with the highest chances. There are certain places across the world where whale sharks frequent – one of which is right here in the Middle East – in Oman! Go to them, discover what you’ve always wanted to discover.

Animals like these follow quite predictable migration patterns, making their way across oceans to where it suits them best, or where

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they go to mate. So study them, investigate the patterns and follow them. If it is whale sharks that you want to discover then set a plan and put it into motion. Start your search in Fujairah, and then move onto Oman. Both are whale shark hotspots right in our own backyard. Then extend your radius a little and head to the Red Sea, Mozambique, or the Maldives. Keep the promise to yourself

and explore what you want and discover what you want.

I know that as soon as I began diving, the first thing I wanted to explore was a shipwreck. Growing up reading novels and watching movies about explorers discovering lost treasure in colossal ships, sunken by rogue waves and fierce battles set this goal in motion for me. If you’re similar to me and the exploration of such a scene is attractive to you, then once again, you don’t have to look much further than here in the Middle East. Although most people don’t know it, scattered across Dubai’s coastline are a great number of shipwrecks, mostly sunken on purpose by the Navy, which make for fantastic dives. If it’s a much larger, grander shipwreck you’re looking for, then it’s the SS Al Munasir in Muscat, Oman that you’ll want to explore. This 3000-ton vessel is the ‘Titanic’ of the Middle East. Although it lies on the bottom of the ocean now, it still commands just as much authority over its surroundings than it would have had when it steamed across the surface. So if it’s shipwrecks that will satisfy your desire for exploration; you know where to go.

Perhaps you’re looking for a more unique exploration experience, and you’d love to explore and discover hundreds of the ocean’s most spectacular species, but you’d like to do so from within the city – there are two great options for you here in Dubai. If you’d like to guarantee a fantastic exploration of the waters that thousands of fish (including sharks) call home, then it’s an aquarium for you. Exploration and discovery come in all kinds of different forms and as long as you are experiencing something new, and seeing something you’ve never seen before, right in front of you, it counts.

So if you want to fulfil your resolution of underwater exploration amongst of flurry of colourful fish and tens of incredible sharks, then the Dubai Aquarium in Dubai Mall or

the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis is for you.

Undertaking and fulfilling a New Years resolution is a noble pursuit. It shows perseverance, determination and dedication.

Many people adopt resolutions that will hopefully better themselves and their lives in one way or another and it’s an endeavour that everybody should attempt. There’s no reason, however, that you can’t attempt a second resolution alongside it. Not because you have to, but because you want to.

Sensible and responsible resolutions, when completed, are commendable – but upon completion of a fun and exciting resolution, like diving into the ocean and exploring something new, will leave you with more than just satisfaction because you achieved it; it will leave you with lasting memories and an unforgettable experience. Not only will it make your life more complete, it will enhance it. Exploration is not a narrow, one-way path; it’s a path that can lead to so many different things and take you to so many different places. So what may now seem like a small resolution to explore a small part of the ocean, will later transform into a constant desire to discover more, and a newfound respect and admiration for the world and all it has to offer. So dive into this New Year and join the search to discover and explore more of one of the greatest mysteries of all time: the ocean.

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Natural History Words + Photos by: Dan Wright

My work with our trekking company in Nepal sometimes requires me to travel to exotic and exciting destinations (poor me!!) and this December I was invited to Bhutan by their Tourism Council on a familiarisation visit. The Purpose of the FAM visit is for agents who sell Bhutan tours to go there and experience the type of package we are selling. It is also an opportunity for us to explore new expeditions and programs to run in Bhutan and on this occasion I was exploring Mountain Biking, Rafting and Trekking!

Often referred to as Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is an extraordinary culture that only opens its doors to a select few every year which keeps its culture pristine and makes it a very sought after destination for an alternative adventure experience. With a population of just 700,000 people, the number of tourists annually seldom exceeds 100,000 people and if you are there in the winter then you will see almost no other tourists during your stay, which makes it quite a different experience to other Asian destinations like India or Nepal!

Until 2008 Bhutan was a monarchy but in 2006 the King decreed that his country would become a democracy and it was made so in just two years with none of the bloodshed that we find so synonymous in other parts of the world with the transition to democracy.

Consequently the Royal Family is revered and very popular in Bhutan and although they no longer have power their ideas are still highly respected.

Headed to work in National Dress

My 3 Star Hotel In Thimpu

The constitution which was promulgated in 2008 along with the start of democracy includes several dictates that are designed to protect the environment and the people.

These include the decree that Bhutan must always have a minimum of 60 per cent tree cover and in fact it currently has more than 70 per cent. This makes the pine clad mountains a great Oxygen resource. It also decrees that the happiness of the people must be put first in all things and the Gross National HappiDorchela Pass Festival ness Quotient which has become so famous worldwide was in fact a concept from Bhutan.

It is also the law that anyone who goes to experience a wide range of adventure activiwork has to wear National dress, so walking ties and trekking. around Bhutan is like stepping back in time!

Fishing and Hunting are illegal in Bhutan If you want to find out more about the but you can go Wildlife or Bird watching other initiatives that Bhutan has put into and there are even Botanical and Butterfly place to ensure that they are the only country treks now too. Similar to Nepal, the South of in the World that is Carbon Negative then Bhutan has several National parks and the you can watch the Prime Minister of Bhutan Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhino and Asiatic in this link, to his recent TED Talk all about his Elephant are all still seen in the wild. In the country and their economy: North there are extensive forests around https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lc_ Thimpu, where if you are lucky you can see dlVrg5M Sloth Bears, Wolves and Red Pandas. The Bhutan is fast becoming a great destination Off to morning Archery practice for Adventure Travel enthusiasts and a short five day trip there can easily include a half day mountain biking ($35 bike hire) and a half day raft trip on class 2-3 rapids ($40 / person).

There are also a wide variety of opportunities to take part in several Bhutan based endurance events including the annual: Tour of The Dragon – 280km Mountain Bike race (1 day) and the Bhutan International Marathon (1 day).

Both Bhutan and Nepal are easily accessible from the UAE and since you need to travel via Nepal you can incorporate a trip to the two countries as part of the same tour. A five day package will give you a quick intro The Tigers Nest Monastery to the cultural sights of both countries and a longer twelve day package will enable you to

Local Administration Dzong (Fortress)

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

King has set up beautiful Botanical Gardens and these include camping grounds and an informative and interactive Natural History Museum. Whilst visiting there I was lucky enough to be able to watch Bhutan Television filming a documentary on local folklore.

The Snowman Trek, which is said to be the hardest in the World and takes around one month, is in Bhutan and crosses 12 passes between 4500 and 5300 meters. It is so called because almost the entire trek is done in the snow and the King of Bhutan has famously also completed this trek.

As a predominantly Buddhist country (around 80 per cent) Bhutan has many important and beautiful Buddhist sites but the most spectacular has to be the World famousTigers Nest. Said to be the landing place (in the 8th Century) of the Guru Rinpoche, riding on the back of a flying Tiger, it is now a Monastery some 500 meters up a vertical cliff face with a series of caves that go deep into the rocks. This is where the Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for 10 years.

On this trip I was lucky enough to be in Bhutan for their annual Dorchela Festival which is a beautiful showcase of traditional dance and song set with a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. All the locals come in their best formal dress and bring picnics and rugs to set on the frosty ground where they sit as families to watch the events. It happens every year on the 13th December and it was noticeable how few tourists were there which made the whole experience feel much more like a local event.

Hot Stone Bath

At the end of my trip I had the opportunity to try two very famous Bhutanese activities.

Out of their two Olympic Teams the best is their Archery team and for good reason. It is their National sport and extremely popular everywhere in Bhutan. I had a go in the stubbed paddy field behind the house of my hosts and it was great fun! Archery is known as "Dah" and the bow is made of two halves of bamboo bolted together in the middle.

Everything is handmade from and the arrows are not quite straight (which is my excuse for how badly I did!). You have a target set up at each end of a field (roughly 100m apart) and you only get two arrows. You fire at one end then walk down to check your score, turn and fire at the other end. Anyone who hits the target (it seems like a rarity to me!) can do a little dance and call out "WahaWaha" which means "Hit, Hit". The event is a lot of fun and everyone gets very excited!

At the same house I was also invited to take a hot stone bath which is up there with my top five luxury experiences of all time (and it only cost me $10!!). Stones are heated in a fire and then dropped into a wooden tub filled with cold spring water. A huge teabag of natural herbs is put into the tub and when the water is hot you get into the tub and relax and somehow the water just keeps getting hotter!! When I got out I was pink and very clean and refreshed, a truly magical experience!

I found Bhutan in general to be quite a different experience from any I had previously had travelling in Asia. The streets are immaculately clean as everyone uses the rubbish bins provided. Tobacco is banned in all public places and you can only smoke in your hotel room or house (Tobacco products are subject to import taxes of 200 per cent).

There are far fewer cars because the population is so low and they all obey the traffic rules and don’t use their horns. The speed limit everywhere is 50kmph so it is both safe and quiet on the streets. The people I met and spoke to were all very polite and friendly and although culturally they are quite shy, nobody had a problem when I asked to take their photograph. Prices are cheap and the hotels are all beautiful. The lowest standard is three star and that is as good as most five star hotels in the rest of Asia.

So next time you have a five day weekend or a two week holiday, why not think about heading out to Bhutan to experience a whole new style of adventure travel!

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GETTING THERE: Entry to Bhutan can either be done via Delhi or Kathmandu. Since India requires most nationalities to get a visa in advance this makes Nepal the easiest route where you can get your visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Fly Dubai or Air Arabia are the cheapest flights (1200-1400 AED) and take around 4 hours to Kth. Stay the night there and do some sightseeing in Nepal’s Capital then take a Druk air flight to Paro in Bhutan (1000 AED).

Visas and Costs:It costs $250 a day for the Bhutan visa and you have to apply at least a month in advance, however this includes all your food, accommodation (3 Star), Guide and Driver with car. You just have to pay for personal expenses and gifts.

Best Time of Year: The main season for Bhutan is from February to June. In July the monsoon rains arrive and in the winter the Bhutanese find it very cold so there is not much going on except the Dorche La Festival on Dec 13th every year.

Main Attractions: The spectacular Tigers Nest Monastery, the Dzongas (Fortresses) in each district Language: Dzongkha Currency: Nugltrum (Equivalent to the Indian Ruppee)

Dan Wright is the Business Director of “Holyland Treks and Expeditions” which is based in Kathmandu and runs tours, treks, expeditions and adventures in Nepal, India, Bhutan and Tibet.

You can apply direct to them for quotes on: info@htexpeditions.com, www.htexpeditions.com Bhutan is one of their major destinations and due to its ease of access from the UAE there are a wide variety of experiences that you can try. They run a five day Nepal/Bhutan Cultural Tour and a 12 day Nepal/Bhutan Adventure Tour.

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OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos by: Hydon Kerr

We are right in the middle of ‘School Camps Season’ here in the UAE. The cooler months is the time when thousands of students from across the country are sent off for multiple days of adventure, challenge and fun in the outdoors.

I have been organising school camps for Deira International School for more than 10 years and many of our senior students often reminisce about the times they spent on their school camps as a junior. Students that have a positive experience while on school camps remember these times fondly and probably will do for the rest of their lives. Try asking anybody about their most memorable experience as a student and the answer will typically involve a trip or camp! The stories would probably be told with a huge smile as other great camp memories are triggered. Try asking about their most memorable classroom lessons and it’s likely to be a lot harder to recall.

School camps can be experiences that allow teachers to see their students in a totally different environment and vice versa.

Students that are not so academic might stand out when displaying leadership skills or an ability to solve practical problems. School camps can also be a place where students can achieve success as an individual or member of a team. This is an especially important self-esteem boost for those used to bringing home below average report cards. Students also get a kick out of seeing their teachers in

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Educat ion casual attire covered in mud, dangling from abseil ropes or falling out of canoes.

There are many operators and organisations offering experiences for school groups.

Teachers in charge of organising these camps often work with operators only after checking the necessary risk assessments and qualifications of the instructors. There are a few with established reputations in the growing Outdoor Education industry here in the UAE. It’s important for the organising teachers to feel comfortable with who they entrust as the provider for student activities. It can be a daunting task arranging to take large groups of other people’s children on trips and taking responsibility in loco parentis.

We have a scaffolded approach to school camps where the length of time spent away from home and the type and complexity of activities increases as students get older.

Our first junior camp is an overnight experience spent on school grounds. It’s a nice way in a familiar setting to get the students used to being away from home, often for the first time. Sometimes, parents are harder to convince that it’s a good idea to spend the time apart!

One of the ways to manage parental anxiety while children are away on camp is through

social media. With the touch of a screen or the click of a mouse, parents can keep up to date with what students are doing throughout a camp. From notifying parents of arrival times, to posting pictures of the fun activities, social media can provide platforms for those parents wanting to check in on things without the need to call the emergency contact phone every five minutes.

On school camps where multiple days are spent away from home, there are lots of options available for activities. High ropes courses encourage children to step outside their comfort zone to walk across swinging steps, jump across platforms and hang from safety harnesses all to the tune of cheering from peers and teachers. It’s a huge confidence boost and feeling of achievement for all completing the high ropes challenges.

Summing up the courage to take the first step over an abseiling ledge is a massive accomplishment for some kids. Learning to

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

calculate the difference between perceived risk and actual risk is a life skill that can’t be taught from books.

Building stronger relationships with peers and fostering teamwork skills takes place on nearly every school camp activity. The popular ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ can only be completed with students working together to assist each other to each of the levels which increase in height. Constructing a mock survival shelter

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or a floating raft requires groups to share ideas, problem solve and delegate roles to be effective.

Some students learn to ride bikes for the very first time while on a school camp. It’s a skill that many reading this might take for granted, but the reality is that not all parents have explicitly taught their children in advance. School camps might also be the very first time a student will sleep in a tent or dormitory room with friends. This can often be a highlight for students with the excitement of a midnight feast or talking all through the night about their favourite part of the day.

Deira International School is also proud to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. As part of these Awards, we take adventurous journeys where groups plan their expedition route, aims, menu and mode of travel. This sort of camping requires a lot of preliminary work with compass and map reading skills, before setting off in groups that are supervised and assessed by staff from a distance.

For these expeditions, students pack a bag full of everything they need for the time they will be away. During this time, they will trek through wadis, cross over sand dunes, navigate around villages and find suitable places to put up their tents. Each group is responsible for ensuring members stay together during the expeditions and teamwork is key to successfully completing this phase of the Awards.

Most teachers also have a great time on

the school camps and look forward to getting into the outdoors. They can be a welcome break from the usual classroom setting, albeit with late nights and often very early mornings. From overnighters to week long camps, it takes a dedicated crew of teachers that believe in the benefits of outdoor education to make these kinds of things happen.

All school camps are important character building experiences that should aim to develop important life skills. Parents weighing up the merits of school camps should remember that not all education takes place in a classroom and that the outdoors is an amazing teacher. Hopefully all students across the UAE get to experience a school camp during at least one of their academic years and have the chance to make the same lifelong memories as thousands of others during these wonderfully cooler months.

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There are several modern roads linking Al Ain with the Western Region, however there are also many easy options to cross the desert via gatch and sandtracks: whenever time allows I always prefer to take these.

If you want to split this drive over two days, then it is possible to enter the desert around 3pm and be back on the blacktop at CCR016 the following day around lunchtime.

There are many quiet campspots where the only local traffic will be the Bedouin checking their camels; the area around CCR006 is particularly nice for camping.

The starting point is Al Ain, where you should fuel up as it will be over 200kms before you see another fuel station. Not only are there no fuel stations near this route, there are no shops either, so make sure you Perfect camping spot near CCR006

Following faint sandtrack after CCR004

have enough food, water and firewood for the whole trip.

The entry point is a sensor-operated gate just north of the town of Al Wagan (CCR001) and once inside you should drive northwards and turn left at the planation corner (CCR002). You will need to deflate your tyres at some point during the drive and I recommend you do this early on; there are some camel farms along the track which

provide photo opportunities for your guests while you work on your tyres and there are even one or two ghaf trees for shade should you need it.

Continue following the track, past CCR003 which is only waypointed to keep you on the route, and you will eventually reach a plantation at CCR004; keep your eyes peeled for gazelle here. Travel westwards and soon you run out of easy track but there is Water in the desert near CCR010

Camels near CCR007

invariably a faint sand track (CCR005) which you can pick up to take you over some choppy dunes to the south and west until you reach CCR006.

Drive further on, passing a communications mast, until you reach a very large fence(CCR007); turn right when you reach it and follow the line until the end, where you should turn left, then right after the hay store. Skirt round another small plantation and you will be at a gate (CCR008) on the Mafroodah gatch.

Turn left and drive south for approximately 13kms and re-enter the desert at CCR009 where you can pick up a gatch track - do not be tempted to drive over the dark sabkah; this one is very wet and you are certain to sink into it! There is evidence of groundwater near the surface just a few kms short of CCR010 – look for a rocky outcrop on your left, approx. 19kms after CCR009 and just next to it you will see some very salty surface water!

On reaching CCR010 you should turn left and take the blacktop for around 14kms, passing through the gate at CCR011 until you reach a faint sandtrack into some camel farms at CCR012. This section consists of rolling sand dunes punctuated by the odd

camel farm but there is a sandtrack 4kms from CCR013 should you wish to take it. If you missed seeing gazelle at the plantation area then this is your next best chance to spot some!

At CCR013, turn left down another gatch track, turn right at CCR014 onto a very well used gatch track leading to the E95 road at

CCR015; this route’s endpoint is ADNOC #660 where you can fill up – your car with petrol, your tyres with air and yourself with coffee!

Note: This route can just as easily be done starting at CCR016 and working your way back to CCR001.

Cross country route screenshot

CO-ORDINATES Name

Lon.

Description

Distance to Nextt Total Kms

CCR001 entry 23.74823

Lat.

55.53495

Entry Gate

1.1

CCR002

23.75461

55.52680

Corner of Planation

10.5

CCR003

23.73072

55.42738

Sandtrack Over Dunes 5.6

11.6

CCR004

23.71015

55.37930

Corner of Planation

7.5

17.2

CCR005

23.72407

55.30714

Start of Sandtrack

1.9

24.7

CCR006

23.71646

55.29016

End of Choppy Dunes 20.2

26.6

CCR007

23.75142

55.09879

Fence

8.5

46.8

CCR008

23.76567

55.02995

Gate

13.2

55.3

CCR009

23.65653

54.98263

Gate

24.2

68.5

CCR010

23.75633

54.78163

Gate

16.7

92.7

CCR011

23.60758

54.75056

Gate

7.3

109.4

CCR012

23.60955

54.56439

Faint Track

19.7

116.7

CCR013

23.54124

54.74163

Gate

2.7

136.4

CCR014

23.58535

54.55637

Gate

18.1

139.1

CCR015

23.66172

54.40036

Road

1.6

157.2

CCR016

23.64973

54.40066

ADNOC Fayadha

1.1

158.8 158.8

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DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2017 The region’s most significant and influential boating and maritime event, the Dubai International Boat Show 2017, will return for its 25th edition from 28th February to 4th March at the Dubai International Marine Club.

For the past 25 years, the Dubai International Boat Show has grown to position itself as a one stop shop to cater for not only the world’s ultra-high net worth individuals, but to those interested in taking advantage of the region’s burgeoning leisure marine lifestyle activities such as sailing, watersports, fishing and diving.

On top of arranging unique and tailored experiences for high net worth individuals, the show will deliver an all-encompassing family-orientated five-day maritime adventure set to cure your water wanderlust.

Set in an idyllic location at the heart of new Dubai, the Dubai International Boat Show’s beach front backdrop will provide a holistic experience for boating and maritime aficionados.

From its original launch as the ‘Watersports & Powerboat Show’ in 1991 to finding its current home on the water at Dubai International Marine Club, Dubai International Boat Show’s continued growth has helped to transform the regional maritime industry and is now one of the top five boat shows in the world.

2016’s edition anchored 450 boats and

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welcomed 843 brands from 55 different countries, offering potential buyers of superyachts exclusive tours on some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.

Participants of last year’s show were also privy to hands on experiences in fishing, sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking and jet surfing, jet-skiing, kite surfing and SCUBA diving.

Additionally, 2016’s show held interactive features including exclusive tours on board luxury superyachts, as well as hosting the ‘Marine Talks’ which provided buyers with fundamental information regarding the maritime industry.

With more than 30,000 visitors from across 120 countries coming down to Dubai International Boat Show 2016, the event saw a crowd of passionate ocean adventurers spend a total of AED 250mn ($68mn) on an array of elite superyachts, leisure crafts and the latest watersports equipment.

Dubai International Boat Show has witnessed an amazing growth in consumer demand for the latest small to medium size boats, pleasure crafts, high speed power boats and the most luxurious superyachts.

This rise in demand looks set to increase in 2017, with the market already showing a number of reasons to get excited about the current state of the maritime industry.

Reflecting the Middle East’s growing demand for superyachts as well as the UAE’s rank as a major manufacturing nation of the luxury vehicles, the 25th edition of Dubai

International Boat Show is gearing itself up for an impressive showcase some of the finest superyachts and boating equipment in the world.

Internationally the maritime industry is looking strong, with the latest stats from Boat International listing that 333 superyachts have been sold worldwide so far in 2016, edging even closer to last year’s figures. Out of these figures the most expensive yacht cost an incredible AED 953mn (€250mn).

While a number of worldwide markets are carefully assessing the on-going fluctuations in oil prices and international currencies, in the UAE at least recent reports have stated that investments in the maritime industry are expected to reach AED 224bn ($61bn) in 2016. This means there are still a number of convincing reasons to get excited about the level of maritime investment.

Another feature taking place this year will be a dedicated on-land display of the latest small to medium size boats ranging from simple pleasure crafts to high speed power boats. As part of the event’s Marina display there will also be a floating exhibition of luxurious yachts and boats showcasing the height of boating design, craftsmanship and lifestyle.

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PEOPLE

“Extreme adventure and exploring cultures binds the Five Kwt Group, a group of young Kuwaiti dentistry graduates from the U.K who dare to plunge beyond our norms of adventure. Rabi’ah.M talks to the Five Kwt Group in London about their passion, inspiration and how they believe in empowering women to venture in adventure” Sharing their passion for travel, extreme adventure and exploring new activities, the Five Kwt are a group of five talented and enthusiastic Kuwaiti girls who have just completed their dentistry degree at Leeds University in the U.K. Sitting at the Dolly’s café in Selfridges, London, I met Basma Al Otaibi, one of the members of the Five Kwt group who has a plethora of tips and adventurous experiences to narrate.

The origins of the Five Kwt group go back to 2010 when the girls moved to the U.K

to pursue their dentistry degrees at Leeds University. Their group has gathered a great deal of attention on Instagram for their extreme adventures, which many of us would not dare to venture. The group consists of: Basma Al Otaibi, Anan Al Juwaihel, Amal Al Duwaisan, Fatema Al Otaibi and Aseel Al Temimi. What bonded the girls was their vigor for experimenting with new adventures in some of the oddest yet most interesting places in the world. One may imagine their definition of extreme adventure is limited to quad biking, go-karting or jet-skiing, but as Basma explains to me this is simply the tip of the iceberg and is considered ‘normal’ for them.

Being a group can be challenging at times when it is essential to organise the entire trip and make sure each and every thing has been taken care of, and this is where one of the team members has to play the role of a ‘coordinator’.

In order to organise their trip, the girls brainstorm ideas of what kind of activities they would like to do or where they would like to go. Once a place and activity has been decided, the coordinator will ensure every little detail has been covered, i.e. from where they will stay to their flights, and what kind of activities they will undertake.

So how do the girls go about searching for an activity? Basma points out they like to do something unique which need not be popular but an activity that excites them, with an adrenaline rush. “We do not look for something specific, we go on Google then we search for the available agent, for instance: one searches for Norway, the other for Finland; a price comparison is conducted, we need to ensure everyone is okay with that.”

One may wonder if the girls are receiving funding to carry out their adventurous passion but this is not the case, considering

they all self-fund their trips with the help from their families. The fact they receive an allowance enables them to maintain a budget where they can save on their future travels.

Considering they are girls from a Kuwaiti background, have they experienced any challenges or restrictions from their families with regards to their travels? As Basma emphasises, initially it was difficult to convince their families, who were very concerned, but over a period of time they came to accept this and supported their passion. How did this happen? “We would ask them for their permission if they were okay with us travelling to XYZ country and the activity. Once they approved, we would go ahead with the booking and send them our travel plans, the place where we would stay with the numbers. We have been fortunate in this case as our parents understand our passion and trust us which is paramount for us.”

Neither are they class conscious. The first impression one may get is they are very specific about travelling with business or first-class but as Basma clarifies this with a laugh, they generally travel economy but do not mind luxury.

Amongst some of the activities the girls have tried are; wing walking, horseback riding, scuba diving, bungee jumping and skydiving. Anan and Basma did a course level 1 for skydiving in a place close to Leeds. As Basma narrates the experience: “We were surprised we were not scared at all; I was so calm, like ‘let’s open the door and let’s go’.”

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The group would like to expand their passion on a bigger level before they go back to Kuwait. She explains that they would like to go to the Philippines, Fiji Island, Peru, South Africa, New Zealand, the U.S and a list of other countries on their list. Other group members have been to Thailand, California, Maldives, Indonesia, Australia, Iceland, Monte Carlo, Greece, Norway, Switzerland, UAE, France, etc. Interestingly, not all the group members have been to all the countries simultaneously, but this has certainly helped them enrich their travel experiences.

Describing one of their memorable experiences, Basma talks about their rock-climbing trip in Norway last May as one of the hardest achievements they made. “It was absolutely tiring and I almost wanted to give up during our first lunch break. I kept begging the group to leave without me, they said they would not leave without me. We biked for an hour and half, it seemed like a jungle, very muddy and walking and jumping from one rock to another for three hours. The moment you take one wrong step you can go down. They continued walking for more than an hour. When we were half way through, the guide was like, why did you choose this way? We were like this is the only way. He said there is an easier way and that we were the first Kuwaiti girls to have successfully achieved that to the extreme level.”

Their trip of a lifetime was when they had made a booking for a villa but the hotel manager told them they did not have the villa available, and instead they were upgraded to a presidential suite which simply turned out as a blessing in disguise. All of that was free.

On the first day, they made a list of all the activities they could do during their four-day trip. “Sometimes worrying about organising can ruin things so it is better not to worry.”

Their source of inspiration in exploring different cultures is to appreciate the world cultures.

Another spooky yet daring experience was when the girls were staying at a cottage with no electricity; they managed to stay there successfully and relish the experience.

Despite the fatigue, all the hard work, blood, sweat and tears definitely pays off once you have accomplished where you want

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MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

to reach. Even though the girls were not professionals, this being their second rock climbing, they felt a sense of pride which boosted their morale.

Whilst wing walking, Basma asked the pilot to flip the plane even though the pilot did not want to. “The scary part was that I was not scared at all. It’s like having the fear of the unknown.”

They are encouraging other women to overcome their fears. Basma points out: “We do have fear but we try our best to overcome it. There is no doubt we keep signing responsibility papers before we plunge into any activity that in case something happens

SCOTT HELMET

to us, we do not mind doing that because we have faith in God and trust in ourselves and the center where we do them.”

During their Christmas break the girls made a trip to Finland which has been a fruitful trip. Even though it may seem their lives are like an adventure, the girls have some very concrete plans for their future. As Basma explains: “We would like to give back to the society by volunteering for organisations like Medecins Sans Frontiers and reach out to people in poor countries who require medical help. We have not forgotten that we are medical graduates and there is more to life than just an adventure, but exploring the

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world will be a passion we wish to pursue when we have time.”

What really impressed me about the Five Kwt group is their attitude and mentality towards empowering women and encouraging them to step out of the conventional roles women are expected to do. Women are capable of doing so much more; they must have the self-confidence and ability to pursue their passion with the support of their respective families. The Five Kwt are definitely one of a kind group who have a lot of knowledge and experience to share for fellow adventure enthusiasts, especially women.

Instagram: @the five kwt

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Fitness for Mountain Biking Words by: Nicky Holland Photos by: Jung Francisco

How can you improve your fitness by completing your day to day tasks? Easy – you can take the lift instead of the stairs, you can carry your shopping instead of using a trolley or you can cycle to work.

I want to focus on the last one, cycling. A lot of people in the gym tend to use the bike and cycle for their warm up. The main reason for this is that it is easy to do…you sit down and start pedaling. In the gym, this can become quite tedious, so why not take it outdoors?

Off road mountain biking and cycling outdoors is a fantastic way to improve your fitness and de-stress. Ok, so you may need to change your tyres to wider and thicker ones for better traction and stability because of the sand in the desert, but what a great way to do something different…and it’s fun!

This article will help you get stronger and fitter for off road mountain biking so you are prepared and ready for the outdoors.

Plyobox squats

GRIPR Swing with Flip

Bar Straight Arm Raise

When in the riding position, you will feel your anterior deltoid contract along with your triceps. This exercise will work the front of the shoulder so that you can deal with fatigue. This means you will be able to ride for longer because your arms will not get tired as quickly when holding on to the handlebars. Using the cable jungle, pick up the small straight bar. Stand facing away from the machine with feet hip distance apart.

Pick up the bar and keep the arms straight as you bring the bar to shoulder height. Feel the shoulders working throughout and complete 10-15 repetitions for three sets with a one minute rest between sets.

The good thing about cycling outdoors is that it can cater for anyone. You don’t have to be an Olympic cyclist to do it, you just need to have a basic level of fitness and a basic understanding of how to ride a bike.

The speed you go, the hills you climb and the distance you cover is completely down to you. I hope these exercises are useful for you…remember improving your fitness can be fun, make sure you have a good time when you exercise!

Stand infront of the Blue No. 2 plyobox.

Here you will perform a squat by dropping your hips back and down until your bum touches the top of the box. Then release the muscle tension by sitting on the box. After a second, stand back up again. This causes the muscles to relax then contract again during the movement, which helps with muscle activation and strength. Perform this exercise for 12-15 reps for five sets with a one minute rest in between.

When holding onto the handlebars you need a good level of grip strength. The GRIPR will enhance this. Pick up the GRIPR with both hands. Position your feet into a wide stance and swing the GRIPR between your legs, keeping your back straight. This will work the legs and the arms. It’s will also increase your heart rate. At the top of the movement for the swing, flip the GRIPR over like a pancake then catch it again before you go back down. Adding the flip will challenge your grip and coordination. Try to complete 12-15 reps for five sets with a one minute rest between sets.

BOSU Squats

The BOSU will challenge your stability as it is a wobble board, so to exercise on it will strengthen your ligaments, tendons, muscles and improve proprioception. The squat is a fundamental movement for strength and flexibility. Stand on the BOSU with your feet as wide as you can. Perform a squat by dropping your hips back and down to the floor. You will feel it start to shake but maintain your technique and come back up to standing. Repeat this for 10-12 repetitions for three sets with a one minute rest in between.

TRX Hamstring Curls

Cycling predominantly focuses on the Quadriceps at the front of the leg, which over time can cause the hamstring to shorten. By using the TRX, you will work the hamstrings on the back of the leg. Start lying down and put your heels into the TRX straps. Looking up at the ceiling, lift your hips so the weight of your legs is taken by the TRX. From here, bend your legs by bringing your heels in towards your body.

You should feel this contraction on the back of your legs as you bend. Then extend your legs back to the starting position. Aim for 10-12 reps in a controlled movement, rest for 1 minute and do three to five sets.

Nicky Holland Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

UAE DIRECTORY General Sports Equipment Megastores

Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, +971 43466824; The Beach on JBR, Dubai: +971 44304419; Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 24456995, www.adventurehq.ae Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 42839392, www.decathlon.com Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +971 43253595; Abu Dhabi Mall: +971 26454595; Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 25868240; Yas Mall: +971 25650812; MOE: +971 4395 8951, www.go-sport.com Peiniger BMT Est., CBD, Khalifa Street, Yateem Optician Bldg., Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 26262332, www.peiniger.org Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping centres, +971 43599905; Online store: +971 43149001; Retail store: +971 43504400, http://en-ae.sssports.com

Adventure tours and desert safaris

Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 25718, 27th Floor, Burlington Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, +971 47019111, www.alphatoursdubai.com Dadabhai Travel, SR 1&2, GF, Gulf Towers, Oud Metha Rd. Dubai, +971 43885566, www.dadabhaitravel.ae Desert Rangers, P.O. Box 33501, Dubai UAE, +971 44569944 or 507035111 www.desertrangers.com Desert Road Tourism, Office 503, 5th Flr., Al Khor Plaza, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.desertroadtours.com Dreamdays, First Floor Rm. 107 Ibn Battuta Gate (Offices) Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai +971 44329392 or 44329393, www.dreamdays.ae Dream Explorer LLC, JLT, Dubai, P.O. Box 214576, +971 44563390 www.dreamexplorerdubai.com Dubai Relax Travel, P.O. Box 37459, National Towers: Churchill Tower Suite #614, Business Bay, Dubai, +971 528996307, www.dubairelaxtours.com Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai, +971 42861991, www.explorertours.ae Gulf for Good, P.O. Box 506006, 1/F, Building 4, Dubai International Humanitarian City, Dubai, +971 43680222, www.gulf4good.org Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre, +971 44045880, www.gulfventures.com MMI Travel LLC, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata Travel Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 4 4045999, www.theemiratesgroup.com Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, +971 26794656, www.netgroupauh.com Oasis Palm Dubai, P.O. Box 181258 Dubai, Office 404, Royal Plaza Building Al Rigga Street, +971 42628889 or 42686826, www.opdubai.com Rahhalah, Shata Tower – 27th Floor, Office No. 2711, Media City, Dubai, +971 44472166, www.rahhalah.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, & Adventure Club, +971 5 04920860, mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com

Air

Balloon Adventures Emirates, Office 123 Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43884044, www.ballooning.ae Dubai Paragliders, +971 552120155 or 552250193, www.microaviation.org Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72446416 or 555531318, www.jac-uae.net Seawings, Dubai,+971 48070708, www.seawings.ae Skydive Dubai, The Palm: Al Seyahi St, Dubai Marina, +971 43778888, www.skydivedubai.ae

Boating & Sailing

Manufacturer Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam, +971 72682333 or 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443, www.alshaalimarine.com Al Yousuf Industrial, LLC, +971 4 3474111, www.aym.ae,

yamboats@alyousuf.com Elite Pearl Charter, P.O. Box 214173, Saeed Tower 1, office #3102, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43889666, www.elitepearlcharter.com Gulf Craft, P.O. Box 666, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Ajman, +971 67406060, www.gulfcraftinc.com Distributors and Dealers Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, 3rd Interchange +971 43388955, www.artmarine.ae or www.artmarinechandlery.com Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886, www.azuremarine.net Luxury Sea Boats, Showroom #8, The Curve Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com Macky Marine LLC, Box 37594, Ground Floor, Marina Yatch Club, Office # 5, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 505518317, www.mackymarine.com Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494 or 503419494, www.nautilusyachts.com The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina, +971 42932465, 567001801, www.uaeboats4sale.com Western Marine, P.O. Box 52938, Sheikh Zayed Road, Knotika Marine Mall, Dubai, +971 44327870 Equipment Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Ground Floor, Tara Hotel Building, Abdul Nasser Square Street, Dubai, +971 42263220 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11, The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995, www.bluewatersmarine.com Extreme Marine, Dubai Marina Branch, +971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com Japan Marine / D1 Marine, WS # 110, Dubai Maritime City, +971 4 4426395 or 55 1666035, www.japanmarine.co Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Al Quoz, Dubai, www.rinehemiratesme.com, +971 43391512 Repairs and Maintenance Extreme Marine, Jebel Ali Branch, Jebel Ali, Industrial Area, P.O. Box 97705, Dubai, +971 48830777, www.extrememarine-me.com Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1, Al Quoz, +971 43391512, SNS Marine, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 501405058, www.snsmarine.ae The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae Cruise Operators Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665491

Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, P.O. Box 32261, Sharjah, UAE, +971 65441232; Dibba, Musandam, Oman, +968 26836550 Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite the British Embassy, +971 48145553 Bristol Middle East, Marina Heights Tower, Dubai Marina – Marina Walk,Dubai, +971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae Delma Industrial Supply and Marine Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, +971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, +971 43282930, 50 3716377, www.edenyachting.com Emirates Yatching, P.O. Box 8380, Dubai, +971 42826683 El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406, www.elmundodubai.com Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai, +971 561012599, www.4startravels.com 4 Yatch Chartering LLC, Toll Free: 800 YACHT (92248), Office #4, Dubai Marina Yatch Club, Dubai, www.4yachtchartering.ae Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 48706668, www.happydaysdubai.com LY Catamaran, Bur Dubai, +971 566506683, www.lycatamaran.com Marine Concept, P.O. Box 282586, Office 611, Al Barsha Business Centre, Dubai, +971 43958022, 559603030 www.marine-charter-concept.com Nautica1992, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company - P.O. Box 73373, C/O Ali & Sons Real Estate LLC, Plot No. 29, Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Rd, Um Al Nar, Abu Dhabi, UAE - +971 25581889 www.noukhada.ae RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton Marina, +971 72066410, 504912696, 507682345 Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011 Smoke Dragon of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club, +971 507011958 or 504546617 Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +971 42573084 The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111, www.the-club.com The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk – opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel Marina, 800892, www.theyellowboats.com Marinas Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater, +971 26815566, www.adimsc.com Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300 Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam +971 72682333 or 504873185, www.aljeerport.ae Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +971 42394760 or 42959477, www.cruiseindubai.com Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai, +971 43801234, www.dubaigolf.com Dubai International Marine Sports Club, Dubai Marina, +971 43995777, www.dimc.ae Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai, +971 43627900, www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina, Dubai, +971 43455545 Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai, +971 43941669, www.dosc.ae Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi, +971 26907725 Fujairah International Marine Club, Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina, Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555 www.jebelali-international.com Pavilion Marina, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800 Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club, Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644, www.uaqmarineclub.com

Dragon Boat Groups Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating, Dubai, +971 508795645, www.facebook.com/DubaiDawnPatrol Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175, www.dubai-diggers.com UAE Dragon Boat Association, +971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com

Camping & Hiking

Equipment Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE, +971 551222252 or 502550666, www.gulfcamping.com Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, +971 24437802 Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink, The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801 Urban Peak, PO Box 9587, Office 502E, Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Dubai, +971 44548805, www.urbanpeak.com Tour Operators Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959428, www.arabiatours.com Libra Travel & Tourism LLC, +971 43397700, www.facebook.com/ LibraTravelDubai Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 506595536, www.mountainhighme.com Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba, +971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com

Caving

Mountain High Middle East, Dubai, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com

Climbing

Equipment Adventure HQ, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai Times Square Center, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, Dubai, +971 43466558, www.barracudadubai.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi +971 24437802, www.jack-wolfskin.com Services Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae

OUTDOORUAE

63

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +971 28137444, www.alshaheenme.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, +971 43065061, www.climbingdubai.com E-Sports UAE, Dubai, +971 43697817, www.esportsuae.com The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111, www.the-club.com Information UAE Climbing, +971 506456491, www.uaeclimbing.com

Mountain Biking & Cycling

Equipment/Dealers Bikers JLT, Unit H6, Cluster H, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE, +971 526221888 Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg., Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 43415415, Fun Ride Sports, 301, 3rd floor, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi, Rm. 4, Mezzanine floor, C-13 Bldg., Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455838, www.funridesports.com Micah’s Bike Shop, Warehouse No.4 6th St. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +971 43805228 Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1, +971 43255705, www.probike.ae Rage Shop, Al Ghurair Centre: +971 4294 8634; MOE: +971 43413388; Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 24437617, Dubai Mall: +971 44341549, www.rage-shop.com Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +971 43697441, www.rcdxb.com Ride Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road: +971 43395602; Mirdif City Centre: +971 42840038; Al Seef Village Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 26337172, www.ridebikeshop.com Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, + 971 43388644 or 43391333 Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26222525, www.tamreensports.com The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai, +971 505528872 or 44256555, www.thecyclehub.com Trek Bicycle Store, Seih Al Salam, Al Qudra Road, Dubai, +971 48327377; Shop #5, Reemas Building Al Quoz 1, Exit 46/47, Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, +971 43211132 www.trekbikes.ae Trikke UPT, P.O. Box 53527, Dubai, + 971 43434499; P.O. Box 33869, Abu Dhabi, +971 26333377, www.trikkeme.net Wolfi’s Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae Operator Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae, info@adventure.ae Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, +971 43394453, www.dubairoadsters.com T&C Apply

OUTDOORUAE

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 25581889, www.noukhada.ae Ocean Active, +971 504592259, www.oceanactive.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Soolyman Sport Fishing, Umm Suquiem, Fishing Port No. 2, Jumeirah Beach, +971 508866227, 508866228 or 503402379, www.soolymansportfishing.com Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai, +971 42573084, www.summertimemarine.com Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina, +971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers’ Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, +971 554986280, www.dskc.hu

Diving

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +971 43444468 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Blue Waters Marine, +971 43808616, Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi, +971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com Premiers for Equipment, Sheikh Zayed 1st. Road, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665226, www.premiers-uae.com Dive Shop.ae, Building #123, Street 26, Area 369, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai, +971 43414940, www.diveshop.ae Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Diving Centres Al Boom Diving (equipment), Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993, www.alboomdiving.com Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam, +971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St. across from main bus terminal, +971 26437377, info@divemahara.com, www.divemahara.com Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72226628 or 502428128 www.arabiandiver.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Coastal Technical Divers, glenn@coastaltechnicaldivers.com, www.coastaltechnicaldivers.com Deep Blue Sea Diving, International City, Dubai, +971 44308246, www.diveindubai.com Desert Islands, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 28015454, www.divemahara.com Divers Down, +971 559888687, Dubai; Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa, +971 92370299, www.diversdownuae.com Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi, near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444, www.edc-ad.ae Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, +971 506130486 contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Freestyle Divers, Al Corniche Street, Dibba, Fujairah, +971 504514259, www.freestyledivers.me Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah, +971 92449888, www.rotana.com Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000, www.lemeridien-alaqah.com Neptune Diving, +971 504347902, www.neptunedivingcentre.com Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai, +971 44068828 Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah, +971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922, www.scubauae.com 7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan, +971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 506683430, www.bsac406.com Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Clubs Atlantis Underwater Photography Club, Dubai, +971 44263000 Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai, www.desertsportsdivingclub.net Emirates Diving Association, Diving Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai, +971 43939390, www.emiratesdiving.com Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC), Dubai, UAE, +971 566952421, www.facebook.com/FSDCuae Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com, www.freedivinguae.com Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah, +971 507840830, www.bsac406.com

Fishing & Kayaking 64

General Sports Equipment Distributors

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, +971 43444468 Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390000, www.aym.ae/yamaha Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai, Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558, www.barracudadubai.com Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11, The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995, www.bluewatersmarine.com Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798 or 44538386, contactus@challengingadventure.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai, +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre, +971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com Operators Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, +971 43422993 Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72432274, www.alhamramarina.com Al Mahara Dive Center, Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971 501118125, www.divemahara.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +971 42394760 or 42959477, www.cruiseindubai.com Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi, +971 26429995, www.alshaheenme.com Al Wasl Charter & Fishing (Al Wasl Passenger Yachts and Boats Rental LLC), Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai, +971 42394761, www.cruiseindubai.com Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort, +971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah International Marine Club, +971 503366224 Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi, +971 26594144 Captain Tony’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai, +971 507050433 or 506947764, www.seaworlddsf.com Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai, +971 48706668, 503960202, www.happydaysdubai.com Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900 Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,

Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha 800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai +971 43467751, www.800sport.ae Flip Flop Arabia, +971 556881793, 501084010, www.flipfloparabia.com Global Climbing Trading LLC, Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com Highbury Trading FZE LLC, P.O. Box 16111, RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, Ras Al Khaima, +971 526799506, www.highburytrade.com Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, +971 24437802 Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43951113 Portable Shade UAE, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE, +971 508897125, www.portable-shade.net Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE, +971 42896001 or 42896002, info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae Tresspass, The Dubai Mall 2nd floor above ice rink, +971 43398801

Horse Riding

Equipment Al Asifa Horse Equestrian Equipment & Requisites Trading P.O. Box 77282, AL Khawanij 1st , Dubai, +971 554733110, www.asifa.ae Black Horse LLC, Baniyas West, Near Empost Abu Dhabhi, +971 25866205, www.blackhorseuae.com Bonjour Equestrian Supplies, Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai, UAE, +971 42896001, +971 42896002, info@bonjourequestrian.com, www.bonjourequestrian.com Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies, 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, +917 22222433, www.cavalosuae.com Emirta Horse Requirement Centre, Sheik Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43437475, www.emirtahorse.com Equestrian Clubs/Centres Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, www.adec-web.com Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street, Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +971 42988408, www.alahliclub.info Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai International Endurance City, Dubai, +971 505995866, info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055, equestrian.centre@alsahra.com Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai, +971 503099770 or 501978888 Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai, +971 43238010, www.dubaipoloclub.com Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai, +971 508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111, www.poloclubdubai.com Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 505587656, www.emiratesequestriancentre.com Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971 555528182 Hoofbeatz, located just inside the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971 569424551, www.hoofbeatz.com Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai, +971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area, Abu Dhabi, +971 565066741, www.rahalranch.com Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road, +971 65311188, www.serc.ae Racecourses Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, www.adec-web.com Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399, Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, +971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road) beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, +971 43474914 Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 43270000, www.meydan.ae Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae

Jet Ski Dealers

Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Japan Marine General Trading, Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai, +971 44426395, uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com

Motocross & ATV’s

Dealers Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 68861161 or 507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor, +971 43200009, www.alshaalimoto.com Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Golden Desert Motorcycles, P.O. Box 47912, E-44 Hatta road, Al Badayer Madam, Sharjah, +971 529484616 or 505 033 800 Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai, UAE, +971 559031664, www.JustGasIt.net KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +971 43468999, www.ktm.com Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Motoventure, Hobbies Club, Al Awir, Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 555437392, www.motoventure.net mxDubai, Al Ain Road Dubai, +971 55 2090832, www.mxdubai.com Polaris UAE (atv’s), Ras Al Khor, Nad al Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, +971 42896100, M4, Sector 13, 10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +971 26441478, www.polarisuae.com Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com Equipment Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43395608, Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com 2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, +971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com

Motorcycling

Distributors and Dealers Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43390621,

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

www.heartlanduae.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.mebarauto.com Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 48321050, Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060, www.yellowhat.ae Tour Operators Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43034888, www.arabian-adventures.com Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza – 503, Dubai, +971 42959429, www.desertroadtours.com Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 4 2628832 or 4 2686826, www.opdubai.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, +971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, suffian.omar@yahoo.com, www.jk-funclub.com ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com

Running www.aym.ae/yamaha Ducati, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 24918593, www.ducati.ae Duseja General Trading Co. LLC, Warehouse No: B3, Alquoz Ind Area #3, Umm Suqeim Road next to Max Garage Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al Barsha, +971 43476712, www.dusejamoto.com Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667, hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae, www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, +971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com Tristar Motorcycles, Al Awir Road, Nr Oman Transport, +971 43330659, www.tristaruae.com Workshops and Services Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +971 43678700,www.dubaiautodrome.com Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, +971 67681166 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai, +971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, 800 YAS (927) or +971 26599800, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Off-Road

Dealers Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 or 505548255, info@blingmytruck.com, www.blingmytruck.com 4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, +971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789, www.libertyautos.com Repairs and Services AAA Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 2858989, www.aaadubai.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, www.icon-auto.com Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Dubai, UAE, +971 43469600, www.mebarauto.com Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, +971 43392449, www.offroad-zone.com Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +971 43476939 www.salukimotorsport.com Equipment Advanced Expedition Vehicles, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43307152, www.aev.ae Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 or 505548255, www.blingmytruck.com Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial, Abu Dhabi, +971 569796524 or 506472447,

Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org Abu Dhabi Striders, admin@abudhabistriders.com, www.abudhabistriders.com Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971 504188978, alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org Desert Road Runners www.desertroadrunners.club

Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43468000, www.masaoodmarine.com Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3 +971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae Picnico, Al Fairdooni Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station and Mall of Emirates, +971 43951113 Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, +971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +971 564716180, www.surfshoparabia.com Surf School Arabia, +971 556010997, www.surfschoolarabia.com UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383, www.ad-kitesurfing.net Distributors Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store, International City, Dubai, +971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, www.kitesurfsup.com Operators Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com Dubai Kite Surf School, Umm Suqeim Beach, Dubai, +971 504965107, www.dubaikitesurfschool.com Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427, www.ducomaritime.com Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,+971 507586992, www.dukite.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971 502547440, www.kitesurf.ae

Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi, +971 505441494, www.kitepro.ae Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim Dubai, +971 507689226, www.shamalkitesurfing.com Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005, www.watersportsdubai.com Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, Dubai, +971 43791998, www.surfschooluae.com Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa, Dubai, +971 48876771, www.watercooleddubai.com Water Cooled, Watercooled Sports Services LLC, Hilton Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26395997, www.watercooleduae.com Clubs Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle, www.abudhabisup.com UAE SUP and Surf Association, +971 26665588, www.ridersuae.com

Water Parks

Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, +971 44260000, www. atlantisthepalm.com Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road, +971 67681888, www.dreamlanduae.com Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, +971 37818422, www.wadiadventure.ae Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai, +971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com

Other leisure activities

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, P.O. Box 51234, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, +971 28853555, www.adgolfclub.com Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah, +971 67431122 or 44370505, www.tamimistables.com Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, +971 556101841, www.blokartme.com Children’s City, Creek Park Gate No.1, Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai, +971 44262000, www.atlantisthepalm.com Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate No. 1, +971 43369773, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 42316292, www.iflyme.com Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www. sbgolfclub.ae Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, +971 65487777, www.golfandshootingshj.com SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, +971 44094000, www.skidxb.com Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi, +971 26577601 adcountryclub.com/spacewalk/aboutspacewalk/

Health, Safety & Training

Safety Lessons Marine Concept Yacht Charter & Sea School, Rania Business Centre, Dubai, +971 559603030, www.marine-charter-concept.com Sport and Health Centres Bespoke Wellness, Dubai, +971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com

OUTDOORUAE

65

MIDDLE EAST’S OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404;

P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com

Orthosports Medical Centre, 5B Street, Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO (67846), www.orthosp.com

The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae

OMAN DIRECTORY

Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box 747, Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545, www.alsawadibeach.info Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar Al Rhowda, P.O. Box 940, Muscat, Oman, +968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box 498, PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman, +968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346, www.global-scuba.com Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours, P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab, Musandam, Sultanate of Oman, +968 91713449, info@tourkhasab.com Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, +968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box 65, Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Nomad Ocean Adventures, +968 26836069, Dibba, Oman; Fujairah, +971 508918207, www.discovernomad.com Diving Centres Euro-divers Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, P.O. Box 940, Postal Code 100 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, +968 98194444, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman, Musandam, +968 26735555, www.extradivers.info Moonlight Dive Center, Near Grand Hyatt

Muscat, Shati Al Qurum, Oman, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman, +968 24284240, www.omandivecenter.com Oman Dive Center Resort, P.O. Box 199, Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman, +968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area, Muscat, Oman, +968 99777045, www.omantascuba.com Oxygen Diving and Adventures, P.O. Box 1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat, Oman, +968 92537494 or 9723 2661, www.o2diveoman.com Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488, www.scubaoman.com Seaoman, P.O. Box 2394, RUWI PC 112, Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com

P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421, Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman, +968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Boating & Sailing

Clubs

Horse Riding

Adventure tours and desert safaris

Bike and Hike Oman, P.O. Box 833, Ruwi, Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873, www.bikeandhikeoman.com Dolphin Qasab Tours, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 811, Khasab City, Musandam, Oman, +968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com Go Dive Oman, Marina Bander Al Rowdha Dive Center, +968 9548 3813 or 98194444, www.godiveoman.com Khour Shem Tourism, Oman, +968 91713449, www.khourshemtours.com Nomad Tours, PO Box 583, Postal Code 100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240, www.nomadtours.com Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box 917, NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441, http://omantrekkingguides.tumblr.com Cruise Operators Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26836551, www.sheesabeach.com

Diving

Equipment Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box 44, Dibba, Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550; UAE: +971 502124100, www.almarsamusandam.com

QATAR DIRECTORY Adventure tours and desert safaris

Al Mulla Travels, P.O. Box 4147, Doha, Qatar, +974 44413488, almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 13530, Doha, Qatar, +974 4344499, info@alphatoursqatar.com Al QAYED Travel & Tours, PO Box: 158, Doha, Qatar, +974 44072244, www.alqayedtravel.com Arabian Adventures, PO Box 4476, Doha, Qatar, +974 44361461, www.arabianadventureqatar.net Black Pearls Tourism Services, P.O. Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar, +974 44357333 E2E Qatar Travel and Tours, PO Box 23563, Doha, Qatar, +974 44516688 or 444515995, www.e2eqatar.com Falcon Travels, PO Box 22031, Doha, Qatar, +974 44354777, www.falcontravelqatar.com Gulf Adventures Tourism LLC, P.O. Box 18180, 29 Aspire Zone Street, Aspire Zone Al Ryyan City, State of Qatar Switchboard: +974 44221888, www.gulf-adventures.com Net Tours Qatar, P.O. Box 23080, Doha, Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa Regency Travel & Tours, +974 44344444, www.regencyholidays.com Qatar Adventure, P.O. Box 13915, Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561, www.qataradventure.com Qatar Inbound Tours, P.O. Box 21153, +974 77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com Qatar International Tours, P.O. Box 55733 Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141, www.qittour.com Qatar Ventures, Barwa Village Bulding #12 Shop #33, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679, www.qatar-ventures.com

Cycling, Running & Triathlon Qatar Chain Reaction, www.qatarchainreaction.weebly.com Qatar Sandstromers, +974 77775207 or 77776634, www.facebook.com/ QatarSandstormers Velostar Doha, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/587539064642288/ Doha Bay Running Club, www.dohabayrunningclub.com TriClub Doha, www.triclubdoha.com

General Sports Equipment Megastores

Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44822194; Villagio Mall, Qatar: +974 44569143; Ezdan Mall, Qatar: +974 44922827, The Pearl(Parcel 9) +974 40027513, Souq Jabor +974 44430322.

Office: +974 44417935, www.galaxysportqatar.com GO Sport Qatar, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, +974 44631644; Villaggio Mall, +974 44157463, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Sun & Sand Sports Qatar, City Centre Mall, +974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall, +974 44510179; Mustafawi Exhibition, +974 44935183, en-ae.sssports.com

Boating & Sailing

Equipment Regatta Sailing Academy, Katara Beach +974 55503484 www.regattasailingacademy.com Distributors and Dealers Speed Marine, Speed Marine, Museum Road, P.O. Box 9145 Doha, Qatar, +974 44410109, www.speedmarinegroup.com Marinas Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar, +974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar, +974 55843282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com The Pearl–Qatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar, +974 44953894, www.ronauticame.com

Add your free listing to the 66

OUTDOORUAE

Equipment, Operators Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach, P.O. Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com Oman’s Kite Center, +968 94006007, www.kitesurfing-lessons.com

Camping & Hiking

Caving

Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre, Oman, +968 24543002, www.holiday-in-oman.com Oman World Tourism, Oman, +968 24565288, www.omanworldtourism.com

Fishing & Kayaking

Equipment Az’Zaha Tours, +968 99425461, www.azzahatours.com Water World Marine Oman, P.O. Box 76, Muscat, 113, Sultanate of Oman, +968 24737438, www.waterworldoman.com

Manufacturer Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11, Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 24568887, 24566566, 24561619 or 24568881, www.sapphire-marine.com Marinas Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman, +968 24737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net

Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp,

Fishing & Kayaking

Equestrian Clubs/Centres Al Shaqab, P.O. Box 90055, Doha, Qatar, +974 44546320, www.alshaqab.com Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, Racing and Equestrian Club, P.O. Box 7559, Doha, Qatar, +974 44197704, www.qrec.gov.qa

Diving

Equipment/Centres Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street (near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar, +974 44435626 Doha Sub Aqua Club, Doha Sub-Aqua Club, PO Box: 5048, Doha, Qatar, +974 50483794, www.dohasubaquaclub.com Extreme Adventure, P.O. Box 33002, Shop 3, 4 Ahmed Bin Ali Street (Bin Omran), Doha, Qatar, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa GoSport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44631644; Villagio Mall, Qatar: +974 44517574, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Pearl Divers, P.O. Box 2489, Doha, Qatar, +974 44449553, www.pearl-divers.org Poseidon Dive Center, P.O. Box: 11538, Ras Abu Abboud Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2, Doha, Qatar +974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com Qatar Scuba Center, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277, www.qatarscubacenter.com Q-Dive Marine Centre, Souq Al Najada cnr of Grand Hamad and Ali bin Abdulla Street; +974 55319507 or 4375065, www.qdive.net World Marine Centre, PO Box 6944, Doha, Qatar, +974 44360989, www.worldmarinecenter.webs.com Qatar Divers, Marriott Hotel Marina Near Old Airport, Ras Abu Aboud Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 55246651, 40405156, www.qatardivers.com Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center West Bay, P.O. Box 16657, Doha, +974 55319507, www.qatarmarine.net Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar, +974 66662277 or 44422234, www.qatarscubacenter.com

Equipment Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting Equipment, Souq Waqif, next to the Falcon Souq, +974 70057489 Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment, P.O. Box 6449, Old Salata, Doha, Qatar, +974 44444238, almamzoore@qatar.net.qa Extreme Adventure, Shop 3,4 Ahmed Bin Ali Steet, Doha, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa Fish World, P.O. Box 1975, Doha, Qatar, +974 44340754 State of Qatar (QatarSub), Souq Waqif, next to the Falcon Souq, +974 4431234, www.stateofqatar.com Operators Paddle Qatar, +974 55490895, www.paddleqatar.com

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Equipment, Operators Fly-N-Ride, Ras abu Aboud, Doha, +974 33117089, Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha, +974 33155628, www.flokiteschool.com Kitesurfing Qatar, +97430179108, www.kitesurfingqatar.com QSUP, Qanat Quartier, Costa Malaz, The Pearl-Qc, Doha, Qatar, +974 66602830, www.qsup.me

Cycling (Road & Off Road)

Bike Servicing, Equipment Carbon Wheels Bike Shop, Al Maha Center 10, Salwa Road, Doha, +974 44419048, www.facebook.com/CarbonWheelsQTR Flash Bike Shop, Mesaeed New Souq, Shop C.06, +974 6600 9116, www.flashbikeshop.com Skate Shack, Salwa Road, South Doha, +974 44692532, www.skate-shack.com Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, +974 44822194; Villaggio Mall, +974 4456 9143; Ezdan Mall, +974 4492 2827, www.galaxysportqatar.com Sportswell, Salwa Road, South Doha, +974 44151687

ONLINE DIRECTORY

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TESTED TOUGH WHERE OFFICES HAVE NO WALLS.