#75 December 2016

The Desert Diva’s guide to the UAE’s largest emirate

Get pedalling!

Everything you need to know to get into cycling

Columbia ambassador Fadi Hachicho on all things outdoors

OutdoorUAE meets the legendary film maker

Plenty of

PRODUCTS TO CHECK OUT

Price 10.00 AED 10.00 QAR 1.00 OMR

Preparing to camp

EXERCISES FROM FITNESS FIRST

Cambodia

WHY IT SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST

Vol. 6, No. 12 December 2016

www.OutdoorUAE.com

TESTED TOUGH TO KEEP YOU WARM AND DRY.

Visit our Columbia stores Dubai Mall, Mall Of Emirates, Mirdiff City Center, Dalma Mall To get more info about our part sale during December. Instagram: Columbia_me - Facebook: Columbia Middle East.

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DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

OutdoorUAE Team

Rachael Bruford Editor [email protected]

We seek these new unknown tracks, often not knowing where they lead and with no clear goal or finish line in sight. Because it is not about the end of the track, it is about the journey. I have had many amazing journeys and the only thing that can enrich any adventure is if you can share the experience with the right people. Solitude has its own beauty, but if I look back on all the most memorable moments, they were shared with other people and usually these people played a major role in making it memorable. On 14th September, my first child, Sophia, was born and this marked the date of my new adventure of a lifetime. What could be more exciting than sharing moments with the most precious people in the world? I don’t believe that family and babies are any obstacle for adventures, I just think they need to be planned differently. She is only two and a half months old but she already has the sparkle in her eyes to explore and experience which lit a new fire in me. As much energy as a new born baby can take,she is giving backas much, if not even more. Our outdoor ventures until now have been only to parks and the beach, but she loves it and I am dedicated to raise an outdoor loving, responsible and respectful little adventure girl. After my wife, I have another companion by my side who will enrich my journey no matter the challenges we may and will face; the tracks will always continue into the unknown. New responsibilities and the unknown can be quite scary but I have a strong belief in a kind of destiny, and the only thing we can influence is the journey. So be optimistic, make the best of it Daniel Birkhofer and accept things that are not in our hands. This coming new year and the Founder and following years, my adventure is Sophia and I will be her guide, to make her General Manager [email protected] journey asloving, memorable, exciting and safe as possible.

Nela Macovei Business Development Manager [email protected]

Margo Ciruelos Sales and Marketing [email protected]

Ireneo ‘Jung’ Francisco Designer and Photographer [email protected]

Ian Sebeldia Circulation

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert

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

Tel. 04-447 2030 [email protected] www.outdooruae.com Distributor Al Nisr Distribution LLC P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE 800 4585/04-4067170

Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist

Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and off-road expert

Printed at GN Printing P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE © 2016 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 6, No. 12, December 2016

Bandana Jain Outdoor and Lifestyle contributor

www.OutdoorUAE.com Facebook.com/OutdoorUAE Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE

Ryan Campbell Filmmaker and photographer for Mountain Quests

Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE Youtube.com/OutdoorUAE

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!

Matt Ficco Adventurer and thrill seeker at discoveredtrax.com

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

CONTENTS

10 DOAS 2016

17 K9 AND HUMAN CHALLENGE

30 JOG TO THE BLACK SEA

EVERY ISSUE

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 42 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

24 CAMBODIA 26 BHUTAN - DRUK PATH TREK 28 SINAI TRAIL 30 JOG TO THE BLACK SEA 32 OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY 40 DEAD2

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 10 RED BULL DRIFT DRIVING 11 DOAS 2016 14 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 15 72 HOURS IN RAK

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16 EMIRATES DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP 17 K9 AND HUMAN CHALLENGE 18 TROPIC OF CANCER ULTRA 20 COLUMBIA HIKING TRAILS 22 ARCTIC TRUCKS EXPEDITIONS

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

34 TESTED TOUGH WITH COLUMBIA

60 CAMPING LOCATIONS IN ABU DHABI

62 FITNESS FOR CAMPING

PEOPLE

TRIED & TESTED

34 TESTED TOUGH – COLUMBIA’S BRAND AMBASSADOR 36 ANDREW ST PIERRE WHITE 38 JEN SCULLY

43 GO PRO HERO SESSION 5 49 DECATHLON RUNNING GEAR 51 SONY HEADPHONES 52 SONY ACTION CAM

LIFESTYLE

OUR EXPERTS

41 HABITUALLY HEALTHY

53 FISHING - RASMUS 56 DIVING - JAKE 58 CYCLING - HELLE 60 OFF ROAD – MARINA 62 FITNESS FOR CAMPING – FITNESS FIRST

OUTDOORUAE

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EVENTS CALENDAR



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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

DECEMBER 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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D E C

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge

The most anticipated cycling event of the year, now featuring full road closures along the 92km course. Held under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council. When: 16th December Where: Starting at Dubai Autodrome Contact: www.hopasports.com

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Du Tough Mudder

Test your physical strength, stamina and mental grit on either a 8km or 16km obstacle course at this famous event. When: 9th and 10th December Where: Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai Contact: www.toughmudder.ae

DECEMBER

16

Urban Ultra Desert Stinker

Choose from a 10k Fat Bike, 10k or 20k trail run distance. On Friday night the horn will sound at 7pm and you will head off to run or ride your selected distance in the dark with your headlamp on a flat but challenging course, then return to camp for food and fun and to prepare for the morning’s 7am start gun to run or ride your chosen distance over the dunes along a marked course! When: 16th December Where: Dubai Desert, off the Sharjah-Kalba road Contact: www.premieronline.com

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17

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Dubai Desert Road Run

Choose from either a 3km or 10km race and get some exercise before the festive season truly begins. Taking in the Sevens ground on a mainly flat course, there are prizes for both overall and age group winners. When: 17th December Where: The Sevens Contact: www.dubairunning.com

EVERY MONDAY

Gulf for Good Walk for Wellness

Featuring Dubai Eye presenter Suzanne Radford, this free walk explores parts of Dubai every Monday evening. The perfect chance to explore this rapidly changing city whilst receiving all the benefits that walking brings. When: Every Monday from 8pm Where: Various locations Contact: www.gulf4good.org

JANUARY

06

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

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D E C

Super Sports Under 12 Junior Tennis Tournament 2

Is your child a future Andy Murray? Singles tennis tournament for boys and girls aged 11 years and under who attend tennis lessons with Super Sports. When: 9th December Where: Dubai College Contact: www.supersportsevents.me

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Omega Dubai Ladies Masters

The Omega Dubai Ladies Masters is the season-ending Ladies European Tour and attracts some of the world’s top female golfers. Held at the picturesque Emirates Golf Club, the tournament has become a permanent feature of the UAE golfing calendar. When: 7th – 10th December Where: Emirates Golf Club Contact: www.visitdubai.com DECEMBER

03

Giant Duathlon Series Race 3 and 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: 3rd December and 20th January Where: Hamdan Sports Complex Contact: www.premieronline.com

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Dubai World Super Series Finals

The world’s badminton heroes will once again compete for the prestigious title of Dubai World Superseries Finals Champion. When: 14th – 18th December Where: Hamdan Sports Complex Contact: www.visitdubai.com

DECEMBER

15

Ultimate Athletics Open Meet

Catering to both seniors and younger age groups, this is the perfect competition to test your training in all things athletics. When: 15th December Where: New York University Outdoor Track & Field Stadium, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

DECEMBER

16

5 Star Aquathlon Race 2

Various distances and age groups make this Aquathlon suitable for the whole family! When: 16th December Where: St Regis, Saadiyat Beach Contact: www.premieronline.com

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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: Sam Harris, Debbie Howarth and Rey Penuela. Well done!

Sam Harris

Chasing Cars

Debbie Howarth Fujairah

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Rey Penuela

The Hafeet Canyon

Dubai International Boat Show 28 Feb - 4 Mar 2017

Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi

SELL THE WATERSPORT LIFESTYLE TO 28,000 ENTHUSIASTS 5 days to target over 28,000 regional affluent visitors in a region that embraces marine activities as a lifestyle and has average household incomes above $100k

Join us: For exhibiting & sponsorship opportunities call us on +971 4 308 6275/6204 or email [email protected]

With 66% of our visitors actively taking part in water sports more than twice a month, make sure you position your product at the heart of the region’s watersport culture with an exciting range of live demonstrations, hands on displays and exhilarating visitor activities.

ORGANISED BY

VENUE

SUPPORTING MARITIME AUTHORITY

boatshowdubai.com

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

PARTNER

OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER

OFFICIAL COURIER HANDLER

OFFICIAL PUBLISHER

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EVENT REPORT

Red Bull Car Park Drift clash in Ajman Port ends with Al Zaabi on Top Emirati Faisal Al Zaabi to fly UAE colors at the Red Bull Car Park Drift Final in Oman in December Electrifying, boisterous and adrenaline-pumping. These are words that have become synonymous with the Red Bull Car Park Drift series which made its penultimate stop this season in the Emirate of Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. The scenic Port of Ajman was a battle ground for the UAE’s most skilled drifters, with competitors having to navigate through forklifts, containers, boxes and cones on a track designed by Lebanese rally champion Abdo Feghali and in front of two thousand enthusiasts who gathered to witness the high-octane action, replete with white smoke and loud engines. Ultimately, it was Faisal Al Zaabi in the Nissan Silvia that earned most points. Al Zaabi will thus defend UAE colours against contestants from 10 different countries when the drifting championships comes to close at the Final in Oman on December 9th. Al Zaabi secured the first place with a score of 245 points in his tuned Nissan Silvia. He finished ahead of Jawad Tuffaha with 189 points and Manaa Al Falasi took

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the third spot on the podium with 162 points. “To win here is incredible, and to do it on such an extremely hard technical track is unbelievable,” commented Faisal Al Zaabi after the event. “The other guys pushed me all the way to the finish and I really had to be on top of my game. I couldn’t relax for even a second.” Al Zaabi, along with second place and third place finishers Jawad Tuffaha and Manaa Al Falasi, received their trophies from His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Naimi, Director general Chairman of Ajman Port and Customs Department. After visiting Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Mauritius, Tunisia, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain and now the UAE, the Red Bull Car Park Drift series will make its last stop at Port Sultan Qaboosin Oman, where the Regional Final will reveal the identity of the region’s new King of Drift on December 9.

Top Four: 1. Faisl Al Zaabi 2. Jawad Tuffaha 3. Manaa Al Falasi 4. Khaled Faddah

What is drifting?

245 Points 189 Points 162 Points 138 Points

The story of drifting goes way back to the 1960s on winding Japanese mountain roads. A bunch of likeminded racers set out to beat their A to B times by exceeding the grip limit of their tires when taking sharp corners. It didn’t do much to help their racing times but instead evolved into an entirely different discipline. Drifting was born, and by the year 1970 it was featured in the prestigious All Japan Touring Car Championship. Each rider took it further than the last, resulting in some awesome feats redefining driver control. It took 20 years for the international motorsports scene to take on drifting. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and China made drifting a fully-fledged sport. Fast-forward to 2005…a Red Bull manager discovered the drifting fever in a car park in Hong Kong and decided to light a fuse in the Middle East. Lebanon hosted the first ever Red Bull Car Park Drift event in 2008 at the City Mall car park making it possible for all underground drifters to put their skills to test, and placed the spotlight on rally champion Abdo Feghali, making him a drifting legend.

EVENT REPORT

Title Sponsor:

For the first time in the iconic Dubai Marina, the Dubai Outdoor and Adventure show highlighted the growing participation of people from all walks of life in all things outdoor related. Organised by the founder of OutdoorUAE magazine, Daniel Brikhofer, and with sports giant Decathlon as the title sponsor of the event, it was certainly an occasion not to be missed. Held between 10th and 12th November, the event marked a change from previous years as visitors were offered respite from the winter sun in an air-conditioned indoor section, which featured delicious food and drink available from Yamaha Café. In this area, Decathlon goods were displayed for purchase, with small tournaments being organised, such as soft archery and table

tennis. The movie room played footage of special guest Andrew St Pierre White’s incredible expeditions, as well as films by Wouter Kingma, Read Macadam, Giles Richardson and Shaun Meyer, whilst other vendors from the outdoor community offered advice and products to customers. Moving outside, the set up did not fail to impress, from the magnificent Red Bull DJ booth, which kept the crowds entertained as well as informed, to the many food trucks which lined the shore, offering a range of mouth-watering delights for hungry adventurers. The ever popular SUP pool returned for another year, with SeaYou providing the opportunity for SUP Yoga, as well as the chance for people to try out

paddleboards and kayaks. Once again, the climbing wall from Rock Republic proved to be a real highlight, with both novices and seasoned pros attempting to reach the top. The event was honoured to receive a visit from one of UAE’s biggest and most high profile car enthusiasts: His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Bin Muhammad Al Nahyan. Sheikh Hamdan spent some time walking round the various exhibits and of course, checking out the 4x4s on display!

The Best 4×4 Competition had its own dedicated section and saw more than 30 amazingly modified vehicles, many from local clubs such as UAE Offroaders, UAE Adventure Club, and Jeepers who all competed for the title of “Visitors Choice”.

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

The beach volleyball competition proved to be another popular event, with 30 tons of sand being brought to the venue in order to create the court. Twenty teams took part in two separate categories, men and mixed. The volleyball court saw several thrilling battles in a contest that was expertly organized by Caroline from Vapero Dubai. Participants were given the ideal opportunity to train on the first day of the event, setting themselves up for the main competition days on Friday and Saturday. World respected writer, film maker and story teller Andrew St Pierre White hosted a special meet and greet with fans on the Friday of the show, following on from his article about 6x6 driving in Oman in the November issue of OutdoorUAE magazine. Furthermore, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon featured in the same issue also made an appearance! As the only dedicated outdoor and adventure show in the region, the event attracted a wide range of people from all different walks of life, connected by their love of all things outdoors. From watersports to off road driving, from camping to cycling and from climbing to adventurous expeditions, all tastes and abilities were accounted for. Speaking after the event, organiser Daniel Birkhofer said, “This year we brought the event to the heart of Dubai with amazing views of the Marina skyline and perfect weather to enjoy the event. The air conditioned area was a new addition as



well as the beach volleyball, which we will certainly continue next year.This year we missed a bit the off-road DNA of the two previous years, so this is something we will work on to ensure we get the off-road thrill back for 2017. As much as everyone loved the venue by the sea, the area has a notorious parking problem which unfortunately some guests and exhibitors experienced,

DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

so this will certainly be one thing we will improve upon for the next show. We are very grateful for the big support Decathlon has given us for the event, as well as all exhibitors, partners and volunteers, in helping to build an experience-focused fun event for all outdoor loving people in the region. The 2017 show is already on our drawing table.”

OUTDOORUAE

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EVENT REPORT

A day that began with the GP2 and GP3 Series titles being decided ended with first-time championship glory for Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg and a sell-out concert featuring pop superstar Rihanna. Germany’s Nico Rosberg was crowned the new FIA Formula 1®Drivers’ Champion after picking up the points he needed to claim his maiden crown on a pulsating day of motorsport action at Yas Marina Circuit. A tense and action-packed 2016 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ended with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton storming to the chequered flag from pole position. Rosberg, the 31-year-old German Mercedes driver started in P2, and kept station behind his team mate throughout, before crossing the finish line in second place to then climb onto the podium amid a spectacular fireworks show as winner of the championship for the first time. Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Congratulations to Nico on becoming FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ Champion, and a special thanks to all teams and drivers for putting on such a fantastic display of racing for our sell-out crowd to enjoy.“It has been a wonderful four days of entertainment at Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Island – from the on-track sporting action to the varied activities and entertainment in our Oasis areas, on the Island, to the unforgettable After-Race concerts. We set the bar 14

OUTDOORUAE

higher each year and this year, Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit have once again proved that we can put on a show that rivals any sporting and entertainment event anywhere in the world. Thanks to everyone who came and contributed to an incredible atmosphere throughout race weekend and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.” A capacity crowd of 60,000 people were treated to a full-day feast of sporting action and entertainment on a sun-baked Sunday at Yas Marina Circuit. Fans got an early taste of the exciting action to come when the young guns of motorsport battled out a title decider or their own in the season-concluding races of the GP2 and GP3 Series, with Charles Lerclerc and Pierre Gasly claiming the top honours in the two championships, respectively. A host of activities in Yas Marina Circuit’s four themed Oasis areas kept kids and adults entertained during the afternoon with driver autograph sessions, race simulations, live music performances, UAE cultural displays, and much more. Then heads turned to the skies above Yas Marina Circuit rather than the track as an Etihad Airways A380 and the seven jets of Fursan Al Emarat performed a stunning UAE national colours fly past. At exactly 5pm it was time for the main attraction, one that brought in visitors from the UAE and dozens of countries all over the world; the title-deciding showdown between boyhood friends turned fierce rivals Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Fifty-five laps

of breath-taking action played out under the setting sun, then illuminated by the Circuit’s iconic floodlights, that ended with a tearful and jubilant Nico Rosberg lifting the FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ Championship trophy. The enraptured crowd watched the action live from Yas Marina Circuit’s range of worldclass Grandstands and from fans’ favourite Abu Dhabi Hill, while millions of others around the world followed live updates and a wealth of multimedia content on the Circuit’s online channels. With the smell of burning rubber from Nico’s celebratory spins still in the air, it was time to head to the du Arena as global superstar Rihanna brought the curtain down in style with Sunday night’s Yasalam After-Race Concert. Her epic performance of number one hits from her #ANTI World Tour was the last in a star-studded line-up of After-Race concerts throughout race weekend. You can relive the highlights of the 2016 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Yas Marina Circuit’s dedicated YouTube Channel, YasTV, as well as the Circuit’s social media channels. For more information visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com

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



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EVENT REPORT

Matt and Theo’s Epic 72 Hours of ‘Discovery’ in RAK Two Land Rover Diaries explorers’ whistle-stop voyage covers heritage sites, traditional excursions, adventure activities, Emirati cuisine, all-new Via Ferrata and... ice-cream? It’s a familiar ‘long weekend’ dilemma for many UAE residents taking a quick trip abroad or travelling to another emirate for a National Day staycation: what exactly do you squeeze in during a 72-hour break in a new destination? For intrepid British explorers Matt Croucher QC and Theo Measures, a whistle-stop visit to Ras Al Khaimah posed exactly that challenge. After partnering with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)for the latest chapter in their vehicular adventure travel journal, ‘The Land Rover Diaries’(as featured in OutdoorUAE), Matt and Theo drove headfirst into more than 20 of the emirate’s adventure activities, heritage sites and bespoke tourism products during a 72-hour odyssey through the UAE’s most northern emirate. After reaching Ras Al Khaimah via a Seawings seaplane flight from Dubai, the pair sampled a broad mix of the emirate’s adventure and leisure pursuits – from scuba diving in the mangroves, stand-up paddle boarding, golf swing tutorials at Al Hamra Golf Club and sand boarding, to a four-hour hiking, orienteering and zip-lining mission on Ras Al Khaimah’s new flagship adventure tourism product, the all-new Via Ferrata in the Al Hajar Mountains. In addition to putting their white Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE Luxury through its paces on the meandering roads that weave around the Via Ferrata site on Jebel Jais the duo of course went off-road to navigate the rocky gullies of Wadi Kub, as well as a dune bashing trip in RAK’s desert. On the cultural side, Matt and Theo also experienced an overnight stay at the Bedouin Oasis Camp, and numerous heritage sites such as the restored Mohamed bin Salem Mosque, Dhayah Fort and Al Jazirah Al Hamra. And then there was the ice-cream… A third Views from Dhayah Fort, RAK

Theo Measures

Land Rover Diaries

of the way into their gruelling 72-hour expedition, the boy stook a well-earned break and popped into Ras Al Khaimah’s Ashook icecream parlour – a favourite haunt for locals and tourists alike. “I was taken aback by the sheer number of adventure activities to experience in Ras Al Khaimah. I’d recommend this destination to anyone wanting an adrenaline rush and to be close to nature. It’s also really accessible from Dubai,” said Matt, whose charity Action Against Poaching was featured in a recent issue of OutdoorUAE magazine.“I have been lucky enough to travel to some amazing destinations around the world with Land Rover, and Ras Al Khaimah is up there among the best. It is still relatively untouched, with some real hidden gems, that makes it feel like you’re the first to discover them.” Following the completion of their mammoth Ras Al Khaimah excursion, the pair met Haitham Mattar,RAKTDA’s CEO, who presented them with a comprehensive dossier of all the activities and attractions not in their break-neck itinerary. “That made us laugh,” said Measures, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for cars and the Middle East. “72 hours in RAK sounds like a fair bit of time to explore, but there were so many things that we still haven’t tried. It is hard to choose a favourite out of all the activities we experienced, but for me the definite highlights were the Via Ferrata, the Seawings flight from Dubai and most importantly the new friendships we have made with the fantastic people we were lucky enough to meet.” As RAKTDA progresses its strategy to increase more diversity into the emirate’s burgeoning adventure product portfolio, Mattar revealed Croucher and Measures are destined to return. “Adventure tourism is a growing area for

RAK and Matt and Theo have tried some of the best the emirate has to offer. It is rare to find a destination like Ras Al Khaimah where you can scuba diving in the sea, sand boarding in the desert and ziplining in the mountain – all in one day,” said Mattar. “The Via Ferrata is only the start of the adventure tourism proposition we are developing on Jebel Jais, where we will launch the world’s longest zip-line and a dedicated adventure park in Q4 2017. For the less adventurously inclined, Jebel Jais has lots of accessible trekking options and its natural mountain beauty will soon be available to all courtesy of an observation deck planned for its peak.”

Matt Croucher outside Dhayah Fort, RAK

To find out more about The Land Rover Diaries, a series of expeditions covering culture, history, architecture, design, hospitality, the natural landscape, outdoor activities, off-roading and the spirit of adventure, visit @VisitRasAlKhaimah and @TheLandRoverDiaries on Instagram and Facebook, or search #72HoursInRAK. You can also watch highlights from the trip on YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=_QHkkaPbWhg and https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=uTiQMz54yko

MOTO Race winner Josh Brodalka

Kuwaiti Abdullah Al Shatti (#24) leads a group of riders into the first corner.

Over 450 Class Winner Tom Childs (#55), Said Al Kumliti Benjamin Melot watched by some of the local wildlife (#80) and Shelby Ingrilli (#49)

Photos by: Tim Ansell

2014-15 Emirates Desert Champion Ahmed Al Maqoodi made a winning return to the Emirates Desert Championship on Friday morning, winning the BUGGY race for the Polaris UAE Racing Team. Emirati Al Maqoodi has only made a limited appearance in the championship since winning the title two years ago due to other commitments, but was delighted with the victory. “It feels great to be racing again, and I’m delighted with the win. It was a great result for our team, as we also secured second and fifth places too”, said Al Maqoodi. Al Maqoodi was part of a record entry in the BUGGY category, with the ‘Side-by-Side’ buggies manufactured by the likes of Polaris, Yamaha and CanAm now being viewed

Buggy Podium - Khalid Al Jafla (3rd), Ahmed Al Maqoodi (1st), Omar Sawan (2nd)

AUTO Winner Georgy Gomshiashvili and Co-Driver Jordan Beale in their menacing looking FIA T1 Predator

by many in the sport as a great alternative to a full sized rally car. “I see great potential in these vehicles as they are a lower cost, entry level vehicle, not to mention extremely fun to drive”, said ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “There are thousands of these vehicles in the UAE and many are owned by young Emiratis. We want to encourage them to come racing in the championship where they can challenge themselves and their vehicles, safe in the knowledge that they are in a well-managed and safe environment”. Elsewhere, Georgy Gomshiashvili and codriver Jordan Beale picked up their first race win in the AUTO category in their T1 Class Predator. In the MOTORCYCLE race, South African rider Josh Brodalka caused a big upset by taking a debut win, with Mohammed Al Balooshi second and Aaron Mare in third place. Reigning champion Ross Runnalls crashed while leading the race, but escaped with minor injuries. Balooshi’s second place

Mohammed Al Shamsi (#222) pursued by eventual Quad Class Winner Obaid Al Kitbe (#203)

followed a third place in the opening round and means that he now leads the motorcycle championship. Finally, QUAD rider Emirati Obaid Al Kitbe continued his good run of form since returning to the sport, picking up his first win, amazingly becoming the sixth different winner in the last seven races stretching back to the start of last season, which highlights the close and exciting competition among the quads. The Emirates Desert Championship is a five round series organized by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and the Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF). With two rounds now completed, the championship now enters a break period, with round three scheduled for Friday 20th January 2017.

The crew of Tom Bell and co-driver Patrick McMurren being chased down by Sweden’s Annie Seel in a pair of Polaris RZRs

The various podium finishers across the different classes.

For further details about the championship please contact [email protected] or check the website at www.emiratesdesertchampionship.ae.

EVENT REPORT

Challenge Words + Photos by: Matt Ficco

This was a long-awaited event for the Discovered Trax team. We had heard about this event last December shortly after Raider arrived on the team. At that point we had just missed the 2015 event, plus Raider was too small and not ready to tackle the wadis. There was a bit of cloak & dagger secrecy around the event. We could not get any intel as to when or where it would be held in 2016 until it was finally announced several weeks before the event and the exact location was only communicated to the registered challengers the week before the event. The waiting and patience paid off however, and we were in for a treat as the event took place in a secluded wadi at the base of Jebal Jais not far from Wadi Bih. I do not know how many dogs there were at the event but I heard somewhere around one hundred or so. Then there were probably two or three times this number of people; it was a very well-attended event. Our wave departed the starting area at about 8:15a.m. We were the early birds and being first out of the gate had its advantages - namely the sun, or lack thereof. Even though it was nearly mid-November, the wadis and mountains can heat up during the day when the sun is at full peak and this can be torment for the dogs as they hustle around the rugged wadi bed. So getting an early start would guarantee us as much shade as possible. Raider is a very friendly and curious Black

Labrador and at a ripe young age of 14 months he is as playful as one could get. By the time we were hiking into the wadi he was already panting as he had been chasing every dog around, playing with them, jumping on them, and making his usual hyper-friendly chit-chat. As most of the dogs made their way steadily up the wadi, Raider had other plans; he was so excited to be in a new environment that he took the opportunity to sniff out every inch of the wadi. He zigzagged left, right, up, down, and generally all around. His tail wagging incessantly let everyone know he was in doggy paradise. The dogs had to remain on their leashes which does hinder a dog from reaching his/ her full potential while jumping and racing through the wild however, it was a necessary evil. With one hundred or so canines of different sizes, shapes, ages, and pedigree we needed to be able to try and keep some order to the chaos. Generally, we as humans try to get our dogs to behave civilly when out and about and we need to remember that at the end of the day they are dogs. So on this particular day, I think every dog owner was full of excitement to let their dogs be dogs! There was a lot of barking, yelping, chasing, jumping, playing, fighting, licking, kissing….and yes, of course, the ubiquitous “sniffing-of-the-behinds.” The event was extremely well-managed and the organisers covered many of the safety requirements; I really would like to applaud them for this! There were over thirty course marshals wearing uniformed t-shirts so that anyone could clearly distinguish them if need be. There were several vets on site; one at the beginning/end of the course and a couple mid-way. They graciously inspected each four-legged friend as they passed by to ensure their paws, legs, body temperature, hydration levels, etc were all

in check. They even had a doggy-stretcher among their safety items, which I thought was really cool. In the unfortunate event that a dog needed to be carried out of the wadi this would have proved invaluable. There were other event sponsors on hand passing out K9 energy treats, over-sized water bowls all along the way for the dogs to rehydrate, professional photographers, and even a set of portable toilets for the humans (which, by the way, is a rare treat in the wild). We finished our course just after noon so it was a nice 4-hour hike that covered 5km. We did take several breaks under the cover of shade from time to time to allow Raider to cool himself and regain his stamina. It was not always easy to keep him calm and relaxed as he wanted to jump up and run after every dog that passed by. Raider thoroughly enjoyed himself and we had a great time seeing him able to express himself and play in such a natural environment along with his fellow canines. Hopefully the HK9 Challenge team looks to put this event on twice a year. It seems to be growing in popularity and I think there would be ample demand for it. We are surely waiting for the next event! A product of New England’s dynamic landscape, scenery, weather, and vibe, Matt has always been an adventurer and thrill seeker. Whether it is the mountains, desert, ocean, or wadis, he always enjoys his environment to the max. Having led a sporty and adventurous life throughout his childhood and young adult life, Matt is committed to giving his family similar experiences and memories that they can keep for a lifetime. You can read more about Matt and his family’s adventures on their website www.discoveredtrax.com

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Tropic of Cancer Ultra Marathon A tale of two runners Words by: David O’Hara

When the eminent Max Calderan announces a running project, UAE trail runners expect an epic endurance event: like the first Tropic of Cancer Ultra Marathon. With routes set up for 10km, half-marathon, marathon and 50km runs somewhere near the Liwa desert, the essence of the event centers on Max uniting two seemingly divergent groups: UAE ultra trail runners and the desert driving group Dubai Offroaders. Dubai Offroaders

Dubai Offroaders is a club of adventurers that brings spirit to the runners as well as handling checkpoints, water and safety. Because of the remoteness of the desert, everybody gathers the night before and camps out under the stars. Distinguishing Offroaders from Runners is easy: Offroaders have lots of fancy camping gear like tents, while Runners sleep directly on the sand.

Runners & Sand

About 75 runners showed up for the various distances in an informal ‘fun run’ approach. As we climbed over the first sand dune, I spotted a 4X4 getting pulled out of deep sand with a winch –making me smile and showing how serious this course is. If you aren’t a runner, you may not understand the feeling of running in the desert. You do not run up sand dunes – it is counterproductive. You walk up sand dunes, like going up stairs where you must lift your knees very high, or you make no forward progress. If you stand still on a steep sand dune, you slide down. You must keep your feet moving, until you get to the top – then you glide down, with sand flying all around.

Salt Flats

In contrast, running on salt flats is like running on … salt flats. I haven’t figured out

Ya gotta love the Luna Sandals

a good metaphor, but every step crunches on salt and the top layer is crusty, but soft underneath. There are not many salt flats around, so it was a new sensation to me; a surface with no good traction. The landscape looked like the surface of the moon. It was an endless expanse, with one saving grace: Dubai Offroaders parked at checkpoints every 2km or so. What a great feeling when you see those 4X4’s in the distance, knowing that there are enthusiastic people waiting with water and words of encouragement!

50km finish

dunes until my legs cramped. Cramps are debilitating and painful, causing me to worry about plummeting off the ridge. I did not fear the fall, but I dreaded starting the climb again from the bottom. As I struggled over the ridge, two runners passed me. Oh well – deal with yourself and don’t worry about them. 25km done, and 25km to go.

Cat and Mouse

A cat and mouse game ensued with me and two other runners. We ran slowly and walked fast, Ramzi Darwish gets his frequently passing each other. Certificate from Max Calderan At checkpoints, Dubai Offroaders were simply glorious, despite the fact that I was a mess, with sweat and stink emanatCramps! ing from me. They provided water and I love running, because success results from their 4X4’s became beacons along the way, training and mental toughness. Running is breaking the distance into smaller manageeasy until it gets really hard, especially when able chunks. At 35km, two runners ahead the proverbial dark side of the moon sets of me dropped out, which motivated me to in. Earlier in October I slogged through a push a little harder. The third runner continHimalayan blizzard above 5,400 meters at ued playing cat and mouse until he dropped noon – the antithesis of what I experienced out at around 38km. at noon in the desert during the Tropic of Cancer Ultra, where it is over 40C and sunny. I climbed along the ridge line of big Convergence of Trail Runners

and Offroaders

Max played a cruel joke on the route, making the last 12km through deep, soft sand which was virtually impossible to run on after six hours. The temperature hit 42C, but I noticed the heat only on my feet, because I run in Luna sandals and the hot sand burns the bottom of my toes. With water and cheers from Dubai Offroaders, my cramps dissipated and eventually, I finished 50km. Max succeeded in creating an epic desert challenge bringing together trail runners and offroaders! Big shout-out to Albert, Ajay and Pari from Dubai Offroaders! Awesome! Maya Petrova (42km finisher), David (50km finisher) and Olga OHara (21km finisher)

Words by: Matt Ficco Photos by: Arnold Pinto and Sebastien Nicholas

At “0-dark-30” the Tropic of Cancer Marathon base camp was awake and silently in full swing as participants and support teams of the inaugural TOCM were making their final preparations before the race start. Actually, to call it a race is not correct. The event, organised by the famous extreme desert explorer Max Calderan, was a family, friendly event open to all outdoor enthusiasts and desert lovers irrespective of running ability. In fact, it could be argued that you need to be more of a stamina walker than a runner as much of the ascents and descents were done in walking mode rather than running mode. There were about 70-80 participants who were supported by 18 4x4s driven by offroad driving experts from Dubai Offroaders. The DO team was phenomenal in providing the participants the much needed guidance, water, and general moral support. Hats off to our DO offroaders for their efforts; thank you! DO’s sister club, Adventure Emarat, fielded a strong team of event participants as well with over a dozen ladies and gents who came out to the desert, some for the very first time, to partake in this one-of-akind event. The course was rather straight forward with only a few distinct lines of travel as the crow flies. However, on the ground, those lines had participants zig-zagging, climbing, descending, walking, and sometimes crawling through some of the most challenging desert terrain. Runners had to shift gears from a steep climb to a steep descent in a matter of seconds then shift to cruising mode on long stretches of sabkha salt

So will I be in the Guinness Book of World Records?

flats. The majority of the participants ran the 10km, with less running the 21km, and only a handful running the 42km and 50km. One thing is for sure, it is fair to say that the difficulty and challenge of the terrain caught most runners off guard. You cannot appreciate how difficult this is until you actually try it for the first time. From the start line we had a steep ascent on soft sand, which saw us crest the top with an immediate descent, then ascent, then descent…you get the picture. It was one dune after another of what became softer and softer sand. This was my first time running a desert, offroad run. I learned quickly that you get no credit for the energy exerted to go vertically up and down the dunes in relation to the distance you need to cover. Had you exerted that same energy on a flat surface, the distance travelled would have been a lot further. This was a bit of a mental dilemma I needed to deal with quickly to have any hope of completing the course. It was a mind-over-body scenario and I had to push the mental stamina further than the physical stamina. There were a lot of smiling faces on the course, especially from the DO support Remind me why I am doing this? crew; they really took it upon themselves to help lift our spirits during some difficult

times. For me personally, I really warm up and get into the groove of any running event right around the 4 or 5km mark, and the TOCM was no different. As I approached the 5km mark I was greeted with a refreshing shower of cool water and this definitely helped recharge the drain on my legs. From that point it felt as if the race was much more manageable. There is something very enjoyable for me about running by yourself out in the wild, whether it be the mountains, wadis, or desert, and it is that time I have with myself to ponder why I am doing what I am doing. I must say, it is most often a very difficult and somewhat painful experience so I always seem to convince myself that I enjoy the idea of setting a very difficult bar for myself to cross. It would always be much easier to give up, jump in a support car, or simply stop, but pushing on to reach over that bar is a great feeling of accomplishment and reminds you that challenges in life are not insurmountable. I made the final turn before the last set of dunes and was feeling pretty good. I knew that shortly the run would finish and I would have accomplished what I set out to do. I didn’t come first and I didn’t come last but none of that mattered. The best thing about the whole event was the whole event. I was surrounded by many of my good friends from Dubai Offroaders and many of my good friends from Adventure Emarat, plus new friends from the event itself. Every person that was on the sand that day contributed to make the event as great as it was. It was a huge accomplishment for everyone and gives us great memories and anticipation for the next one!

Flying down the last dune…all smiles

Max giving the pre-race brief to the runners

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

An introduction to hiking in the UAE Words by: Daniel Birkhofer Photos by: Jung Francisco

If you are a hiking fan, you can find all the essentials you need in the local Columbia stores. I recommend a sturdy pair of boots with ankle support, a light day pack with a hydration pack, short pants and a synthetic shirt which dries quickly, as well as a cap or a hat and sunglasses.

Fossil Rock

Fossil Rock is underestimated and for many is not considered as a mountain; however, it is an amazing hiking location. You can find many ways leading up to the higher plateau overlooking the desert with beautiful sunsets. There is not a marked track so you need to explore a bit to find a good way up and down; depending on your choice it can be more exposed. If you are into fossils you can also explore the edge where the rocks meet the dunes. Fossil Rock is also accessible from the Sharjah - Kalba highway (you need to pass the fence at the top end or if you have a 4x4 you can access Fossil Rock from both sides). Since the mountain is surrounded by desert it is almost impossible to get lost, but it can still be hard to find a good way up and down.

To be safe, you should choose a hike according to the level or your experience and fitness, and if you are not sure, it is always better to start easy and progress to longer and more challenging hikes. The terrain is mostly very loose and not marked so gaining experience on easy hikes is essential before you go out exploring. Here are some of the best hiking locations in the UAE:

Showka

One of the best areas to start hiking is the area around Showka, which is also popular with mountain bikers. There are many trails and wadis you can follow and the area is at the edge of the Hajar Mountains, so most of the tracks are not exposed and are also family friendly. Drive along the Sharjah -Kalba highway until you reach Showka, take the first exit and then at the roundabout also take the first exit. You can park directly there and start hiking towards the mountains, or you can continue on the road 20

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lightweight and durable to withstand the sharp rocks. The Omni-Tech textile with seam-sealed membrane bootle construction makes the boot waterproof but breathable which is important especially in wadis when you need to wade through water.

and stop at one of the wadis or the damn a few kilometres away. If you don’t know the track you are taking and where it will lead, set a turnaround time to make sure you get back before dark. Product recommendation - a good choice for Showka and wadi hikes is the COLUMBIA FIRECAMP BOOT, which is

Product recommendation - no matter the temperature, long trousers are always the better choice on this hike, as they protect you from the sun and dry bushes with thorns along the trail or insects. The COLUMBIA SILVER RIDGE cargo pants with UPF 50 sun protection are perfect for hiking fossil rock and the zip lock pockets give you additional storage and make sure you don’t lose your valuables like your keys or wallet.

even get cold during the day. Even if you don’t plan to stay for the night a fleece should be in your backpack if you hike in areas like Jebel Jais. The COLUMBIA TITAN PASS fleece jacket is a good option as it is lightweight, packs up very small and keeps you warm whilst protecting you from the wind.

Al Qudra Lakes

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais has become a very popular weekend destination for cyclists, motorbikes and families. Apart from the sometimes crazy traffic on weekends, the new road makes spectacular hikes accessible with a normal car and there is no requirement for long off-road drives. Compared to the other locations, this area has both very steep and exposed hikes as well as easy short hikes. For the longer and more challenging hikes I recommend using a GPS and referring to plotted routes that you can find online (e.g. at outdooruae.com). Otherwise, just stop the car somewhere on the road and see if you can spot a village, many of them abandoned. Once you have your bearing, look for a track leading there. These are usually easy hikes that take around 30minutes to 1 hour, but of course you can extend them to your liking. Be aware that in the higher areas, you may reach sudden and very steep drops, so unless you know the route, you should always be prepared to return the same way you came. Jebel Jais is in Ras Al Khaimah and there are road signs towards the mountain once you reach the lamp roundabout in RAK. Product recommendation - if you think it cannot get cold here, you are wrong, especially in the mountains where it can

If you live in Dubai and are not in the mood to drive for one hour or more, you can do some easy walks and short hikes around the artificial lakes in Al Qudra. Just exit Sheik Zayed Road, Al Khail Road or the E311 onto Umm Suqeim Street / Al Qudra Road and follow the straight road until you reach the last roundabout with a big parking area, restaurants and bike rental. From there head straight into the desert towards the trees. The wildlife sanctuary stretches over a big area and if you come early in the morning you can see gazelles and other wildlife. On weekends the lakes get very busy and crowded with cars, so the best time to visit is during the week. Product recommendation - if you hike areas like the Al Qudra lakes with more sandy conditions and good gravel tracks, a lighter shoe is a smart choice also for the hotter periods of the year. The COLUMBIA CONSPIRACY IV OUTDRY is a lightweight multi sports shoe which takes you where any trail leads. The breathable mesh keeps your feet ventilated.

No matter when and where you go, always take enough water with you (approx 1l per hour), and make sure you have your navigation prepared as well as what you will do in case of an emergency. Depending on the remoteness and level of your hike you need to pay more attention to your preparation. The best advice is to start with the easy hikes to get a feel for and experience of the terrain, your fitness level, your requirements for food and water and what other things are of importance. Most of the hiking gear suitable for the region and with reliable quality you can find in your local Columbia stores.

Products are available at Columbia stores: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdiff City Center and Dalma Mall. To get more details about the part sale with 25% discount in December visit: Instagram: columbia_me Facebook: Columbia Middle East OutdoorUAE does not take any responsibility for accidents or inaccurate or wrong route information, the content of the article presents just recommendations for hiking in UAE. Be aware that you might not have phone coverage and please carry enough water and a first aid kit at all times.

EVENT PREVIEW

ARCTIC TRUCKS MIDDLE EAST

is back with a brand new off – road season! The season kicks off with The Guide Oman’s off-roading adventure followed by monthly trips to the Dubai desert and a once in a lifetime trip to the snow terrains of Iceland in 2017. Arctic Trucks, the region’s specialist in 4WD vehicles modification has a brand new season planned for off-road enthusiasts. The schedule,which launched in October, includes two trips to neighbouring Oman and also features a special trip where drivers have the opportunity to tackle snowy heights in Iceland. After the tremendous success of their first expedition to Iceland earlier this year and previous collaborations with off-roading clubs in the UAE, Arctic Trucks has a new adventure calendar lined up for all those who seek to take on the terrains, whether it be on sand or snow! All the trips will have a complete support crew, so that participants can enjoy the adventurous terrain in a stressfree environment. Hjalti Hjaltason, Arctic Trucks General Manager, says, “We are looking to further build interest for off-roading in the region, bringing the Arctic Trucks experience to everyone who owns a 4x4 or wants to

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transform their vehicle to drive on any terrain around the world. Our collaboration with The Guide Oman is one of many where we offer the desert experience of off-roading, and in 2017 we welcome guests back to our homeland, Iceland.” Arctic Trucks’ very own Off Road Club re-started in October; each month Hjalti and his team welcome a group of enthusiasts of all levels into the Dubai/Abu Dhabi desert. The club takes place once per month on a Friday morning; it’s complimentary to join and a great chance to network with other thrill seekers. Crossing the border, there is no better way to see the beauty of Oman than alongside The Guide Oman team; a team fully equipped with medics, mechanics and a chef, ensuring the trip is one of the safest ways to tackle the sand dunes. Similar to the Arctic Trucks club, there will be guides and highly trained professionals providing assistance throughout the entire trip. Like the debut Iceland adventure, the 2017 tour will cover most of the breathtaking areas of Iceland, starting from Haukadalur, home of the great Geysir hot spring,

visiting the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall and taking the highland road Kjölurall all the way up to Kerlingarfjöll mountain hut. The volcanic origin of the Kerlingarfjoll Mountain will see the group explore some hot springs around the Kerlingafjöll area, and from there



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Arctic Trucks expedition dates

Iceland: Jan 23rd – 29th 2017 Arctic Trucks Expedition Iceland: Feb 6th – 12th 2017 Arctic Trucks Expedition Oman: March 9th – 11th 2017 The Guide Oman Iceland: March 20th – 26th 2017 Arctic Trucks Expedition

they will head to Hveravellir where people can bathe in the natural hot springs. Aiming to include more adventures in the snow, the team plans to take the Kjölur mountain road back down from the highlands, depending on the weather conditions, and head to the Langjökull Glacier (Iceland’s second largest glacier) for snowmobiling adventures. The highlight of the trip will commence from Minniborgir, where Arctic Trucks promises the ultimate 4x4 experience, tackling a variety of tracks through breathtaking mountain ranges. These tracks are usually deserted and an ideal area/playground for off-roading enthusiasts. Driving from one place to the other ensures the team will explore tracks that will prove to be not only adventurous but also extremely scenic.

To get in touch with Arctic Trucks, call +971 4 885 5151, visit www.arctictrucks.ae or email [email protected]. You can also visit their Facebook (Arctic-Trucks-MiddleEast) or Instagram (@arctictrucksme).

Who are Arctic Trucks?

Arctic Trucks specialises in modifying 4WD vehicles for use in rough environments, for example in the mountains, in the desert and on glaciers. Originally based in Iceland, the company started its operations in the UAE in 2010 in close cooperation with Al Futtaim Motors. The origin of Arctic Trucks can be traced back to 1990 when they started working with Toyota to modify 4WD utility and sport utility vehicles in Iceland. Since then, they have developed further experience and knowledge, giving them world-renowned expertise in the field of SUV modifications. Arctic Trucks has participated in three major expedition projects outside of Iceland. The first one was an expedition to Antarctica, organized by the Swedish Polar Institute in cooperation between Sweden, Norway and Finland in 1997/1998. In the spring of 1999 Arctic Trucks took part in an expedition across the icecap of Greenland, where the participants drove in the footsteps of Fridtjov Nansen, the first man ever to cross the Greenland icecap. The latest project of Arctic Trucks was an expedition with BBC Television‘s Top Gear show, Toyota GB and Polar Challenge to the Magnetic North Pole. In 2010, Arctic Trucks also set a Guiness World record for the fastest overland journey to South Pole, crossing 2308km of the Antarctica High Plateau from Novo to the South Pole in 4.5 days.

Join the Arctic Trucks Middle East team as they set off on another Icelandic expedition in February 2017!

6th - 12th February

The itinerary includes: -the use of your own modified 4WD vehicle for the duration of the trip, with lessons in how to drive in snow conditions -visit many famous tourist destinations in Iceland including the Geysir Hot Springs, Gullfoss Waterfall, Langjökull Glacier, Hekla volcano, the hot spring in Landmannalaugar, Blue Lagoon and a snowmobile ride in Langjökull! -experience the famous vibrant nightlife of Reykjavik -Food at some of the best restaurants And... you might even get chance to see the Northern Lights!

For more information and the full itinerary please contact... Tel: +971 4 885 5151 Email: [email protected]

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

CAMBODIA Words + Photos by: Anne-Elizabeth Cecillon

I remember a few years back, I was perusing through an estate sale in Virginia. As I reflected on the fact that the owner of the house had never used their beautiful crystal glasses or their fine silver cutlery, preferring to keep them stored for a special occasion, my eye caught an old book from their very extensive and exclusive collection from the 1940’s. The fabric covered publication described in details the incredible temple complex of Angkor Wat and its relationship with the number 108. Angkor Wat happens to be the largest religious monument in the world with a site measuring 162.6 hectares. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of God Vishnu

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for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology. Having a few days off, I decided to go and check this marvel for myself traveling on Emirates from Dubai to Bangkok with a Siem Reap Air connection to my final destination of Siem Reap. The roads were extremely dusty and instead of renting a tuktuk, I decided to rent a guide with an air conditioned car. That was an awesome move as I was able to cover much more ground and had an extremely knowledgeable guide (David Sieb) who showed me the lesser visited temples. David was very smart and understood immediately that I was not the typical tourist. He would organise the day with counter intuitive sequence so we were always in the quiet temples avoiding the crowds. He also knew out of the way unknown temples and would take me there when I was weary to rest and enjoy the beauty and silence of the place. We started with Bat Chum, where big peaceful cows were grazing while watching me with bored eyes. Then the temple I had a very romantic idea of, Ta Prohm, did not disappoint. From the 12th century, it was made famous by Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider and its semi ruined state among forest and farmlands gave it a very eerie feel. Again I was reminded of the power of nature as the temple provides a striking example of what the untamed tropical forest will do even to the mightiest monument when human hands are withdrawn. The canopy of these majestic trees easily reaches 60 meters high and some have hollowed trunks which make for perfect pictures. Bayon temple was one of my all time favourites. The climb is easy enough and the small temple very smoky and dark at the top. After removing my shoes I spent

a few minutes reflecting on the work and dedication of the people who erected this amazing structure some eight centuries ago. David then asked me if I wanted to see a memorial from the genocide and of course I did. Although this is a very dark chapter in Cambodia’s history, the strength and hope of the people is what I chose to see in this tragic and devastating reminder of recent history. While walking and seeing columns of human skulls, David shared his story with me, an amazing testimony to the resilience of the human spirit and a beautiful victory of love over hate. I will not share it here out of respect for his confidence but I am sure if you hire him in the future you will get all the details... I left the memorial quite saddened by the amount of suffering that Cambodians went through and even more in awe of their courage and tenacity. The next day, I had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to make it to Angkor, the main temple, for sunrise. There is absolutely no way to reconcile the pictures you see in National Geographic or all over the internet and the reality of your own experience. If you are in

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

for a tranquil, meditative ambiance, in two words... Forget it! You will be fighting with hordes of tourists armed with selfie sticks and so engrossed in sharing their “moment” with the world on Facebook that they have to shout at each other loudly about how many “likes” they got. David had told me that the actual sunrise was not the best photo opportunity and to wait a little longer to let the crowd leave the site, stick around and actually witness the “real” sunrise. He could not have been more right as I waited until everyone left to enjoy the sun peaking between the towers of Angkor Wat and marvel at the beauty of the place. No picture can do it justice. Shortly after that I got to again stand in line for yet another climb to the top of the temple. There I got to spend some time with female monks in meditation. David took me afterwards behind the terrace of the Elephants into the secret passage with the famous 108 deities, 54 gods and 54 demons. 108 has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism and yoga, and Angkor is one of the few places in the world that has representations of this sacred number on the bas reliefs. The details of the faces are amazing and spending a little time to observe the upper and lower world was quite soothing. On my last day, I visited a temple 17km east of Angkor Wat, which was built in the 11th century. Although it is a ruin, the moat surrounding it gave it a very serene feeling and the lack of tourists made it magical. The temple adjoining the ruins was absolutely stunning as the vivid painting on the ceiling made it a great place to rest for a while and meditate. On the way out, I had the chance to meet some volunteers from the States who had started a school in the little village adjacent to the temple. These young



20-something Americans were an inspiration to watch and I ended up sitting in class with the Cambodian pupils and sharing my travel stories regaling them with anecdotes from all over the world. The curiosity in their eyes was intense and they ended up asking many questions to get a better picture in their minds. Unfortunately it was my last day and I had to cut it short so I could go to the market and find some people to mingle with and do a little charity before my return flight. At the market, I met some blind, auditively impaired mine victims missing limbs and any means to take care of themselves. As I was touching a gentleman on the arm to make him feel aware of my presence, (he was blind, deaf, and had lost one leg and an arm), I could not help but cry, admiring his courage and resilience. I left him with a little money and some food but my heart was breaking as I walked away from the market. Cambodia is a land of many contrasts. On one hand you see many mine victims and are constantly reminded of the horror of what the Cambodian people have had to live through and the incredible cruelty that humans can inflict on one another. On the other hand, you cannot help but be in awe of the skills, patience and dedication of the many nameless artists who have

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contributed to the construction of so many temples. Even today, many young people create beautiful pieces of art with stone, paper, wood or silk. Their patience as they bend their backs, sitting on the dusty ground, engraving a piece of leather to create another master piece is both commendable and astounding. As a closing line, I would like to share with you my experience with pictures, after all they are worth 1000 words... I cannot convey though the kindness, generosity and respect of the people. That you will have to go and experience yourself.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The Druk Path Diaries:

Exploring Bhutan Words + Photos by: Fahd Abu Aisha

In the final installment of the epic Druk Path Diaries, Fahd Abu Aisha completes his journey and experiences the contrast between Bhutan and Nepal. Day 8, November 6th: The Tiger’s Nest

I hopped out of bed and got all dolled up in my Gho - with the help of the hotel staff naturally. Tashi and the Driver were there to receive me in the reception as I showed off my outfit, gliding down the lobby stairs à la Rachel Leigh Cook in ‘She’s All That’. We drove to the base of the mountain which the stunning monastery was built into. It was a moderately challenging 90 minute walk up the slopes. My quadriceps and calves were still aching, their memories from the Druk Path still singeing with exhaustion, but the hike up was worth every pinch my muscles endured. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist Saint Guru Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger - who happened to be his wife transformed. He landed on the side of the mountain where he meditated in a cave to subdue the demons and negative energy in the country and brought Buddhism to Bhutan. The monastery was built around the cave in which he is said to have meditated in. I saw five rooms in the monastery; two dedicated to Guru with large statues of him guarded by beautifully decorated altars. Yet another Bhutanese legend I eagerly 26

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The Tiger’s Nest

absorbed, was that one of these statues was originally located in another monastery in the country. One day the statue spoke, simply stating his rightful place was at ‘The Tiger’s Nest.’ When the people tried to move the statue up the mountain - on the very same trail I had climbed – they stopped about halfway and contemplated cutting the statue in two to lighten the load. The statue then spoke again, demanding they leave it there. The local deity of the monastery then moved the statue to its proper place in the temple. When an infamous fire broke out in the monastery in 1999, due to a lamp burning out, the one artifact that remained untouched by the vicious flames was that statue. The third room was a Chorten – a Buddhist shrine- dedicated to Guru’s most famous disciple. The disciple had died in

Tibet, but the local deity again magically whisked his body to this room, burying him under the Chorten. The final two rooms were dedicated to the God of Wealth and the God of Long Life with beautiful imagery adorning their walls and magnificent statues of the deities sat powerfully behind the altars. We then descended down a very claustrophobic cave, where ahead of the blackness lay an altar. Tashi explained that this tunnel was part of the cave that Guru meditated in but the rest was sealed off and open to the public once a year. Unfortunately for us, visiting hours were closed. After, we headed halfway down the mountain for lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant, which had a sensational view of the mountain and the monastery. They say you can see Guru’s face sculpted in the

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Reconstruction in the Old City (Nepal)

mountain and I believe I did; his large eyes (two concaved depressions in the mountain face) looming over the city of Paro. We headed back down to the car and that concluded all strenuous and effort-related exercise for the remainder of the trip. My journey came full circle at the Ta Dzong, which as you may recall was the starting point for the Druk Path trek where we embarked on the first day. The Ta Dzong used to be the watchtower for the Dzong that would alert the city of any invaders. It had now been converted into a national museum with displays of colourful and vibrant masks, weapons and tools used for farming and the home, screens playing videos of their various energetic dances. Following our stop at the Ta Dzong we visited the Paro Dzong, which – like the one in Thimpu – had an administrative building and the monastery where the monks resided. We enjoyed the views of the city from its terraces, the last picturesque mental and phone captured image to forever be ingrained in my memory. We went back to the hotel to prepare my bags for the long trip back home.

Day 9, November 7th: Nepal En Route to Dubai

I woke up feeling dejected. Bhutan had been an eye opening experience and I did not want to leave this beautiful country just yet. After mournfully saying my goodbyes to the wonderful and hospitable hotel staff, Tashi picked me up and drove me to the airport. I thanked him again for sharing his country with me before I walked out onto the tarmac and took a few small steps into the plane. Section of the museum closed off due to instability of the structure

I made sure to look out of the window as the plane pulled up at an absurdly vertical angle, the belly edging over the mountains that I had conquered a few days earlier. Twenty minutes into our short flight later, the captain of the plane requested we look out of the right side of the plane windows (which I was luckily seated by) to the peak of Everest jutting through the clouds; a frothy mouthed ridge sitting on a white desert. The sight evoked a fantastical hallucination; myself mounted atop that glorious mountain - waving back at somebody in the plane sitting in the seat I was sat quivering in. It was difficult to avoid the glaring distinction between Bhutan and Nepal. Nepal was suffering. Motorcycles, cars, buses were queued up on the side of the highway, kilometer after kilometre leading to a petrol station. Anguish and frustration added to the cloudy density of the atmosphere. Hundreds of Nepalese citizens stood by their vehicles in fear of a queue intruder. The city was so densely populated (4 million people) and the sky was grey, rife with pollution. It reminded me a little of home in Cairo. However, the most tragic and haunting of scenes passing through were that of the ruins the earthquake had left behind 7 months ago. I felt the consequences of that fateful day much more intensely once I reached the old city of Bhaktapur. Many of its traditional 3 and 4 storey houses stood half demolished. The once magnificent temples now lay strewn in pieces of defeated debris. The pictures we sifted through over tea of the city pre and post-earthquake were overwhelmingly soul shattering and heartbreaking. Durbar Square was the main square in the Old City and it was where the striking ‘Fifty Five Windows Palace’ was situated. Built around five centuries ago, the palace is on the verge of dilapidation, having suffered horrifically during the earthquake in 1934 and the more recent one. Adjacent to the palace stands the impressive Golden Gate, dating back to 1754, which was built by then King RanajitMalla. We had lunch on the rooftop terrace with a view of the ancient city overlooking the Palace and its Royal Baths. My anticipation of eating the pizza that this particular restaurant was famous for was sadly deflated when I read the header of the menu: ‘Due to the cooking gas shortage

we only have the following…’ I settled for a cheese sandwich instead. Our final stop in the Old City was to a healing bowl shop, where a young shopkeeper explained their functions and the process of using them. When the bowls are struck they emit rather strong vibrations, which are said to cure headaches and other sorts of pains within the body. He gave me a demonstration, placing the bowl against my back and striking it. It felt like I was sitting in a massage chair, as tantalising vibrations rolled soothingly up and down my spine. It was getting late and we had to get back to the airport. As we walked through the ancient streets to the car, it was difficult for me experiencing the hardship that these people had been enduring. This feeling was further aroused when I spotted the kilometres of vehicle lines parked by the side of the highway waiting to fuel up. My journey back to Dubai was reminiscent of the day-to-day lives of the population of Nepal. Upon check in, the electricity blew out in the entire airport just as my bag hit the conveyor belt. After we were finally ready and tucked away safely on board, our plane then had to take a detour into the mountains in India to refuel at an impromptu airplane gas station. I did not have sufficient time to explore Nepal thoroughly but I hope I will return one day and hopefully see this country restored to its former glory. I visited two very different countries, initially thinking they would be more or less the same. It was an engaging and thought provoking adventure that altered my perceptions on life by a certain degree. It instilled an appreciation for the importance of being ‘good’, establishing harmony and working together cohesively amongst our fellow man in order to achieve greatness, no matter who we are or how differently we think. Reconstruction on the demolished homes in Nepal

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Words by: John Henzell

The Sinai Trail might be a year old but when I glance down beside the well-trodden trail and spot unfamiliar script carved into the rock near Al Hamadet pass, it’s clear that I am on a route has been in use for thousands of years. Musallem, my Bedouin guide, says the writing is probably Nabataean, from the once-dominant trading nation from 2000 years ago that produced the stone city of Petra before falling from prominence. Already today, we had seen similar inscriptions

in ancient Greek, from Christian pilgrims on the trek from Jerusalem to Mt Sinai, and in modern Arabic from the Bedouins who now use these well-worn paths. The idea behind the creation of the Sinai Trail, a 200km camel-supported hiking route from the gulf of Aqaba to Jebel Katherina, Egypt’s highest peak, was to ensure that new generations of Bedouins will have the skills to trek across this unforgiving landscape in the way their forefathers did but while also earning a living by introducing tourists to desert travel. The theory was the trail would reverse the trend of declining tourism revenues since the 2011 Egyptian revolution but unfortunately, the reality was the exact opposite. Just weeks after the trail was launched in October last year, militants planted a bomb on a Russian airliner leaving Sharm El Sheikh, killing all 224 on board. All charter flights were stopped and tourism went into a near-total decline. The bitter irony of this is that the territory traversed by the trail is probably the safest in Egypt. The Bedouin have always considered themselves to be effectively separate from the Egyptian state and that included looking after their own security. Just what this means was demonstrated to us midway through our hike, when a Using an old camel path into Wadi Safra

The route up Jebel Katherina

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one-in-25-year storm rolled in and caused major flooding. The trail organisers began calling the people they knew in the area and soon had a scarily precise account of exactly where we were and where we’d been. High-tech CCTV security systems were clearly no match for the Bedouin grape vine and had militants from northern Sinai ventured into the territory of the Tarabeen, Muzeina or Jebeleya tribes, they would have been noticed immediately. The trouble is the wider world remains oblivious of all this. Many are put off by wellmeaning travel advisories discouraging any travel to the Sinai. What that meant for us was we saw not a single other westerner between leaving the coast at Ras Shetain and arriving at St Catherine nearly two weeks later. The length of the trail is just right because it takes time to adjust to the rhythms of desert travel – while it takes a while to get out of the city, it turns out it takes longer to get the city out of us. Anything shorter than a week would not be enough to fully appreciate the window the trail offers into how the Bedouins actually live. It took a while to adjust to getting up with the sun, finding a shady place to escape the midday heat, enjoying cups of hot sweet tea offered by everyone we met, cooking over

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Trekking towards Jebel Mutamir

Mileihsis oasis

a fire and then going to bed just as the last glow of dusk is replaced by night skies that are the starriest I had ever seen anywhere. Our first guide was the perpetually-smiling Musallem, from the Tarabeen tribe. He was lucky enough to have a thriving beach hut business but jumped at the chance to take us hiking. “I prefer being in the mountains,” was his simple explanation. This would be a difficult trail to do without camel support, with sometimes days between reliable sources of water. The camels

Melha Oasis

mean we need only carry day packs and can eat like kings, but by far my favourite part of our trek was the cultural aspect. Rather than being some hokey tourist-orientated activity, Musallem and our camel guy, Mohammed, were mostly doing what they’d ordinarily do in the desert and we just happened to be along for the ride. After four days slogging along sandy wadis and scaling modest mountains, we reached Ein Hudera, an oasis village that is thought to have been Hazeroth where Moses sought shelter, and were in the Muzeina tribe’s territory. Our new guide, Farag, also said he too preferred being in the desert and leading camel treks most of all. We concurred. This time we had seven camels, including a bunch of two-year-olds who were being introduced to camel trekking. We wondered if our new camel guys, Eid and Taiwee, would have been able to afford to do this if we hadn’t been on this trip? Taiwee also had Mohammed, his 10-yearold son, along to begin the years-long process of learning how to travel in the desert with camels. Watching this tutelage was my favourite part of this part of the journey. Nssr, a quick-witted and perpetually smiling guide with the Jebeleya tribe, took us for the final stretch through their territory, which he knew as thoroughly as the folds in his kandura. After watching the sun set from the summit of Jebel Musa – Moses Mountain, as Mt Sinai is known locally – we then scaled Jebel Katherina, Egypt’s highest peak. Looking Star trails silhouette Mt Sinai

Al Hamadet pass

Jebel Katherina

north, there was that sense of satisfaction that comes from having walked from further than we could see. “Tell people the Sinai is safe,” Nssr urged. “We will,” we responded. To hike the Sinai Trail, book through sinaitrail.org. A guide, camel support and all meals costs around Dh150 per person per day. More importantly, you’re helping ensure future generations get to experience the desert the way their forefathers did. Musallem and Mohammed prepare dinner on the fire

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

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

It is a long, tough cycle from the top of Scotland to the Black Forest in Germany, made particularly difficult when your bicycle gets stolen half way through your journey. Before we get there however, we must go back to the start, to a tiny near uninhabited village in the north of Scotland. Named after a Dutch explorer, John O’Groats is as north as north goes on the British mainland. If you go any further north past the small settlement, you simply drop into the treacherous North Sea, most likely to never be seen again. Its remoteness did nothing to detract from it being the perfect starting point for my self-titled ‘JOG to the Black Sea’, a 5000km journey over mountains, across oceans and down rivers all the way to the Black Sea in Romania. The first and third sections of my journey are the cycling sections; they will see me travel through five different countries from my homeland in Scotland to the picturesque mountains of the Black Forest in Germany. An eight-hour meandering train ride from central Scotland took me to Thurso, home of nearly 8,000 and considered to be a

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metropolis of the Highlands. A good night’s rest and after nine months of preparation, I was finally on my way. Before I could officially begin my journey, I first had to cycle 30km to reach John O’Groats, an unwelcome and

frankly unnecessary warmup for the 2,500km to come. John O’Groats is a strange place, with only 300 residents, its fame far outweighs its size. However, it does come with a sense of history, as it is the starting or ending point for many famous journeys that have taken people all over our world. The truth is, it is so remote that even reaching the village, no matter how far one has travelled, provides a small sense of achievement. The sense of anticipation of beginning or the satisfaction of finishing a voyage is rife in the air and it was with this sense of excitement for the journey ahead, that on the 9th of June 2016, I set off on stage one of my expedition, the 1,500km cycle to Dover. My entire cycling history consists of a three-month period of intense cycling, followed and proceeded by extensive periods of not cycling at all. In 2012, I cycled alone and unsupported across the USA, effectively learning to cycle as I did so. I flew into Seattle, bought a bike and began my journey east before I could comfortably cycle with either hand off the handlebars. The old adage of “you never forget, it’s just like riding a bike” certainly didn’t apply to me, although perhaps the problem was that I never really learned to ride in the first place. However, the wide, deserted roads of western America proved to be the ideal place for me to practise and perfect my trade, ensuring that by the time I reached the busier east coast, I was relatively comfortable removing either hand from the bike (removing both hands at the same time remains, to this day, a challenge that I am yet to conquer). Almost four years later, I was once again facing the proposition of a long cycle tour, and having done almost no outdoor cycling in-between, I was intrigued to see how my body would react. Scotland isn’t blessed with any enormous

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mountains. The highest I would go on the entire journey down to Dover would be a measly 1,500 feet above sea level. However, this unimpressively high summit is severely deceptive. Whilst Scotland does not have any of the alpine peaks that lure cyclists from all over the world to mainland Europe, the roads here are rarely flat. In fact, it wasn’t until I was south of the Cairngorms National Park, three days into the journey, before I was truly able to open the legs on clear flat roads. Despite the undulating roads, the long Scottish summer days meant that I was able to cover good distances without going uncomfortably quickly. In the first three days, I travelled 400km through the Scottish Highlands, skirting past Inverness, over the wonderfully named Slochd and Drumochter summits and into the Cairngorms, an area of incredibly natural beauty. This included an opening day of 150km, a distance that I only surpassed once on my trek across America, which also proved to be the only full day without rain on this entire section. The fourth day took me south of the Cairngorms and officially out of the Scottish Highlands and into the central belt. I was joined by Iain, a good friend from School, as we battled heavy rain the entire day, eventually reaching my home town of Aberdour, pale, damp versions of our former selves. Day five was another wet and windy day, the mist over the Scottish Borders was so thick that I wasn’t even sure when I had crossed over into England. Alas, I had, Scotland was now behind me and Dover was on the horizon, a mere 800km away. If Scotland doesn’t have any mountains, then England certainly doesn’t. The middle of the country in particular is incredibly flat, and despite the ever-present rain and a couple of bike issues, I made good progress south.



Great Britain is a wonderfully unique country. No other country on Earth has such diversity and charm all crammed into such a small space. Even a cycling speed, in an hour you can cross into a different county, each with its own culture, its own way of life and most delightfully, its own accent. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly accents change in Britain. I travelled the whole way across America without noticing any distinct change in accent, however, in Britain, a journey of less than 100km from Newcastle to Yorkshire and you feel as if you’ve changed countries. This trend continued all the way down the country, as I travelled through York, Lincoln, Cambridge, Canterbury and finally onto the far from glamorous destination of Dover. They say that people in the UK get friendlier the further north you go, while this might not be universally correct, the experiences I had at either ends of country do seem to back it up. In the very north of Scotland, I stayed in a cottage where the owner wasn’t even there; they simply left the front door open for me. At the very bottom of England, my bicycle was stolen. I was staying in Dover for three weeks (you will have to read next month’s magazine to find out why), during this time, my bike was stolen from inside the hotel where I was staying. The owner of the hotel immediately suspected the homeless community of Dover. We went to investigate and discovered some promising but ultimately unsuccessful leads. Two weeks after the robbery, I was visited by a homeless man who claimed to know where my bike was and that he could retrieve it, for a small fee of course. He described the bike in a lot of detail, including some aspects that would be impossible to guess, so more out of curiosity rather than hope, I paid him and wished him well. Three hours later, he returned with the

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bike. I suppose I will never know what really happened to the bike, most likely, this man was the thief but I was just glad to have it back, ready to continue onto France. Crossing into mainland Europe meant two things; I would now have to switch to the right hand side of the road and I would now be switching from complaining about the rain, to complaining about the heat. Having done most of my cycling in America, I was used to cycling on the right, so thankfully this proved not to be an issue. However, despite living in Dubai for three years (and the people that knew me there will testify to this), I never fully adapted to the heat. I cycled south east down into Belgium, Luxembourg, back into France and into Germany through some blisteringly hot weather. Despite the heat, cycling through these countries was an absolute pleasure. The roads are wonderfully designed for cyclists; either there is a specific cycle path running parallel to the main road, or the road itself has a large section specifically for cyclists. Europe is a unique continent, even travelling by bike, I was able to visit three countries in one day. In Britain, the accents are constantly changing, in mainland Europe, it is the language that changes. As a result, I was left in a daze of constant confusion. The route through France, Belgium and Luxembourg was incredibly flat, and it wasn’t until the last two days of cycling in Germany before I reached any sort of mountains. The final day in particular was mountainous as I entered the Black Forest region and onto my final destination of Donaueschingen, 21 days and 2,500km after leaving John O’Groats. I may be finished with the cycling leg of my journey, but I am glad that my adventure through Europe doesn’t end here. It’s now time to experience this wonderful continent in a whole new way. (To be continued...)

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TIPS & TRICKS

Words + Photos by: Ryan Campbell

Have you ever been on a beautiful scenic trek, but as you look through your photos you quickly realise that they are not that exciting and they fail to capture the same emotion that you had when you took the photo? Because I know I have been in that situation and I would like to share with you some quick tips to help improve your photography skills while enjoying your favourite outdoor activities.

Our head gudie Madan enjoying the scenery (example for head room)

Lunchtime view of Annapurna (example for Rule of Thirds in the centre)

We are very lucky in this day and age to be able to take great photos with a simple smart phone. It’s very convenient since it’s lightweight and it easily fits in your pocket compared to a bulky DSLR. Here are few of the basic fundamentals for composing a memorable photo:

The Rule of Thirds Template

The Rule of Thirds

This is probably the most well known principle for composition. When you’re composing your shot you should think about where your subject will be in the frame. The basic idea of the rule of thirds is to divide the frame into thirds with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines that divide the frame into nine sections. Luckily, most cameras and smart phones give you the option to turn on this grid that will allow you to precisely align your subject within the frame by using the lines and the sections to create a balanced composition. Over time you will eventually get used to knowing how to frame a shot and you will not need to keep the grid constantly turned on when taking photos. Your subject should be on either the right

Ama Dablam along the way to Everest Base Camp (Example for Rule of Thirds)

Sunrise at High Camp on the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp (example for Rule of Thirds lining up the horizon)

or left vertical line on the grid and covering at least four of the sections so the photo looks more natural to the viewer. This also allows your main subject to be in foreground to the side so you have enough room in the frame to see the extra details in the background (negative space). To make a photo even better you should try to have a distance between the main subject and the background so that the main subject is in focus but the background is blurry. This is called depth of field - but that is a tip for another day! When taking landscape photos you should line up the horizon with the horizontal lines so there is a good balance between the sky and the scenery. This doesn’t mean that you need to stick to this rule by having the subject to the left or right all the time when you take a photo. You can absolutely break the rules but you must first understand them before you start experimenting with different shots and angles. For instance, you can place the subject in the centre of the frame (when it’s appropriate) to make the subject appear more powerful compared to having the subject to the side.

Lead Room

This rule is also known as looking room and it focuses on leaving space in the direction the subject is facing or moving. If the subject is on the left of the frame then they should be looking to the right of the frame to give a natural feel as they are looking into the open space in front of them. If the subject is on the right and looking to the right of the frame it wouldn’t look good as they are looking towards the edge of the frame and the empty space is behind them. By following these basic techniques you will be able to take incredible photos with your camera when you’re out on your next adventure. It’s also great to select your favourite photo from a trek and get it framed rather than just keeping it hidden on a hard

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Stopping for a quick photo on the iconic Hilary Bridge (example of head room with a lot of space)

Head Room

Now that you understand the principles of the rule of thirds, you need to know about how much room should be left between the top of your subject and the top of the frame. Too much or too little room can affect the visual aesthetics of the image. Too much head room can make your subject look less significant in the photo and creates a dead space in the photo that does not have any interesting elements to it. Too little head room can result in your subject being cropped out of the photo, which doesn’t look that pleasant. However, like the rule of thirds you can break this rule if you wish to convey a certain feeling in the photo. For example you can have wide shots of mountains/ scenery and a person standing with a lot of head room to signify how small the person is compared to nature. Our guide Sumi leading the way through the dense fog (example for lead room)

drive, and then you can proudly share and view your captured memories. Ryan Campbell is a filmmaker and photographer for Mountain Quests and has a Degree in Film-making. Contact Ryan at [email protected]

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Upon his return to the UAE, Fadi’s outdoor club was transformed into Adventurati Outdoor, a licensed tour company focusing on trekking, canyoning and climbing. The business continues to go from strength to strength, and has many exciting trips planned for the upcoming season. We got together with Fadi to discuss all things outdoors, and to find out how his partnership with Columbia helps to enhance his expeditions.

Words by: Rachael Bruford Photos by: Daniel Birkhofer

Fadi Hachicho’s story is one that many of us dream about, but few of us are brave enough to make the change from dream to reality. The Columbia brand ambassador was bold enough to turn his passion into a way of life, and is now lucky enough to be working in the great outdoors, with support from his partnership with global super-brand, Columbia, as his full time job. Fadi began as an adventure blogger before requests from friends gave him the incentive to establish his own outdoor club, taking small groups of people on adventure filled weekends in the deserts and mountains of the UAE and Oman. In August 2015, Fadi quit his job in the corporate world and travelled to Alaska to embrace the outdoors

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

instead. There, he joined an outdoor leadership school and spent two months in the wilderness before eventually qualifying as a certified guide specialising in mountaineering, rock climbing and ice climbing.

I have always been into the outdoors. It was a part of my upbringing, as my father was old-school and made sure I was raised to enjoy and respect nature. We always had family camps and once I was old enough my father signed me up for Scouts which was a big part of my teenage years. Like most people, I then got busy with life, but after I came back here to the UAE I wanted to explore more than just the city boundaries, so I started going out on desert camps and into the mountains. I realised that the UAE has so much more to offer than it first appears, and so I got into hiking, rock climbing and canyoning. From there I found that what originally started as an interest became a passion, and then evolved into an obsession!

What is your favourite outdoor activity?

Canyoning, because it provides a little bit of everything from a range of activities. For example, it involves abseiling, as well as the fun part of jumping in water pools. It also incorporates hiking and bouldering. It’s a mixture of so many outdoor activities, and they are all great fun!

What are your Columbia essentials that you recommend to everyone?

I believe that the most important pieces of equipment when going out on an adventure such as a hike, are the Columbia high ankle boots, the dry fast shirt and the backpacks with waist and shoulder straps. These help to provide a comfortable experience, so that you can focus on your goal and the challenge ahead of you, rather than being annoyed by the lack of good quality gear.

Columbia’s slogan is ‘Tested Tough’. How do you think this encapsulates both the gear you use, and you as an explorer?

What made you decide to be a brand ambassador for Columbia?

Columbia for me is a brand that reaches out to everybody who is into the outdoors. The brand provides comfortable apparel that makes outdoor living much easier. Even before I was a Columbia brand ambassador, I frequently used Columbia gear because it’s a brand I know and trust, plus it’s built tough enough to last throughout all of my expeditions, both in the UAE and beyond.

How does Columbia gear help to enhance your experiences?

Columbia provides comfortable and durable apparel. I’m really fond of their t-shirts and tops that are made from lightweight, quick drying material. This is particularly relevant when you consider the heat and humidity here, as well as the desert and mountainous environment that we are so fortunate to have right on our doorstep in the UAE.

‘Tested Tough’ is not just a slogan for a brand; it’s a lifestyle. The outdoors is all about this lifestyle and being out in nature, surrounded by the wilderness, and setting off on a path, both physically and mentally. On this path, we are inevitably going to face a lot of challenges. To overcome these obstacles, we need to have the will, the ability and the endurance to keep on going to reach our goal. ‘Tested Tough’ for me is all about being there on that path and reaching my goal, and being able to say, “I’ve been tested, it’s been tough, yet I’ve still achieved.”

What is your most memorable expedition and why?

In my recent career in the outdoor world, I’ve had two memorable experiences that have shaped both the way I live and the future I ultimately chose for myself. The first one is when I climbed Mount. Kilimanjaro, which was where I realised that dreams do come true and made the decision that from that point on I wanted to follow my dream and make a living out of it. My second trip, which also had a great impact on me, was when I visited Alaska. There, I signed up for an outdoor leadership school, and at that point, my dream became a reality. It evolved from being something that I longed for; it became my everyday. From then on, I’ve been living that dream.

Do you have any exciting trips planned?

Yes definitely! Just after new year I will be guiding two special expeditions catered for all those who have joined our trips within UAE and Oman and looking to challenge themselves on more demanding and difficult routes. In May we will be traveling to Nepal in an attempt to successfully trek to Everest Base Camp at 5,380m and in April another challenge in an attempt to successfully trek to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130m. A popular trip of which you get to experience the natural beauty and the warm and welcoming hearts of the Nepali people.

Talk us through a day in the life of a Columbia brand ambassador…

A day in the life of a Columbia brand ambassador is not really any different to the life of any individual who is keen and passionate about the outdoors. However, I do consider myself to be incredibly lucky to have a brand like Columbia that is there to support me on my journey to reach out to different people of various backgrounds, helping me to inspire them to get out there and enjoy nature.

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Last month, OutdoorUAE featured Andrew St Pierre White’s awe inspiring trip to Oman in a 6x6. We were therefore thrilled when we got the chance to meet him in person at the recent Outdoor and Adventure Show, to find out how this enigmatic story teller and adventurer turned his passion into his dream job, and to get his tips when it comes to planning an overland trip. Rachael Bruford found out more... How did you transform your passion into your work?

I decided one day that I’d had enough of my previous work in the advertising industry. My wife and I spent a year in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, where we wrote an award winning book called ‘Torn Trousers’. It was also during this period of my life that I realised I didn’t want to go back into advertising. While I was there, I also wrote a book about four-wheel drive exploring, called ‘The Complete Guide to Four Wheel Drive in Southern Africa’, because I’d done so much of it and I realised that there was a need for it. Two years after I got back from Botswana, it was published and followed by another book. This was the beginning of a business which involved helping people to do what I loved to do. In 2011/12, the market began to change and I realised that I had a global

audience. So I moved away from South Africa to England, which was when my film experience began to move into my passion, beginning with my YouTube channel.

You have described experiencing a ‘benign insanity’ whilst on your solo expeditions. What made you want to get out there by yourself?

I read a book by Tom Shepherd, and wanted to understand his motivation for going away on his own. So I did my first solo trip in 2008, and it failed because the tyres ripped apart in a very remote location. The risk became too great, so I decided to prepare better and come back again in 2009. The 2009 trip was an incredible experience. It was lonely at night, and every now and again I had to check myself to prevent myself from doing anything foolish! The sense of being utterly alone is strange because every second of our lives we are dependent on other people. We interact with and care for so many people in day to day life, so when you’re in the situation of doing a solo trip, the only person you are responsible for is yourself – it’s a strange feeling! I’ve done three trips now and plan on doing more.

How does travelling solo compare with travelling in a group, and which do you prefer?

My wife and I travel together whenever we can, but she has a grueling schedule (as a best selling fantasy author) and cannot always come with me. We are very careful with who we take with us. The trips now have evolved into business trips, where I aim to

create videos. Apart from safety, everything else comes after the videos, so people need to understand that I sometimes only have seconds to get into position to get the shot. It can be quite intense.

When it comes to planning trips, how do you go from the initial idea to seeing it through?

I do research and reading to begin, and ask myself, “is there a story to tell?” I never know what the story is going to be, which is the best part, but as long as I have the foundation then that’s enough. When I went to Oman (as featured in last month’s OutdoorUAE), I was told that we would go through the desert, mountains, wadis and

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

story, so it’s a risk I take on every trip. Most of the time, the stories just appear! I go without a script and with the equipment I think I need, and I begin filming. If by day three nothing has happened, I start to worry. But generally, it all comes together in the end. The editing process takes about five times longer than the trip.

Out of all the places you’ve been lucky enough to visit, do you have a favourite?

riverbeds, and perhaps see some turtles. Then I was told that I would be driving a 6x6, which ended up being the main story. Oman turned out to be fascinating, so everything combined turned out to be a great story. I’ve never made anything up, and I never will. I don’t force myself to go out and get the

Yes, I definitely have a favourite. In fact, I have two, and they are both in the Kalahari. One of them is the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is an enormous area of solid sand dunes that are covered in grass. It is the most peaceful place on earth. Another place which I love to photograph is on the Makgadikgadi Salt Plains. The Makgadikgadi is larger than Portugal and completely flat. There’s a place there called South Island which I’ve tried to visit five times but have only managed to get to twice because of the mud. You can see the curvature of the earth from the pans, and at certain times of the day you can actually see the curve moving away from you and disappearing.

What would be your top tips for getting started with a longer trip, for those who are planning one for the first time? There’s a culture in this industry of thinking

that you need lots of different gear to go on a trip. The fact is, you don’t need that to go on a trip. Of course, there are some basic things, but a lot of people will think “I’ll go when I get this…” My advice is, “Just go on a trip!”. You’ll have a better understanding of what is needed, as opposed to what the market will suggest that you need. Getting all of the right gear is not going to make you an expert. Travel first, get gear later would be my main piece of advice.

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PEOPLE

Name: Jen Scully Age: 34 Nationality: American Occupation: Assistant Director of Athletics, NYU Abu Dhabi and Naish Middle East Sponsored Rider Words by: Bandana Jain Photos by: Supplied

For Jen Scully, it was ‘love at first paddle’. With an ardent passion for Stand Up Paddling (SUP), she has tried an immense variety of SUP disciplines like SUP surfing, whitewater, yoga, racing, down winding and flatwater paddling across oceans, lakes, rivers and pools all around the world. SUP is easy enough that anyone can learn, and the good news is that there is always something new to try. What inspired you to get into SUP?

Being a competitive swimmer and water polo player in my younger days, being in and around water has always been a happy place for me. I’d seen people doing it on a visit to California and it looked fun. The first time I stepped on a board I was hooked. Those were my early days into the sport. When I found out one could race, I knew it was the next sport for me!

Tell us about your love for SUP…

I started stand up paddling in Abu Dhabi eight years ago and have loved it ever since. It has become a part of me and I cannot imagine my life without it. The ability to get out and enjoy the water, whether it be for a paddle with friends or competing in a race, is something that I still enjoy just as much as the first time I stepped on a board.

In 2012, I turned my passion for SUP into a company called Live Love SUP (based in the United States) that has built a community of paddlers from around the world who help to give to charity and share the stroke of SUP. I have organised SUP events across the globe, teaching hundreds of lessons, contributing to magazines and blogging about my SUP adventures and experiences along the way. I have also been involved in the SUP community in the UAE since my first day of paddling, having taught for various companies and organised races for the club.

What makes SUP such a favourite?

My favourite part of SUP, besides its physical benefits (it’s a fantastic work out), is the ability to meet like minded people all over the world. We have developed amazing friendships and met people hailing from different cultures who speak different languages, but who have all been connected through their love of SUP.

Which countries have you paddle boarded in, and what would you say about SUP in the UAE and Oman?

I have stand up paddled in 23 different countries. Down winding in Hawaii, paddling the Seine in Paris and the lakes of Switzerland have been some of my favourites. I have done a lot of paddling in the UAE and Oman, and paddling the mangroves in Abu Dhabi is my local favourite. Finding waves in Dubai is great, but Asilah in Oman is even better. I also love paddling around Snoopy Island in Fujairah and exploring the coast off the Musandam peninsula. I founded the Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle Club in 2009 which has been a great way to encourage people to get out together and make it more than just an individual pursuit.

Is there any particular fitness level required for SUP?

The greatest thing is that anyone can learn how to SUP. All one needs is the right equipment, as boards come in different shapes and sizes to a accommodate variety of 38

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paddlers. For most first-timers, just a desire to learn is all one needs. From each paddle stroke, a great new way to get fit and have fun is discovered.

Which SUP competitions have you participated in?

I have participated in over 30 races since I began paddling. Many of these have been in the UAE, my favourite local race being the annual Emirates Palace SUP Festival that I help to organise as well. It’s a beautiful location to paddle, a real community feel and a beach race that allows everyone to cheer on the paddlers as they finish each lap. It’s a perfect day out for any paddling enthusiast. My most memorable race would be racing at the Paris Crossing in December 2013. We started with 300 other paddlers in the early morning on the River Seine and paddled by the Notre Dame, seeing the sun rising over the Eiffel Tower. It was freezing, but absolutely an amazing experience!

How would you like to inspire people to take up SUP?

I really enjoy sharing my passion by teaching people how to paddle. There’s just something about it that makes you want to do more and more. Seeing the joy and excitement of people learning to SUP, especially those who never thought they could do it, is amazing. By continuing to share the sport locally and globally and promote the physical, mental and emotional benefits that SUP has to offer, I hope to inspire many more future paddlers of all ages.

The Sweet Taste of Adrenalin Words + Photos by: Chris and Amanda Fraser

We took a break from the rush of wildlife in the national parks and headed into country number two for some action packed activities. Our first bucket list tick on the itinerary was bungee jumping at Victoria Falls. Harness on, carabiners fastened, bindings gripping around my ankles and I was ready to go. Not quite...the jump master then handed me a small life vest. But I thought white water rafting was tomorrow? Placing it over my harness, the man informed me that this life vest was used as an extra safety precaution just in case the rope snapped and I plunged 20 plus meters down into the mighty Zambezi. My heart started pounding even faster. I asked about their track record, when was the last time they’d needed this life vest. Oh, only five years ago.

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What??!!

Well there was no turning back now. A quick countdown 5...4...3...2... And by the time he’d reached 1 I’d already let out a loud scream. Boom! I was airborne. Flying through the air heading towards the Zambezi River, I looked up and back down. The nerves turned into excitement and I let out several joyous squeals. The life vest situation was still playing in my mind but the bungee cord had snapped me back towards the crowd on the bridge successfully so I was feeling confident. What a rush.

Next, it was Chris’s turn

Having bungee jumped in Hong Kong previously, my initial nerves were somewhat subdued. However as I walked the plank, the thought of jumping off a bridge towards a rocky gorge suddenly hit me and my nerves skyrocketed. However, I had no choice but to leap off the edge as my brave wife had already done it, leaving me with no chance of backing out. What an experience! The following day, Chris, Jem, and myself headed out white water rafting. Having done the rafting five years ago, Jem knew just the guide who would make our experience that much more intense. With six grade-5 rapids, we were definitely in for some excitement. Gordon, our guide who had led the Zimbabwean rafting team overseas, was in such control. He had us up, down, and in the middle of massive rapids. After successfully making it through rapids 1-12, Gordon realised our raft had stayed far too dry. He intentionally put us straight into “The Mother’s” guts. The standing wave we entered had no mercy. It was too much for our team to handle. The water swallowed our boat, spitting us out upside down with the entire crew scrambling underneath. We all managed to grab ahold of the inside

safety line. We finally caught our breath and turned the boat right side up, although I subsequently landed on my head! With names like ‘stairway to heaven’, ‘commercial suicide’, ‘the washing machine’, ‘oblivion’, and ‘the devil’s toilet bowl’, it’s no wonder Zimbabwe is regarded as the best place in the world for white water rafting. The mighty Zambezi certainly showed us who was boss.

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Habitually healthy

Debunking common myths about being Paleo Words + Photos by: Michelle Harvey

The Cycle Bistro was created around the Paleo Diet. The restaurant enables us to engage with customers and to try to influence people’s outlook on what it means to be healthy and to live a fulfilling life. Along this journey we have encountered some false claims against being Paleo that need to be exposed. We wish to share our thoughts on these myths and hopefully encourage a few more people to test the Paleo Diet. Myth One: The Paleo Diet is trying to emulate what the people in the Palaeolithicera ate. The paleo diet, although created with this era in mind, was not created to mimic what people ate completely. Their food sources mainly consisted of hunting for animals, fishing, and gathering wild plants, nuts, berries and seeds. We believe that the modern adaptation of this diet consists of removing processed foods entirely from your diet. Although for the past 50 years it has become the norm to rely on processed foods, we still believe that our bodies are not ready to process all of this and as a result we have massive health issues such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Myth Two: The Paleo Diet is centred on Red Meat Although some cultures’diets are predominantly red meat orientated, this does not have to apply to the vast majority.

Myth Three: Paleo is all or nothing While some diets need to have 100 per cent commitment in order for them to work, such as the vegan or raw food diet, the Paleo diet will still reap amazing rewards if someone follows it only 80-90 per cent of the time. This flexible approach allows more freedom on social outings or visiting friends who don’t follow the same nutritional approach

The Paleo diet should be orientated on your specific body type. If your body requires more carbohydrates then you would eat more starchy vegetables with a smaller amount of meats, nuts and fruits. An ideal paleo diet will contain small amounts of meats with lots of vegetables, plus some nuts and fruits.

We see Paleo as a part of a lifestyle. It’s not just about watching what you eat and ensuring that you get the right nutrients. It’s about getting the right balance, exercising as often as possible and not sitting down at every possible moment. Being Paleo is meant to open you up to the world and allow you to take full advantage of it.

The Cycle Bistro wins the Catering News Food and Beverage Award for Best Health Food Restaurant. In a well-deserved win, the Cycle Bistro were recently announced the winners of ‘Best Health Food Restaurant’ at the Catering News Middle East Food and Beverage Awards. Celebrating excellence and innovation in the region’s food and beverage industry, the results were announced at an awards ceremony at the Westin Mina Seyahi in Dubai on Wednesday 9th November. Upon receiving the award, The Cycle Bistro said, ““We, at The Cycle Bistro, are extremely grateful to receive this award. It is a sign that the “Paleo” lifestyle is now recognized as being beneficial to your health and truly a part of the Dubai culinary culture. The restaurant enables us to engage with customers and to try to influence people’s outlook on what it means to be healthy and to live a fulfilling life.”

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

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

Silverback Slade Comp

Silverback Stride Sport

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

The Slade mountain bike range is a highly manoeuvrable, accurate and smooth ride which is perfect for cross country. Designed with a 275 wheel size, is great for shorter riders and for those who like the agility and stiffness of the in-between wheel size.

The Stride mountain bike range has been tailored specifically for the needs of the recreational mountain biker. The frame is made from hydroformed lightweight alloy tubing and uses sport-specific geometry to inspire confidence. The frame is also rack-, fender-, disc brake- and bottle cage ready for multiuse adaptability.

Silverback Splash Sport

Silverback Spyke 24

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

The Splash Sport is a great bicycle for the recreational female rider and features a step-through top tube for great standover clearance and ease of use. The ladies specific geometry and lightweight alloy frames provide a superb platform for recreational cycling.

The Spyke 24 is the perfect mountain bike for aspiring kid racers. This alloy frame is lightweight and together with specific kid’s geometry and a low standover height, makes for easy fitting through the ages. A great bike to learn and develop riding skills.

2,799 AED/QAR | 304.20 OMR

1,899 AED/QAR | 206.40 OMR

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1,799 AED/QAR | 195.50 OMR

1,699 AED/QAR | 184.70 OMR

T R&I E D

TESTED ODUC THIS PR

OV T IS APPR

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RUAE

The

Words by: Abdul Rehman Photos by: Supplied

I've been using Hero 4 Black and Silver and got the hang of its settings after a while, so when I found out about Hero 5 Black I really wanted to see how it's UI is different and “improved” from the last one. I was actually blown away with its ease of use. When you turn on the camera for the first time, it gives you a short tutorial on which button does what and later tells you about the apps available by GoPro, such as Capture and QUIK. I personally liked QUIK a lot since it's way easier to make videos with it now. The UI is pretty straightforward; what you see you click and you're taken into its menu. It's sometimes a hit and miss thing but generally I found that to be a problem either with dirty hands or a smudgy screen. The new Hero 5 now has so called “Voice Control” which GoPro claims to be a game changer, but in my opinion it only helps a little. It works with anyone's voice, so that means many people are going to mess with you saying phrases like “GoPro shoot burst” and your camera will get busy shooting. The good news is it's really easy to disable it by swiping down on the screen and tapping the figure with a speaking icon. It does help in getting better selfies, since there's no shake and you don't need a remote for this. GoPro is also selling a Voice Control activated remote called “Remo” as well which will work in a similar way. As of now only, seven languages are supported but GoPro says that it's working really hard to incorporate more languages such as

Arabic and Russian. So that's something to look forward to. The Hero 5 now has GPS which does record telemetry data (firmware updated late November) like G-force, altitude, speed, direction etc. It also has always-on Bluetooth so it's ready to connect to your smartphone really easily. GoPro claims it only drains 2 percent of your total battery which is really impressive. There's also new Video Stabilisation. This is only EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation) and not OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), but the results are still far greater than what I've seen on previous GoPros. The supported resolution is only 2.7K on Black and 1080p on Session, but if you're a professional and want 4K stabilised video then you'll have to wait for the KARMA Grip. Then you have a new FOV called “Linear FOV” which enables users to record a flat video or take a photo without having to post edit it to remove that fisheye effect. This feature is now also available on Hero 4 cameras after a firmware update. I still like the Wide FOV so for me it's not necessary to have this feature, but it's good that it's now built-in. The actual design of Hero 5 is nothing compared to how the Hero 4 used to be. Waterproof without housing, removable side door and lens. These things are going to help a lot of users who want to use their camera for longer periods of time without having to buy an extra skeleton housing or frame like on Hero 4. It means that one can access the charging port while your camera is mounted, and makes it easy if you want to use a third party lens on your camera (because many companies are definitely going to make these). The battery is new and “improved”. It has a smart chip now, so rather than showing you bars of how much juice you've got left it shows you percentage. The Hero 5 now only works with the GoPro batteries only

as GoPro claims their users faced a lot of problems because of cheap batteries, so now they've made their own battery a lot cheaper than the last one. The Hero 5 has three microphones which means way better audio with your awesome footage, and you can set it manually to either record stereo sound or use it to reduce wind noise. Personally I love the new waterproof design and One-Button control but I still miss having the option to disable it and to quickly enable WiFi from the side button, which you can't do anymore. All in all, the Hero 5 is great and GoPro is working on further improving it by firmware updates. If you're using a Hero2 or Hero3 I think it's time to upgrade since you'll be getting better footage with these now, but if you're still using a Hero4 black/silver then think if you really need that voice control, stabilised video and waterproof camera. If yes, then go for it. Otherwise, you're still good for another year with your current gear.

Available at Beyond The Beach, Sharaf DG, Adventure HQ, Virgin Megastore, Grand Stores, Emax, Jumbo and Plugins GoPro HERO 5 Black for only 1,599 AED

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

PRODUCTS COLUMBIA Men’s Silver Ridge™ Printed Cargo Pant Available at Columbia stores across the UAE The super-comfortable Silver Ridge Cargo Pant wicks, features UPF 50 protection from the sun, an exterior adjustable waistband and a few extra pockets. That’s

the beauty of cargo pants, just when you think you left it at home, it turns up in one of your many pockets. Features: • Omni-Wick™ • Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 sun protection • Exterior adjustable waistband • Partial elastic at waist • Gusset detail

COLUMBIA Men’s Conspiracy™ IV Outdry™ Hiking Shoe

Their non-marking traction rubber keeps your feet firmly on the ground, while the waterproof construction with breathable mesh ensures you’re ready for whatever the day has to offer. The adventure starts here.

Available at Columbia stores across the UAE

Features: • OutDry® waterproof, breathable construction • Supportive welded textile overlays with breathable mesh upper • Synthetic toecap • Techlite™ lightweight midsole for long

These multi-sport shoes with welded textile overlays feature a lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and extra bounce.

Morakniv Kansbol Multi-Mount Available at Al Sayad Hunting Equipment Kansbol is the best of both worlds. It is as flexible and lightweight as a knife, whilst having the strength of a more robust model. The combination makes it a real all-round knife. It is a reliable partner in the woods, on a walk, the hunt or on the lake.

The blade is designed for increased precision and back grinding, which means

Morakniv 2000 A first-class all-round knife. The Swedish stainless steel is of the highest quality, hardened and treated according to our secret method in the Mora factory. The patterned friction grip of the TPE rubber makes the handle safe and steady.

1,199 AED

Available at Beyond The Beach, Sharaf DG, Adventure HQ, Virgin Megastore, Grand Stores, Emax, Jumbo and Plugins

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Fabric: • Silver Ridge™ 100% nylon ripstop

lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return

that it can be used with a firestarter. Together with the Multi-Mount fastening system Morakniv Kansbol can be placed on your canoe, or ATV - when the knife is placed in the holder it can take a bumpy ride on any vehicle. Attach and detach the knife from the mount in just a couple of seconds or just take the knife straight out of the sheath and use it. It has strategically placed screw holes and slots for different types of straps.

In addition, the rubber grip does not conduct cold, which makes work with the knife safe and pleasant all year round. The knife’s sheath polymer has a supple leather strap, so that the knife is always close at hand on your belt or backpack.

Available at Al Sayad Hunting Equipment

GoPro HERO5 Session The best, only smaller

• Zip-closed security pocket • Straight leg • Modern Classic Fit

Available in two colors

Features: Voice Control and WiFi for remote monitoring and control. 1.5in (38mm) cubed design allows obstructive mounting Compact Mounting: Flat and curved adhesive mounts included. 4K Video + 10MP Photo: Supports 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, 1080p Video. Captures 10MP Photos at 30 fps Advanced Video Stabilisation: Captures

stunningly smooth video, linear mode corrects distortion. Simple One-Button Control: A single press powers the camera on and starts recording automatically. Works with the GoPro Karma drone Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens Rugged + Waterproof: Waterproof to 33ft (10m) without housing. Access + share from anywhere by using the Go Pro Quik and Capture Apps.

Using

Knives

When outdoors there’s nothing more important than the fire. This vital part of human life and history has various functions, in everything from spreading warmth and enabling cooking to being a social focal point. But how does one actually start a fire? Let’s take a closer look at how you can practice this useful and striking skill. There are different ways of starting your outdoor fire, using everything from basic matches to more high tech equipment. With this said, it’s hard to compete with the fire starter. Its convenient size makes it easy to take with you, always within reach in your pocket or backpack. A fire starter can also be trusted to perform, no matter the weather, whereas a rainy day and wet matches might spoil the adventure. In combination with your outdoor knife, the fire starter will keep you safe and warm no matter the surrounding. Just make sure your knife has a sharp grinded spine so you can use it to make sparks fly! Start with collecting some bark, tinder or a similar material that you wish the sparks to catch onto. Use the knife to scrape and roughen the bark – this will make it easier for the sparks to really catch fire. If you’re working with a brand new fire starter, it will

have a black oxidized surface. Scrape this off with the back of the blade before you start using it. Always use the back of the knife blade – the spine – when starting your fire. This way you protect the sharp edge so that your knife can keep its edge retention for longer. Now it’s time for the actual fire starting! Hold the fire starter against the bark and scrape some magnesium on the bark. Draw the knife spine against the fire starter. Now sparks will show and catch onto the bark. Since the sparks have a limited time of burning, you need to have some speed in the movement. Continue to draw the back of the knife against the fire starter until a small fire has been ignited on the tinder. Then it’s time to ensure that your fire will continue to burn steadily. This can be done by blowing gently on the tinder and eventually place additional kindling on top of your flames to make sure that it continues to burn. And there’s your fire! There are also some additional tips and tricks that may be good to have in mind when using a fire starter: It is important that the sparks have most of their burning time on the tinder you want to catch fire and less time in contact with the blade spine. If your strikes are too slow, a torching or welding on the blade spine might show up. This may anneal the sharp corner of the knife blade, resulting in the spine losing its

hardness and going blunt. This is fairly easy to fix with a basic diamond honer, drawing some strikes across the spine. To prevent the fire starter from getting “road bumps” like a washboard, make sure you’re drawing the back of the knife against the fire starter at different angles when lighting the fire. This may “ride out” potential bumps. That’s it! Now the warm, sparkling fire shouldn’t be too far away. To bring a fire starter along on your outdoor adventure is an easy way to prepare yourself for whatever challenge you may face. Bring out your cooking equipment and make a delicious dinner, gather around and enjoy. IN SHORT: 1. Roughen the bark or tinder. 2. Scrape some magnesium on the bark with the spine (the back of the knife blade). 3. Draw the knife spine against the fire starter to create sparks. Repeat until your tinder has caught fire. 4. Start your fire! Morakniv products are available at Al Sayad Hunting Equipment: Port Saeed, Dubai, UAE, 04 295 9666

OUTDOORUAE

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RTM Ocean DUO Includes paddles and backrests

3,100 AED This double kayak, our best-selling tandem, is designed to accommodate 1, 2 or 3 persons (2 adults, 1 child). Due to its unique centre seat it can be also paddled solo. This is the ideal sit-on-top kayak choice for family use. It is a pleasure to paddle on this comfortable kayak, thanks to its rubber backrest. With the keel shaped hull it tracks very well in a straight line and is easily accessible for first time paddlers. Equipped with storage areas in the stern and the centre of the boat, you can take the Ocean Duo on extended touring trips. Includes paddles and backrests.

Starboard GO Windsurfer 175 5,430 AED The GO Windsurfer is a variation of our iconic GO series - intermediate boards perfect for stepping back to windsurf. Instead of a centre fin box, the GO Windsurfer has a fully retractable dagger board that makes it easier to stay upwind and learn to windsurf, while being more versatile from light to windy conditions. There are two all-new modern shapes for 2017, with a new nose outline that’s wider than the previous generation which contributes to the improved glide, traction and ease of planning. For 2017, the GO Windsurfers have been upgraded to a new 3DX construction. 3DX stands for three dimensional biaxial glass microsandwich construction. Both deck and bottom are wrapped in 45 degree biaxial glass fibre wetted out with an expanding foam epoxy cured under high pressure. The biaxial glass gives a crisp, stiff feel with flex for choppy conditions. The foam epoxy creates a 2mm skin thickness for a microsandwich effect: tough and strong.

Severne Sails Synergy Pack From 1,900 AED The Synergy rig is the perfect blend of simplicity and performance in one dedicated package. Severne sails offers the latest in windsurf technology and style with regards to windsurfing sails, booms, masts and extensions. Products range from high performance wave, freestyle, freeride and race equipment to beginner gear such as the Synergy rig package. Every component in the Synergy rig was developed from the ground up to ensure easy assembly, maximum durability and real performance. Every package comes with clear instructions, no prior knowledge is needed. Features of the Severne Synergy Windsurf Complete Rig: Sail + Boom + Mast + Base + Extension + Uphaul + Bag.

About SeaYou:

EXTENSION

MAST

SAIL

UNIVERSAL

BOOM

SeaYou Dubai are specialists when it comes to non-motorised watersports equipment. For the past four years SeaYou have supplied the region with Kayaks, Windsurf, SUP boards and sail boats and hold the exclusive rights as the region’s distributor for world renowned brands such as Starboard SUP and Windsurf, RTM Kayaks, RS Sailing & Magic Marine. Today, SeaYou Dubai continue to serve the watersports community by introducing people from different walks of life into the world of water sports by hosting annual non-profit events for the beginners to advanced competitors. To keep up to date on all SeaYou events follow our facebook page www.facebook.com/seayoudubai

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



DECEMBER 2016 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

PRODUCTS KALENJI Ekiden Men’s Running T-shirt

OXELO Play 3 Inline Skates

Available at Decathlon Mirdif City Centre and IBN Battuta Mall

Available at Decathlon Mirdif City Centre and IBN Battuta Mall

The most affordable breathable T-shirt! Stay dry throughout your run thanks to Equarea technology. Perspiration wicking: This T-shirt has been designed with Equarea Technology that keeps you dry throughout your run. Your perspiration is absorbed and dries quickly. Reflective: The product includes several highly retro-reflective patches (> 350 cd/lux.m2) including the logos on the front and back. These patches allow light emitted by vehicle headlights to be reflected back.

Inline skates for beginners designed for enabling children ages 4 to 8 years to get started with inline skating as safely as possible and at their own pace.

35 AED

Colours: Bright Yellow, White and Blue

Colours: Magenta and Deep Indigo Adjustable: Liner adjustable to 3 sizes. Skates that can grow with your child’s feet! Fit: Hard Boot skates with 2 buckles for good support and protection. Grip: Rubber wheels and brake for effective braking and skating without skidding. Ease of use: Bootie with a wide opening, plus two easy-to-use buckles. Easy maintenance: Machine-washable liner (30°C).

SCOTT Gear Duffle Bag

Big Gun Exhaust System

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Features: • Spacious main compartment • Padded helmet compartment with ventilation holes • Padded boot compartment • Front flap foot mat • Replaceable skateboard wheels • Free standing position • Weight: 4kg • Volume: 130L

Features: • Designed for Yamaha Raptor700 • Lighter than stock exhaust • Massive horsepower and torque gains • Sleek muffler design allows for maximum clearance • Red, powder-coated stainless steel tip adds to better aesthetics • Compatible with Big Gun TFI (Techlusion Fuel Injection)

875 AED

The SCOTT Bag Gear Duffle allows you to easily carry around your gear. With skateboard wheels and a telescoping handle, traveling will no longer be a hassle. The Duffle can stand by itself horizontally and additional features are a concealed zipper pocket, a pull out mat to stand on and enough compartments and pockets for storage.

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120 AED

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3,600 AED

Big Gun Exhaust systems are handmade in the USA and are a perfect choice for an aftermarket exhaust system to take your Yamaha ATV to the pinnacle of performance.

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Get fit with running gear from Decathlon Words by: Daniel Birkhofer Photos by: Jung Francisco

If you want to get out and enjoy the great weather in the winter months and also work on your fitness levels, there is no better way than running. Running is the easiest and certainly the cheapest outdoor activity you can start and can do literally anywhere. Running in the UAE has become increasingly popular during the past few years, both as a social activity with the growing number of running clubs in the region, as well as competitively with races for all distances and levels. Also in Dubai the government has invested in running tracks which you can find now all over the city and which will hopefully be extended over the next couple of years. So you can run along the beach, in parks, on designated running tracks,through the streets or even across the desert and the mountains. There really are no limits once you get started. If you are on a budget, you don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive running shoes. You can get decent shoes already for a little as one hundred dirhams at Decathlon. As with every shoe, the important thing is that it fits comfortably.

If you get more experience you will also develop a preference for specific features like a hard sole or a soft, flexible sole and so on. But, just to get started, any comfortable running shoe like the KALENJI Ekiden One Plus Men’s Running Shoes will do. It’s a light basic running shoe with a rubber sole for a good grip on most surfaces. To enjoy the run more, some functional running clothing is also advised. This too need not cost a fortune: Almost as important as a good shoe are sports socks to reduce sweating and odour as well as to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit of the shoe, especially on longer runs: KALENJI Eliofeel high running socks 2-pack are a good choice and the price is only 25 AED. KALENJI Ekiden men’s running T-shirt for running in hot weather. This affordable and breathable t-shirt keeps you dry throughout your run thanks to Equarea technology (35 AED). Alongside the light, breathable shorts which are designed with built-in briefs to guarantee good support and also include an inside key pocket in the waistband (KALENJI Ekiden Men’s Running Shorts - 45 AED), these items will be your basic wardrobe when getting started. To not get blinded by the sun and to ensure you keep a cool head, a visor is the better choice over a sports cap. The KALENJI Visor running black will set you back only 39 AED and ensures good vision whilst also soaking up sweat to avoid getting it in your eyes. Finally, the KALENJI Smartphone armband for running (55 AED) helps you to get into the right mood and keep going on

your workout. Turn up the volume and listen to your favourite songs during your work out from your phone, which you can wear comfortably on your arm with this very reasonably priced arm band. So if you do the maths, the complete running set with all the items will cost you as little as 314 AED and you are set, ready and go. So no excuse to stay on your couch. All products are available at Decathlon stores: IBN Battuta Mall and Mirdif City Centre.

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

Attention outdoor adventure lovers! The outdoor essential you’ll need wherever your next adventure may be – mineral water – has just become more valuable, four times more valuable, but only if you choose Monviso. How? OutdoorUAE, the first and only outdoor lifestyle magazine in the region, has partnered with Monviso by joining the Monviso Ambassador Program.

Monviso Ambassador Program: “Save, Donate, Earn and Be Healthy!” The Monviso Ambassador program is a simple sales referral program that benefits you in several ways! Its slogan – “Save, Donate, Earn and Be Healthy!” – says it all:

1. Save: Special Promo - 5+1

OutdoorUAE is offering you a special promotion of 5+1 free – buy 5 packs and get one free – when you order by clicking the



Monviso banner on the OutdoorUAE website, www.outdooruae.com. OutdoorUAE brings you this special promotion through its membership as part of the Monviso Ambassador Program. By stocking up on Monviso, you stack up the savings! As a nature and sports lover, you always need quality mineral water for all of your outdoor escapades. The more you order, the more you save.

2. Donate: 1 AED donated for each litre you buy

For all your purchases at the above link, Monviso will donate 1 AED, per each Liter purchased, to the global philanthropical Jalila Foundation through Monviso’s retail sales donation program called “Take Water. Give Life”. All donations go to support Al Jalila’s noble humanitarian work of transforming and saving lives through medical education and research. So simply by drinking Monviso, you don’t just save your life – you save others’ too.

3. Earn: Become a Monviso ambassador yourself

Anyone – including you – can join by signing up to Monviso Ambassador Program to earn unlimited income. Just click the Monviso banner on the OutdoorUAE website, www.outdooruae.com. It’s a way to earn additional income without changing what you do,through the contacts you already have, both online and offline! When you refer customers to Monviso, you earn 10 per cent commissions on their purchases. For every Monviso ambassador you recruit, you also earn 5 per cent commission on their sales. There’s no limit on the number of customers you can refer.

4. Be Healthy: Drink Monviso water 50

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Monviso is the world’s purest and healthiest 100 per cent natural mineral water. It originates from Europe’s highest source,

away from pollution and human settlement, in Monviso Mountain in the Italian Alps: the mountain whose water has been celebrated for its unique rejuvenating properties since ancient times. Monviso has one of the lowest sodium levels of any mineral water in the world and is minimally mineralised, so it is easy to digest and safe to drink in large quantities. This means that it is perfect for people of all ages, including expectant mothers and infants. Monviso is ideal for hydration at any age, for low-sodium diets and weight loss. It is the mineral water of choice for those who are serious about achieving long-term health for themselves and their families. Whether yours is a passion for the sea, desert, sky or mountains, there’s nothing like venturing out in the great outdoors – that feeling of “anything can happen” and that taste of freedom in the air – all you need to complete the scene is a bottle of Monviso always on-hand with you wherever you go next. Monviso hydration makes all the difference. So many adventures to experience and terrains to explore… Visit www.outdooruae.com and click on the Monviso banner now to place your first order so that you can save, donate, earn and be healthy!

Words by: Rachael Bruford Photos by: Jung Francisco

As somebody who has run three marathons this year, it’s fair to say that I’ve spent a fair bit of time plodding the streets, running tracks and treadmills of Dubai. In fact, I don’t even want to count the number of hours I’ve spent running this year (it’s the kms that count), and I’d be lying if I said that every step had been enjoyable and interesting.

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It was over summer when training slowed down for most people, and the mass exodus from the UAE began, that I began to need music or an interesting podcast to keep me occupied on those three-hour long, solo runs. As a couple of these runs were done on the treadmill, it was even more important to me that I stayed motivated and distracted from the monotony of slow-paced training. However, I found myself getting irritated by the wires that bounced around as I ran, and the ear pieces that I constantly had to re-adjust. When I was asked to try Sony’s range of Bluetooth, in-ear headphones, I was a little apprehensive. However, since the three models I tried were all wireless, I was keen to try them out on my morning runs. Each model I tried was smartphone compatible, and incredibly easy to pair with my iPhone. I particularly liked the voice notification that my Bluetooth was connected, leaving me with no doubt that the headphones were ready to use. Another common feature was the EXTRA BASS™ sound, which really emphasised the beat of what I was listening to in a motivational yet unobtrusive way, demonstrating brilliant sound quality whether I was listening to music or an audio book.

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All three models also had easy to use controls on the earpieces themselves, including an on/off switch, volume controls and a track forward/back function. Built in microphones also mean that you can take calls whilst using the headphones, provided you’re not too out of breath! The Sony headphones are charged via a USB port which is stealthily concealed within the main unit and covered discreetly to ensure that dust or moisture does not damage the connection. The full charging time for each model is around two and a half hours, which gives between seven and nine hours of wireless battery life. This is great for longer workouts, as you can be sure that your headphones will not annoyingly lose their charge. The XB70BT is the ideal wireless headphone for use in the gym or whilst stretching. It is lightweight and flexible, and there are three different colours to choose from. Because of the design, this model would be unsuitable for running or high impact activities, but would be perfect for walkers or just general day to day use. Able to cope with light rain showers, the XB50BS Sports Headphones have a durable IPX4 design which is perfect for those unpredictable winter days when the clouds threaten rain. Ergonomic arc supporters and comfortable silicone rubber earbuds

help to keep the headphones in place, meaning that they are suitable for all kinds of sporting activities, including those of a higher intensity. Once again, they are available in three colours, and their compact size means that they are ideal for frequent travellers. Perhaps my favourite out of the three models was the XB80BS Sports In-ear Bluetooth Headphones. These are the most durable out of the selection that I tried, and I was impressed by the way that they stayed in my ears when running at different paces and when upside down stretching, thanks in part to the ear hooks and also to the handy cable adjuster. Furthermore, the splash proof IPX5 design means that they are able to cope with heavy rain and activities that might make you sweat profusely, such as when on a spin bike. Because of this, they are also useful for water-based activities such as dragon boating or SUPing, and you can even wash them to remove dirt and sweat. The sound quality in all three models was fantastic, and although I am somebody who usually enjoys running without headphones, taking in the world around me, I can certainly see myself making use of these in the future, particularly for those arduous long slow runs in preparation for my ultra marathon in April. Now I just need to update my playlists… Available at Sony store, 2nd level, The Dubai Mall and other retail outlets across the UAE. Retail price (in UAE) XB50BS EXTRA BASS™ Sports Bluetooth® In-ear Headphones

AED 299

XB70BT EXTRA BASS™ Bluetooth® In-ear Headphones

AED 399

XB80BS EXTRA BASS™ Sports In-ear Bluetooth® Headphones

AED 599

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The new Sony FDR x3000 Photos + Words by: Daniel Birkhofer

Almost every year new sports cameras come on to the market and new features are introduced. Some are useful, others are not. One of the new technologies that most manufacturers are embracing is 4k, and Image Stabilisation. The new Sony 4K Action Cam FDR-X3000 allows users to capture the best and stable 4K video quality because of BOSS (Balance Optical Steady shot. The challenge with most of these sports cameras is that they are not easy to edit due to the size of 4K video. However, Sony provides free post-editing software that allows users to edit their 4K videos easily and without any hassle through Play Memories Home or Action Cam Movie Maker. The big advantage is that the cameras which are capable of 4k record an amazing HD image, or you can record 4k and resize it or crop it to HD which is the most common format now. The new Sony FDRx 3000 not only looks great, it also works well. I never read manuals and believe a good camera should have selfexplanatory menus that enable a quick start. Some action cams are inconvenient to use, but not the Sony. The menus are clear and whether you use the remote or the camera the menus are always visible even during broad daylight. The record buttons are big and easy to activate in any position and there are three red indicating lights to make sure you know that you are recording. As simple as this sounds, a few times in the past I did not see whether the camera was recording after pressing the button and was shooting without the camera rolling.

Amazing 4K. Movies with less shake. Reduced shake with Balanced Optical SteadyShot Take POV action movies to a new level with high-resolution 4K. Capture stable images as never before with Balanced Optical Steady Shot. Shoot anywhere with Action Cam real-world rugged design. I want to highlight a few options that set the Sony apart from the competition and are good reasons to choose the Sony Action Cam above other cameras. First of all, the X3000 and AS300 are the first sports cameras with an image stabiliser (I am not considering the Osmo since this falls into another category and will not withstand the abuse a sports camera has to endure). While some sports cameras have Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) in the tiny, mountable cameras, EIS typically hurts image quality, narrows the field of view and reduces resolution. Sony's new Balanced Optical Steady Shot (BOSS) system joins the lens and sensor to counteract shake, so it is a mechanical solution keeping the image quality and stability. Whether you cycle, run, surf or are into motor sports, unwanted vibrations and shakes are always a problem which can ruin your video. It is still not a magical tool, but X3000 and AS300 certainly provide the most stable and the best high quality video you can currently get from any sports camera. It is only Sony that will allow the users to record 4K videos with stabilisation whilst most competitors’ sports cameras will only offer stabilisation while recording full HD videos. Sony's Live-View Remote gives the flexibility of seeing the live footage, checking the actual video angle and operating the camera

from your wrist or any angle you like. It also includes being able to power the camera on and off using low-power Bluetooth. Sony also improved the interface and menu system and added a high-power Wi-Fi mode so the remote can be used from greater distances. The user will also have the option of using their smartphones as a remote in the absence of LVR using Play Memories Mobile App (available in both Android or IOS). There is more in the box compared to other sports cameras, meaning that you don’t need to spend extra on accessories such as the Underwater Housing case, an attachment buckle, the Live-View Remote, remote wristband, mount adapter and cradle. Time-lapse capture with the Sony is amazing. The camera captures up to 4K resolution still pictures at a designated interval for the highest quality videos. It can shoot up to 120fps which gives you great slow motion videos. With built-in GPS, the X3000R captures important metadata such as location,which is great for any activity involving movements like cycling or motorsports. For hikes, you can pin the location where the footage was shot. So, to give a final verdict, I think the Sony is an amazing camera. It is easy and comfortable to use with different mounts, has a great live-view remote, and of course the image stabiliser is a huge plus. Check out our YouTube channel at the end of December to see our video review as well as some test footage. To find out more about all the other features of Sony’s new action cam, visit their website.

Available at Sony store, 2nd level, The Dubai Mall and other retail outlets across the UAE. Retail price (in UAE) FDR-X3000R HDR-AS300R

AED 2,099 AED 1,599

OUR EXPERTS

Vididalsá:

World Class Icelandic Salmon Fishing Photos + Words by: Rasmus Ovesen

Iceland is a veritable paradise for the salmon fisherman. Here, ample amounts of salmon eagerly push their way upstream to reach the spawning grounds of the volcanic island’s many rivetingly beautiful rivers. One of the best salmon rivers in all of Iceland is the Vididalsá River in the north-western corner – a salmon river that Rasmus Ovesen has fallen in love with. I’VE NEVER ACTUALLY quite understood this weird obsession with salmon that some fly fishermen so obviously suffer from. To me, fly fishing for salmon has always been the equivalent of standing slightly bewildered in a gushing Norwegian or Swedish river, waist-deep in turbid and lukewarm water, struggling to maintain good footing and mechanically casting in a stubborn pro forma-like fashion with no other intention but to give a desperate impression of even the slightest of salmon fishing savvy. I DIDN’T SEE THE LIGHT, until a couple of years ago when I travelled to Iceland to fish the Stora Laxá River. Here, I experienced a fishery completely different in its generousness and I got to hook with an array of staunch salmon that seemed completely indifferent to my lacking salmon fishing skills. Here, the fish recklessly hit the flies without haughty prima donna-like mannerisms or self-criticism – and they provided

spectacular fights with irresistible runs and adroit aero-acrobatics. WHEN MY GOOD FRIEND, Johann Rafnsson, invited me to theVididalsá River in the north-western corner of Iceland to participate in the season opening on 24thJune, there was no doubt in my mind. This was something I couldn’t miss out on! I actually already had other plans with my good Icelandic friend, Elias Petur Thorarinsson, but they were quickly scrapped in favour of the 2.5 days of salmon fishing that were included in the generous offer. Elias and I were invited to share a rod and to stay at the Vididalsá lodge, which – besides offering comfortable rooms, also boasts incredible gourmet dinners and an ambient atmosphere. So far so good! I LAND IN KEFLAVIK AIRPORT on a de-

layed flight in the first dawning hours of the 24thJune, and time is scarce if Elias and I are going to make it to Vididalsá in time for the season opening. When we finally arrive at the Vididalsá lodge we’re completely dazed by tiredness and sleep deprivation, but in stead of throwing ourselves in the lush grass to take a nap, such as our gut instincts tell us to do, we promptly jump into our waders and rig our rods with eager and lightlytrembling hands.While Elias knows the Vididalsáquite well, I have absolutely no clue about what awaits us. Completely atypical of me, I haven’t done any research ahead of the trip.

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AMIDST A HIGH-SUMMERY AND LUSHGREEN VALLEY, carved into the rock and soil of a grand and undulating landscape where Icelandic farmers have grown their crops and kept live stock for centuries, the river quietly meanders downstream: shimmering, soundless and clear. It completely takes my breath away as I approach, and when I prepare for the first cast, it is as if the air trembles over the river’s lightly riffled surface. It feels like something magical is about to happen! I cast expectantly cross current in the direction of an elevated and grassy brank along the opposite shoreline, and continue to hitch up the fly with a series of long and even pulls that make the fly skate across the deep lie that stretches some 50 meters down stream. Even though I haven’t fished sufficiently enough for salmon to really have built confidence in my own abilities, this place looks so promising that my whole body shivers with the expectation of a sudden tug on the line. And when, shortly after, a salmon whirls at the end of the tippet and disappears into the depths with the minute fly firmly lodged in its jaws, it’s with the utmost matter of course that I lift the 9’ 5-weight rod and feel how the carbon fibres arc under the weight of the fish. 54

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contrasted spots that stand out as effectively as ink stains on a piece of white paper. The hen fish measures a whopping 86 centimetres – and both Elias and I are super-excited that our fishing trip has been inaugurated with such a lengthy and robust fish. Subconsciously, we’re also thinking that this fish is going to be difficult to beat, but as we’re about to find out over the course the next one and half days, the average size of the salmon in this river is solid – and there are considerably bigger fish to be had than the one we’ve just caught and released. ESPECIALLY, the fishery on the Vididalsá tributary, Fitjá, is memorable. Granted, it’s relatively few fish we land in this immensely pretty tributary, but fishing below the towering cliffs that make up the canyon through which the Fitjá gushes, really reverberates with us. It is immensely entertaining to lie above the water - at the edge of one of the river’s majestic cliffs, guiding your buddy down there by the river and seeing how the salmon rise to the fly. When doing that it is as if time stands still and the whole world

THE FIGHT IS HECTIC, but it is over relatively quickly – like an overwhelming roller coaster ride in a Tivoli. The fish comes flying out of the water several times while fluttering randomly up- and downstream, but all the bewildered and furious raging about in combination with the unrelenting pressure applied by the fly rod slowly but surely drains the fish of its power. And when it momentarily rests on a shallow gravel bar in order to regain its strength, I use every available muscle fibre in my fly rod to capsize the fish and beach it. The first salmon of the trip is a reality – a regular silver rocket with a blue iridescent glow along its powerful flanks and lots of

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VIDIDALSÁ– FACT FILE

narrowsdown - in tunnel vision-like fashion to that little fly down there and the pending chaos of a fish exploding on it. Other than that, it’s catching two fullgrown male salmon in the vicinity of 95 centimetres that stands out in our memories as we pack up our gear after two and a half days of great fishing and head toward one of Iceland’s incalculable trout rivers. EVEN THOUGH THE LAST FIVE DAYS OF TROUT FISHING on the volcanic island are plagued by tempestuous weather; drenching amounts of rain, gale-force winds and plummeting temperatures, the impressions I take with me from the Vididalsá remain immaculate and untarnished. The Vididalsá is an enchanting and hospitable river, and the fishing is characterized by a catchy lightness that makes the blood gush through your veins with the same power and determination as the river’s crystalline water. Not even a self-proclaimed trout fanatic couldever deny that…

Like many of Iceland’s other spectacular salmon rivers, the Vididalsá River is located in the northwestern corner of the island, between Blöndós and Laugarbakki. The river drains a fertile agricultural expanse comprising some 1,130km2 of land, and together with the tributary, Fitjá, it offers 50 kilometres of pristine water with morethan 100 enticing pools carved into a mesmerizingly beautiful and at times dramatic lush-green valley. The season at Vididalsá stretches from June 24th until September 15th – both days inclusive. The first couple of weeks sees the river invaded by massive amounts of medium-sized chromers, and from the middle of July and onwards until the end of August – in what is generally considered to be the high season – fully grown salmon enter the river in great numbers. The majority of the fish in the river weigh between 4 and 8 kilos, but every year several 10 kilo+ fish are landed – and throughout the river’s rich fly fishing history, a number of fish in excess of 15 kilos have been landed. The majority of Vididalsá’s pools are quite easy and unproblematic to access, fish and wade. They are typically fished with medium-range casts towards the opposite bank, and the gear that’s usually in use is either light double-handed or single-handed fly rods in weights ranging from #6-8 in combination with floating fly lines and small hitch

Dubai : 04 - 339-0621 / 04-338-8822 | Abu Dhabi: 02-558-8890 Ajman: 06-741-0004 | Fujairah: 09-222-1188 | Ras Al Khaimah : 07-235-1592 http://www.aymotorsports.com

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tube flies such as Sunray Shadow, Collie Dog, Francis and Snaelda. In addition to serious amounts of salmon the river also boasts a healthy population of arctic char, which usually hold in the river stretches with slow flowing water and scattered boulders and rocks. The Vididalsá River is home to its own fly fishing lodge with full-catering services and atmospheric rooms and facilities. The lodge will host up to 24 fly fishing guests per day in comfortable double rooms with private showers, and once the dinner is ready in the evening, something truly extraordinary awaits the guests. The dinners at the lodge are a chapter of their own. They consist of local ingredients, produce and cooking techniques, and accompanied by a glass of classy wine they mark the perfect ending to a good day’s worth of fishing. For additional information: http://www. vididalsa.is/ [email protected]

FACT FILE – TRANSPORT/LOGISTICS/LODGING

Iceland’s airport, Keflavik, is easily accessed from most countries, and depending on the season and the time of departure you can fly with Iceland air (www.icelandair.is) for anywhere between 150 and 250 euros. The transportation to Vididalsá takes about 3hours from Keflavik, via road 41 and 1-North. For rental cars, please check out Holdur (www.holdur.is).

OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle

Dubai is famous for its internationally recognised icons and feats of engineering, from the Burj Khalifa to the Burj Al Arab. So many of these incredible structures, however, are confined to the land and simply look out toward the ocean – but how many of them are situated right in the middle of it? The World Islands make up an artificial archipelago that is situated 40km off the coast of the mainland, but only a 30-minute boat ride from Dubai Marina. The 300 islands that make up the ‘world’ formation were constructed through the dredging up of sand in Dubai’s shallow coastal waters –

it is through this that these tons and tons of sand went from sitting on the ocean floor, to being turned and shaped into one of the most visually inspiring structures in the world. However, few people are aware that it is not just on the surface that this island formation shines, but below it as well. For the waters surrounding and within The World not only boast a medley of turquoises and blues, but they’re also home to a great number of marine species and fantastic underwater landscapes. The area is protected from both waves and fishermen and is constantly patrolled by security boats. As a result, it is fast becoming a sanctuary for marine animals and coral is beginning to flourish. The great thing about diving The World Islands is that the adventure begins as soon

as you enter into the complex, not just when you head underwater. Thanks to the enclosed borders surrounding the area, the surface of the water throughout the islands is completely flat, so upon entering, you can immediately begin gliding effortlessly throughout the development. You feel as though you’ve somehow left Dubai and have been transported to the Maldives once you head through the islands, as they mirror the atolls that make the country so famous. As the boat moves further in, you glide past island after island, each one surrounded by a beach of soft white sand met with gentle turquoise-coloured waves – it’s almost trance-inducing, staring at these islands one after the other. Looking out over the islands, they resemble rolling sand dunes – and so it seems as if someone has taken an entire desert and placed it in the middle of the ocean – mixing two completely different landscapes together to create one brand new and unique one. Once you manage to pull yourself out of the trance and you’ve appreciated the spectacle in front of you start to try and figure out all the countries that you’re moving past so quickly. As the island formation is made in the shape of the world, each island you go past is representing a country and so as you remind yourself of that, you begin to wonder where in the world you are right now. So you begin to back track: okay we came in just below Australia and then headed up the Indian Ocean, so this must make this the African coast and so that must be Madagascar! I think it’s fair to say that no other diving location can offer that as an experience. Coming to a stop, that adventure ends as the next one just begins - the dive. Some of the favourite dive sites in The World Islands are North America, The North Pole and The Indian Ocean. This particular

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

dive took place off the coast of India. Now that the boat has come to a stop, you really appreciate the winter temperatures that we here in the UAE look forward to all year. The sun was shining bright, the air was crisp and there was a slight breeze to top it all off – perfect conditions. Peering over the side of the boat, we had our first concentrated look down into the water, where you could even see straight to the bottom in some areas. One small group of white fish made their way across the miniature dunes below the surface, under one side of the boat and out the other. The calmness of the water meant that every tiny little detail or movement underwater was visible and so the surface acted not as a barrier but rather a window to a new ecosystem. After one last look above the surface, it was time to take a look at this impressive new landscape from a different angle. The visibility in these waters can vary greatly, and depends on a variety of factors, from wind and rain all the way to temperature and salinity. On this particular dive, the visibility ranged between 5-8 meters, so we were able to get a great perspective on the underwater landscape around us. One of the great things about The World Islands is that the surrounding walls protect the interior from any large waves– this means that, apart from areas where dredging is occurring, very little sand or silt gets kicked up by any water movement, clouding the water and therefore decreasing the visibility. This increases the chances of better visibility. Furthermore, due to the specific shape and positioning of each island, there is a slight current at each dive, much like miniature versions of the North Atlantic Current. Therefore, on most dives, divers can enjoy gentle drift dives, taking in everything around them and only having to kick a lit-



tle – it makes the entire experience all the more relaxing. Stopping off the coast of Western India, the descent began and we headed down the coast toward Sri Lanka. This new underwater landscape that we were exploring was certainly a different experience, because as we swam along we were witness to an artificial underwater topography like no other. The subsurface environment here was full of man made hills, mounds and slopes – which on the surface turned into islands. Just like icebergs that are ten times the size below the surface than they are above – there are other perspectives to islands. Large boulders and rock formations line some of the underwater sand dunes, some of which are covered with all sorts of algae and plant life. When approaching these rocks for a closer look, you can find small fish that have made homes within these rocks and sometimes even schools of fish making their way across

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the top. Angelfish, grouper, hammour, snapper, clown fish, stingrays, barracudas, sergeant, major fish and batfish frequent these waters. Star-like sea urchins are scattered across some of the sand patches, acting as polka dots to the large white expanses and if you’re incredibly lucky, you might even spot a turtle who ventured into the island chain for a closer look. After exploring this brand new landscape, we began our ascent and as we did we began to contemplate the ground that we had covered. In reality it was only a few hundred meters, but in The World Islands universe, we had covered thousands and thousands of kilometres of ocean – travelling down the Indian Ocean India and almost reaching Australia. It’s this that makes this dive so incredibly unique. Al Boom Diving is the only operator of these dives and they run them every Friday with a 2-dive package. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique adventure that encompasses a day out on the ocean, exploring an international icon and some unique scuba diving, then diving The World Islands should be next on your list. After all, how many single dive sites can you leave having received the ability to say the absolutely genuinely true statement ‘I have dived all over the world’, after completing just two dives? There aren’t many. But there is one, and it’s right in our backyard – so next time you’re feeling adventurous and longing for an expedition – you know where to go.

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OUR EXPERTS

Top 10 tips to get you started cycling in the Middle East Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt Photos by: Supplied

Women

n Wheels

So you want to be a cyclist? Well, now is the perfect time to get started! Winter has arrived and the Middle Eastern temperatures allow us to rideat any time of the day. Chances are you will start your cycling journey with a bit of trial and error, but if you follow these simple guidelines, you will have yourself out pedalling safely and comfortably in no time.

1. Equipment– Renting or Buying?

It can be overwhelming buying your first road bike without knowing much about the difference between bike brands, frame materials and even how the components vary in weight, performance and durability. If you are not entirely sure yet if cycling is for you, then perhaps renting is the best option; it leaves you free from commitment. Most bike shops offer carbon road bikes for rental by the hour, half or full day. In Dubai, the Seih Al Salam TREK store by Al Qudra Cycle Track offers a variety of rental bikes while in Abu Dhabi Fun Ride Sports offers rental bikes at the Al Wathba cycle track. When you do choose to buy a road bike, decide what kind of riding you want to do (for example, longer rides, racing or climbing mountains) and then buy the highest quality suitable bike within your budget. It will pay off in comfort and performance. Do your research on bike shops and read reviews online.

2. Get Comfortable – Bike fit and Clothing

Bike fit is important, otherwise the chances are that you will experience discomfort and

mostly likely you won’t be going very fast either. To ensure you get started with a good experience, you need at least to be comfortable. The bike/rental stores will help you with the bike fit. Most importantly the saddle height needs to be correct in order for you to avoid unnecessary knee and back pain, but also for you to be able to control the bike better, be able to start and stop with confidence and produce more power output with every pedal stroke. Wearing cycling specific clothing with also improve your experience and sooner or later you will invest in lycra; but until then, try wearing tight shorts or leggings (avoid loose clothing as they may get stuck in the wheels), and wear a top with pockets if possible, for your phone, car key and your snack.

3. Master the Basics

First things first, make sure you know how to break and stop comfortably. Then make sure you know how to change the gears; this is vital for you to enjoy riding. Keep practising the gear changing, especially as the terrain profile and wind direction changes. Being in the wrong gear can slow you down significantly and also take too much energy

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



9. Your motivation for taking up cycling

from you. When you ride, always stay far right on the road or track to allow other riders or traffic to pass you safely from both in front and behind. When you get more comfortable riding and you start riding with other people, you will learn the basic cycling etiquettes to keep yourself and other riders safe.

Every cyclist has their own reason for taking up cycling; some love the feeling of freedom, the inner peace and time out from life’s responsibilities, and some love the exercise or making new friends, while others feel improvements in wellbeing, fitness and weight loss. Alternatively, you may belong to those who join the competitive community, taking on a more structured training programme and participating regularly in the many events and challenges on offer during the season. You might only discover this as your cycling journey progresses, but make sure you ride in line with your motivation or goals for maximum enjoyment and success.

4. Fuel and Hydrate

In the Middle East especially we need to ensure we plan for our fuel and hydration as we have longer distances between fuel stations, which are water tanks on our tracks and petrol stations on the road. As a general rule, if you are riding up to 60 mins, water only will be sufficient. Sip from the water bottle at regular intervals - don’t wait until you get thirsty. If you plan a longer ride, you will need fuel to keep your body performing to its best ability. Try using electrolytes in your water for better hydration and replacement of lost fluids and keep your energy levels up by regularly snacking on natural high carbohydrate foods such as dates, bananas and oat bars. This will help you with your endurance and ability to keep turning those pedals. Keep a bit of cash on you as well for any emergency fuel needs.

5. Staying out of trouble

Before every ride, do a quick check on your breaks and the air pressure in the tires; and if you have taken your wheels off while transporting your bike, check the quick releases and make sure they are tight. If your chain starts to talk back to you, it’s time for lubrication. Can you fix a puncture? It might not be the first thing you learn when you start cycling, but it will pay off to be self-sufficient, especially if you are out riding alone. At some point you will get a flat tire. Ensure that you at least carry a repair kit, spare tube and a small pump with you and if you cannot help yourself. Most other cyclists are happy to help if they see you standing on the road side with problems. Learn how to fix a puncture by watching tutorials online or visit one of the free clinics run by the local bike shops.

6. Building fitness

When you get the cycling buzz it’s easy to get too excited and do too much too soon, especially as you see other more experienced cyclists clicking in 100km rides on a regular basis. As a beginner cyclist start with what you can master comfortably and then build up the mileage week by week, building fitness and leg strength progressively. Ride several times per week to continue to

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10. Sign up for a challenge

see progress, but also bear in mind that recovery is key. Remember, you will have both good and bad days and you will also ride in different wind conditions which will have an effect on your speed and energy output. Ensure you enjoy and thrive on the good days and don’t get discouraged by the bad days. If you struggle, let it go and come back another day.

7. Safe cycling facilities

In the UAE we are extremely privileged to have dedicated cycling tracks available for our safety, enjoyment and exercise. They are open for all and free to use by anyone from the beginner and families to the elite cyclist training for competitions. The cycling community is growing and you will never find yourself alone on the tracks. In Dubai, check out District One Cycling and Running track and Al Qudra Cycle Track, while the Dubai Autodrome is open for cyclists on Wednesday evenings. In Abu Dhabi, try the Al Wathba Cycle Track or TrainYAS at YAS Marina Circuit, which is open to cyclists and runners on Sunday and Tuesday evenings, while Wednesday evenings are reserved for women only. Bike rentals are also available.

8. Partner up or join a group

Some days you will feel it’s easier to skip your cycling session than it is to pack up your gear, drive to the track and saddle up on your own. Partnering up with a friend or someone with a similar fitness level holds you accountable as well as adding social enjoyment. The cycling community is friendly and inviting and you will be welcomed into beginners’ cycling groups riding on a weekly basis. Try Cycle Safe Dubai where you will learn the etiquettes of group riding or Velo Vixens fora women only community. Look for a no-drop group ride to ensure the other riders won’t leave you stranded.

Having a goal with a specific time line makes you more likely to stay consistent with your cycling routine. Whether you choose one of the many local events or you find a Sportive abroad or perhaps combine a holiday with cycling, chances are you will be more motivated to improve on the fitness and skills needed for your chosen event. Try committing with friends and you can also enjoy the preparation phase together. Whatever you choose, you are likely to gain a wealth of experience and enjoyment. Check out premieronline.com for local events. Welcome to the world of cycling and good luck!

Check list for your ride

• Helmet - Always ride with a helmet! • Cycling shoes - if you pedal with cleats • Water bottle • Air pump and spare tube /or repair kit • Natural carbohydrate snack- if you ride more than one hour • Phone and emergency number • A bit of cash – in case of a fuelling emergency • Sun glasses – to protect from sun, sand and dust • Cycling jersey and shorts – for improved comfort • Chamois cream–Apply on your skin in the saddle area to avoid friction between skin and clothing and prevent saddle sores • Gloves – to avoid hands slipping on the handle bar and to protect from a fall • Bike computer and heart rate monitor – only when you are ready to start tracking the progress of your riding

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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OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos by: Marina Bruce

Offroading enthusiasts in the largest Emirate of the UAE are really spoilt for choice when it comes to sand dune driving; some of the most beautiful and challenging desert terrain in the world can be found here. Below, I’ve listed a few of the best areas to visit. You should only offroad if you have a 4x4 in very good condition and I always recommend a minimum of three cars for any trip over sand dunes; see “Reducing the risk” in last month’s edition. The co-ordinates for offroading areas are given for the centre of each area. If you want to drive somewhere in particular you will need to study google earth to find tracks in, or alternatively join an offroading club such as Oasis Offroad who regularly drive all over the Emirate.

Abu Dhabi

• Al Khatim – 24.23808 54.97309 Extremely popular with the Abu Dhabi (AD) offroading community and tour groups, this area is typified by white sand and small and medium dunes with some extremely technical sections. • Al Khazna – 24.23783 55.18927 and 24.34481 55.20983 Generally a bit quieter than Al Khatim, you can choose to travel east towards AD or West to the Sweihan area. Head westwards parallel with the walled area and you will

On the edge of the Liwa Crescent

come across some massive pale coloured dunes with some challenging climbs along the way. Part of the area is fenced off to protect wildlife but you may still be able to see some gazelle running up the dunes in the unrestricted area.

Al Ain

• Sweihan – 24.89307 55.53975 Probably the most popular area for offroading in Al Ain, you will still find it much quieter than Big Red and Fossil Rock in Dubai. Check out the massive “Sand Mountain,” known locally as Nagrah, as well as the famous “Old Lady Dune”. The dune lines run from west to east and are interspersed with sabkah. • Al Jabeeb–24.66290 55.74657 A relatively small area with lovely red dunes and a backdrop of Omani mountains, this quiet area is great for easy offroading.

Liwa

• Himeem North - 23.58540 54.55475 A gatch will take you in to this area from Camels in the mist - bedouin style camping

the AD-Himeem Road. Go through this gate and follow the track until you find somewhere to your liking. • Himeem South –23.09456 54.43700 Much of this area is fenced off with locked gates but there are some areas where access is allowed. You will find all types of driving in this area from sandtracks to undulating dunes as well as some high climbs and 40 metre slipfaces in the south. • Liwa Crescent –24.98764 53.70719 This is where the real Empty Quarter starts and some of the most spectacular dunescapes can be found here. Huge dune massifs rise up from wide expanses of sabkah (salt flat); the driving can be tricky and is not for the novice. There are oil and gas operations to the East of the Moreeb Hill and you should keep well clear of these. The UAE/ KSA border fence runs along the south of this area and you should keep off the military road immediately adjacent to it; in fact, you should keep as far away from the fence as you can, ideally 2kms or so. • The Magreb –23.35808 52.71292 The most remote area in the UAE offers some great driving over mixed terrain. It’s easiest to tackle this area on a North-South route and two can be found in Mike Nott’s book “Adventure Offroad Routes: UAE and Oman” which is available from the OutdoorUAE online store. • Madinat Zayed(MZ) –23.32628 53.48847 Typified by rolling dunes and steep slipfaces, a popular route crosses this patch of

desert starting at 18kms south of MZ and proceeding westwards to the Arada-Ghayathi road. There are very few restrictions in the area and a multitude of beautiful places to camp overnight when you really will be “away from it all”.

Camping Spots

A 4x4 is required in all cases below and I recommend a minimum of two cars, with a recovery strap plus a tyre gauge and a means of deflating the tyres. A compressor is useful to have too. Many of these places are accessible by crossover SUVs – but if in doubt walk the track before committing your car. It is possible to camp almost anywhere that is not cultivated or fenced off but do keep away from local properties and remember it is never a good idea to camp downwind from a camel farm. Please be respectful when camping and take all your garbage home.

Al Ain

• Camel Gatch* -24.26311 55.67075 Take the gatch track north from the “Camel Roundabout” – note there is a gatch which runs parallel to the “private road” which you should use. Keep going for around 14kms until you are far away from the streetlights of Al Ain. There are gaps in the fence to allow access to farms and the like and the two best ones for camping

Try to get to your campsite in time to enjoy the sunset

are at –24.36133 55.62550 and 24.38218 55.62161. • Sweihan Gatch Enter the desert at Gate 15 –24.36057 55.40037 then drive along the gatch, carefully cross the pylon gatch, then head along a sandtrack to reach a sabkha at 24.39222 55.50669

Liwa

• Himeem –23.17688 54.33527 Agatch track leads you through an unmanned gate into beautiful dunes and sabkah. You don’t need to go far to find some nice secluded places to pitch your tent – in places there is a berm to the east of the track and you should go over this at crossing points, which are marked. • Liwa Crescent –23.01996 53.74770 Turn off the main road here then follow the gatch and sand track for about

3km, past some farms and onto a beautiful deserted sabkah. The only time this area is likely to be busy and noisy is during the Liwa Festival in December. • Magreb –24.26438 53.14801 This gatch track leads you to a comms mast, a disused farm and some very easy dunes beyond. Don’t worry about camping near the road – on a busy night you will be lucky to hear three cars an hour! • MZ North East -23.50383 53.74114 Drive through the disused fodder farm to the gap in the trees at the other side and continue up the gatch. After around 8km there are many spots to choose from and this area is great for winter camping when you are visiting the Al Dhafra Camel Festival, from the 13th-29th of this month. • MZ North West–23.13424 53.29099 Afaint gatch track will take you to a date plantation but beautiful campspots abound from just 1km in from the road. Before pitching your tent in the shelter of one of the deep bowls here, make sure you are 100% confident you can get back out.

Sila

• Beach Camp- 24.28080 51.62672 You do not need any special offroad skills to reach this amazing spot – the last camping possibility before you reach Saudi! So what are you waiting for – the weather is now perfect for spending lots of time outdoors – dust off that tent and set your gps for a desert adventure!

What is a gatch? Beautiful dunes near Himeem

A gatch is the Arabic word for a type of limestone which is used in making hard gravel tracks throughout the desert.

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Words by: Nicky Holland Photos by: Jung Francisco

Sometimes it’s nice to get away from all the hustle and bustle of a big city. A good way to do this is to go camping. You still need a relative level of fitness to do this as it involves walking, carrying, bending and lifting. In this article, I will explain a series of exercises which you can do to make camping easier for you and to help improve you general health and fitness. All of the exercises are functional so they will help you in day to day life. Core Bag carry (on treadmill or on the ground)

The core bag is a weighted bag with a soft outer surface. Pick up the bag on your shoulder and hold it on one side by wrapping your arm over the top of the bag. Imagine you are carrying your tent so try to keep your balance by walking straight. You can perform this exercise on the treadmill which can also include an incline. Adding a gradient will elevate your heart rate which will challenge your fitness and cardio respiratory system. Try to complete 5-10 minutes of this, changing the bag from right shoulder carry to left shoulder carry, every 30 seconds.

GRIPR slams

Hanging Leg raises

A simple but really effective exercise that will target your abdominals and core strength along with your upper body strength. Reach up to a bar and hold on with an overhand grip. Let your body hang then try to lift both legs up together so they are in a straight line and parallel to the floor. Then, with control, lower them back down to the start position. This will load the abs and the upper body too. Try to complete 5-10 leg raises with control and do this for three sets.

Rope cardio

Walking Lunges (with dumbbell in each hand)

This exercise is great for strengthening the legs. With a weighted dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand, lunge forward with your right leg then step and lunge forward with your left leg. Focus on keeping your back straight as you do this so your posture is up right. Then balance and make sure your heels are on the floor and your knees adapt the 90:90 rule. Front leg at 90 degrees and back leg at 90 degrees as you lunge. Aim to do 10 steps each side for three sets. This will help you when you carry all that heavy equipment from the car to the camp site.

This is a hidden cardio exercise which really works your arms, shoulders, heart and lungs. Hold both ends of the rope in each hand. Throw one arm up and then the other arm, alternating sides. The faster you go, the more you will increase your heart rate which will burn more calories. Aim to do this for 20 seconds non-stop and build up to 30 seconds. Take a short break and repeat this for three sets.

After a frustrating day, you can take out your aggression on the boxing pads or by using a GRIPR. This piece of equipment is a round bag containing iron filings. With both hands, reach it above your head and slam it down as hard as you can to the side. Bend over, pick it up and do the same the other side. It works the upper body and lower body combined as you perform this move. Everyday we bend over to tie our laces or to pick something up off the floor. This exercise promotes that, which will strengthen our spine and the muscles around it. Try to complete 10 slams each side, rest then do three sets. All the exercises above are different. They are fun and will challenge your fitness in a different way. They will improve your basic strength which will help you in day to day life. So grab your tent, find a nice location and get away from the big city. Have a great camping experience!

Nicky Holland Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif

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



DECEMBER 2016 - 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, [email protected]

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,

[email protected] 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

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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, [email protected] Clubs Abu Dhabi Tri Club, www.abudhabitriclub.com Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome www.cyclechallenge.ae Dubai Roadsters, +971 43394453, www.dubairoadsters.com

CHARCOAL CHEESECAKE

OUTDOORUAE

DECEMBER 2016 - 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, [email protected] 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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 [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected] 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], www.aljiyad.com Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055, [email protected] 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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,

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DECEMBER 2016 - 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], 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, [email protected], www.abudhabistriders.com Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971 504188978, [email protected] 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

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



DECEMBER 2016 - 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, [email protected] 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, [email protected] Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 13530, Doha, Qatar, +974 4344499, [email protected] 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, [email protected] 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