#79 April 2017

riders roaring and rallying over 350km

Nicaragua, the unknown paradise of billfish

Jebel Hafeet

Ultra in Nepal a hikerunning into another world camel spiders, scorpions and a lizard that turns blue

Wings for Life World Run 2017

a race where the finish line comes to you

The Big Stinker an Epic 45km Ultra

Sand dune areas in Oman Plenty of

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DUBAI INT. BAJA ROARS TO LIFE

Vol. 7, No. 4 April 2017

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OutdoorUAE Team

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and General Manager [email protected]

It’s in the blood! When you get to do a certain activity like driving, riding a motorcycle or just riding a

bicycle during your childhood, no matter what happens and regardless of how long it takes, it is a skill that you can never unlearn. Just like education, it can never be taken away from you. Whenever I go out and meet people from the outdoor community, I always get the same questions like–‘are you into climbing?’,‘are you good at surfing?’or ‘do you ride a motorcycle?’. I would always say yes. And yes, I have tried a lot of outdoor activities like this but it doesn’t necessarily mean that I am a pro. There are a lot of things that we can explore outdoors, whichever field it may be. Especially here in the UAE, there is a season for everything. We are in a desert place where you can find areas for climbing, hiking, camping, sandboarding, water rafting, surfing and fishing. There’s even a place where you can go skiing! We encourage everyone to go out and experience the outdoors. Maximize what this beautiful country has to offer: from natural desert dunes to rocky mountains to the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf and the serene wadis in the north. Soon, we are releasing our How-to videos to encourage everyone to try activities they have never done before. The videos will serve as the beginner’s guide to different activities that will help you do things in the right and safest way. You don’t have to be a pro to experience exciting activities, remember every professional out there was once a newbie!

Dan Wright Staff Writer and Outdoor Guide

Margo Ciruelos Sales and Marketing Manager [email protected]

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

Katherine Cañedo Patangui Administration [email protected]

Ian Sebeldia Circulation

Margo Ciruelos EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Editor For editorial content and press releases Tel. 04 446 8473 Mobile: 055 5760322 [email protected]

Distributor Al Nisr Distribution LLC P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE 800 4585 | 04-4067170

Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) Tel: 04 446 8473

Printed at GN Printing P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE

Mobile: 055 9398915 [email protected]

© 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 7, No. 4, April 2017

Published by Outdoor UAE FZE P.O. Box 215062 Dubai, U.A.E. Tel. 04 446 8473 [email protected] www.outdooruae.com Cover photo by: Supplied by ADDC

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© 2015 Outdoor UAE FZE Reg. at Creative City Fujairah P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.

Helle Bachofen Von Echt Elite Women Cyclist

Marina Bruce The Desert Diva and Off-road Expert

David O’Hara Ultra Runner and Extreme Endurance Junkie

Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE

Nico de Corato Dubai Blogger and Athlete

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.

Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Kit Belen Our Fishing Pro

Bandana Jain Outdoor and Lifestyle Contributor

Baxter Jackson Climbing Expert

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CONTENTS

10 ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE

14 THE BIG STINKER

32 NICARAGUA: THE UNKNOWN PARADISE OF BILLFISH

EVERY ISSUE 06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 39 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 09 UAE CYCLING TEAM RIDER ’ SACHA MODOLO FINISHES 10TH AT THE ’SPRINTER’S CLASSIC’ 10 ABU DHABI DESERT CHALLENGE 12 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BAJA 4

OUTDOORUAE

14 THE BIG STINKER 16 RUNNING ULTRA MARATHONS AND FAFFING ABOUT: UTX50 18 2ND EDITION OF THE ANNUAL DXB PADDLING 20 FIRENZE URBAN TRAIL 2017 22 TARA ATKINSON 25 WINNERS 2017 DARK SKIES CHALLENGE 26 7TH PINK CARAVAN 28 WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN 2017 30 WARRIORS OF W.A.R13 31 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

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



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42 ADVENTURES IN COMFORT OR A JOURNEY OF SUFFERING - THE NORTH FACE

46 EASTER ON THE OCEAN: LIVE-ABOARDS - JAKE

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE 32 NICARAGUA: THE UNKNOWN PARADISE OF BILLFISH

50 SAND DUNE AREAS IN OMAN – MARINA

OUR EXPERTS

36 OFFROADER’S CORNER: AMMAR ZHEIMAN 38 HABITUALLY HEALTHY

46 EASTER ON THE OCEAN: LIVE-ABOARDS - JAKE 50 SAND DUNE AREAS IN OMAN – MARINA 52 KIT 55 JEBEL HAFEET: A HIKE INTO ANOTHER WORLD – BAXTER 59 AL ADAID DESSERT CHALLENGE IN QATAR - HELLE 62 FUNCTIONAL FITNESS – FITNESS FIRST

TRIED & TESTED

PEOPLE

42 ADVENTURES IN COMFORT OR A JOURNEY OF SUFFERING - THE NORTH FACE

58 ALANNA TURPIN

LIFESTYLE

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EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

APRIL 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

21

A P R I L

Al Ain Raceway 9 Hour Endurance Race

Fancy trying something a little different during your weekend? Well why not grab a few friends, or bring a group of your work colleagues for a fun day out at Al Ain Raceway’s 9 Hour Kart Endurance! This event is all about team work and strategy so, even if it’s not your turn in the kart, you and your team need to plan for fuel stops & driver changes while avoiding penalties & keeping an eye out on the all-important lap times! When: 21st April Where: Al Ain Raceway Contact: www.premieronline.com

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Dubai Desert Road Run 10km & 3km

First held in February 2012, the Dubai Desert Road Run is held several times a year, appealing to all elements of the running community - from first time social runners, to some of the best UAE based athletes.

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When: 7th April Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com

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Ride Ajman 2017

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) Ride Ajman is back and takes place on the 7 April 2017 in Ajman. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of ATDD & Department of Lands and Properties, the first-class cycling event has expanded to a 104km route with full road closures starting on the Ajman corniche and making its way across the Emirate.

12

#IGNITEDXB Night Run Series, Race 3

For the first time ever in the UAE, a series of 3 night time races over the iconic illuminated Meydan Royal Bridge, will offer social and experienced runners unbelievable night time sky line views with a challenging “up-and-down-hill” course. When: 12th April Where: The Track, Golf Clubhouse, Meydan, Dubai Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

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The 5-Race Giant Bicycles Duathlon Series, rescheduled from 3 Feb 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: 14th April Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com

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Oceanic Triathlon Series 3 of 3

Back by popular demand, the Oceanic Triathlon series offers a beautiful and undulating course whilst being cost friendly. We will be offering two race distances: The Short Course (800m swim, 30 km bike and 7 km run) as well as a Super Sprint course (375m swim, 12 km bike and 2.5 km run). When: 14th April Where: Oceanic Hotel Khorfakkan, Sharjah, UAE Contact: www.premieronline.com

When: 7th April Where: Ajman Corniche, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi St. Contact: www.hopasports.com APRIL

Giant Duathlon Series 2016/2017 - Race 5

APRIL

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MyWellness Festival Event Card

MyWellness Festival is a wide scope family event aiming to increase the awareness and attachment of all family members to wellness in an entertaining way with a full range of activities to meet different wellness and fitness levels including all pillars of wellness; physical activities, spiritual, healthy nutrition, anti-stress, awareness seminars, ladies only section, kids section, community service and disability inclusion section etc. When: 14th April Where: Kite Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai Contact: www.fusiongroupglobal.com

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A P R I L

COEGA/Go Sport Mina Mile Swim Series: 2

Barasti Beach is the place to be for some challenging fun in the sea and sun for this seasons COEGA / GO SPORT Mina Mile Swim Series. 200, 400, 800m & The Mile (1.6km) followed by a team relay. Enter once and swim in as many races as you want. When: 15th April Where: Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, Dubai Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

APRIL

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FBMA Ladies Run 2017

Abu Dhabi’s LADIES ONLY night run under the lights of Yas Marina Circuit. Runners will run on the floodlight closed F1 Circuit on a 2.5km looped course either competing in the 2.5Km or 5Km run.

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When: 19th April Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

APRIL

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Super Street Challenge Round 4

It has come down to this! Final round of Yas Super Street Challenge is just around the corner. Yas Super Street Challenge brings you drag racing in its raw form with over 50 cars competing, 5 categories of racing and cash prizes for the taking. From the streets to the strip, watch cars going head to head in a test of skill and speed. Come see what street racing is all about.

21

Al Ain Cycle Race

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council Al Ain Cycle Race will offer 2 race distances Short (42K being 3x10K loops then riding to the top of Jebel Hafeet) and Long (67K being 5 x 10K loops then riding to the top of Jebel Hafeet). When: 21st April Where: Start Location: Out Side of Wadi Adventure Contact: www.premieronline.com

If you are looking for a team-bonding exercise that ignites team spirit, creates infectious excitement and promotes healthy competition, this challenge guarantees excitement wrapped around a format which relies on team work! When: 22nd April Where: Dubai Contact: www.premieronline.com

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When: 20th – 21st April Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.abudhabievents.ae

APRIL

Rush-A-Way Corporate Challenge

Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon - Race 3

A Kids Only and schools focused Aquathlon with: Super Sprint - for the elite athlete who has experienced this event (or similar) at competitive level / Junior Competitive / Junior Splash and Dash - the next step up from the Tiny Tri (confidence with swimming in deeper waters is required) / Tiny Tri - Walk, paddle or swim through knee deep waters on the shore line and 100m run. Tiny Tri & Splash & Dash earn participation points for schools. When: 29th April Where: Al Bateen Beach, Abu Dhabi Contact: www.premieronline.com

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TYR Aquathlon Swim Series 2016-17

Join us for an action-packed SWIM and RUN race that starts in the calm waters off the pristine beach of the 5 Star Fairmont The Palm hotel, followed by a run on the palm tree shaded tartan track. No better venue in Dubai for a race like the TYR / GO SPORT AQUATHLON Series!!! Great for first timers, from novices to advanced athletes, all ages and abilities. When: 29th April Where: Fairmont, The Palm Hotel, Dubai, UAE Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

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

To submit your entries, simply email us at [email protected] with the subject “Best Shots.”

Jerry Damian

One foggy morning

Dave Kennewell

Camping at desert

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Anne Elizabeth Cecillon

Dubai sunset at Burj Al Arab

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EVENT REPORT

UAE Cycling Team Rider ’ Sacha Modolo Finishes 10th at the ’Sprinter’s Classic’

Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team) takes first place ahead of UAE Team Emirates’rider Modolo UCI World Tour team UAE Team Emirates’, finished in the top 10 at the Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday 26 March, which was won by Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing Team). After finishing 26th earlier in the week at E3 Harelbeke, Modolo reflected on his performance at Gent-Wevelgem: “I was aware my legs felt good this week however because of the flat tyre in the Dwars Door Vlaanderen, I couldn’t get into the top group of riders in the E3 Harelbeke and I couldn’t make the most of them. At the Gent-Wevelgem everything went well, I was patient and I succeeded in conserving my energy. I was very happy when I realised that I could sprint for a top position. The Top 10 in a Classic is a good achievement and gives me an extra boost for the next few races starting with the Three Days of De Panne.” Teammate Filippo Ganna was forced to quit Gent-Wevelgem after a crash at 60km. Fortunately, he didn’t sustain any injuries and is recovering well. Both Gent-Wevelgem and E3 Harelbeke have many of the same iconic cobblestoned climbs as the Tour of Flanders with both races being used by riders as preparation for next Sunday’s race. UAE Team Emirates is racing at the Three Days of De Panne on Tuesday 28 March until Thursday 30 March and The Tour of Flanders on Sunday 2 April. ■

Race Results for E3 Harelbeke Saturday, 25 March 1

Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team

4:48:17

2

Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Quick-Step Floors

3

Oliver Naesen (Bel) AG2R La Mondiale

4

Luke Durbridge (Aus) Orica-Scott

0:00:40

5

Lukas Pöstlberger (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe

0:00:41

26

Sacha Modolo (Ita) UAE Team Emirates

0:02:12

Race Results for Gent-Wevelgem, Sunday, 26 March 1

Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing Team

2

Jens Keukeleire (Bel) Orica-Scott

3

Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-Hansgrohe

4

Niki Terpstra (Ned) Quick-Step Floors

5

John Degenkolb (Ger) Trek-Segafredo

10

Sacha Modolo (Ita) Team UAE Emirates

5:39:05 0:00:06

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Abu Dhabi C HALL ENG E

returns for 27th edition Words by: Stuart Murray Photos by: Edoardo Bauer and Cristiano Barni

Long before the glitz and glamour of Yas Marina Circuit brought the Formula One circus to Abu Dhabi, the Desert Challenge was building its own motorsport pedigree in the UAE’s larges temirate. Founded in 1991 by ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the UAE Desert Challenge, the event relocated entirely to Abu Dhabi in 2009, basing itself in the intimidating dunes of the Rub’ al Khali, or ‘Empty Quarter’. Over the years, the majority of the world’s best rally drivers and riders have taken on the challenge, including Ari Vatanen, Colin McRae, Miki Biasion, Juha Kankkunen, Cyril Despres and Heinz Kinigardner. Frenchman Jean-Louis Schlesser holds the record for outright wins in the car category with six victories, while Spaniard Marc Coma has an All female crew of Jutta Kleinschmidt and Tina Thoner digging out their buggy

The fans were provided with exciting racing at the Spectator Stage

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Another rough desert landing!

amazing eight victories on a bike, all aboard KTM machinery. Stéphane Peterhansel, known as ‘Mr. Dakar’ for his record breaking exploits on that event, is the only man to have won the event on both four and two wheels, following up his solitary motorcycle win in 1996 with a further five victories in a car. In 2017, the event will be staged for the 27th time, and will see competitors race for five days and over 2000km from Sunday 2 April through to Thursday 6 April. The event begins at the comfortable surround-

ings of Yas Marina Circuit where various administration and technical checks will take place, before the event kicks off with a Special Spectator Stage at the Al Forsan International Sports Club in Abu Dhabi, where competitors will race against each other in a short course to entertain the fans, and decide their starting order for the first official stage the following morning. Once started, the event moves to the purpose built bivouac at Qasr Al Sarab resort, where the teams will be based for four days as they tackle the stages.

A rough landing in the dunes for this crew

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Sam Sunderland sending out an impressive ‘Rooster Tail’ from his bike

Chilean rider Ignacio Casale tackles the route

2016 event winner Toby Price of Australia

Pablo Quintanilla flying

Hot of the heals of a career high win at this year’s Dakar Rally, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Sam Sunderland will be keen to win his ‘home event’, having finished twice at the last two editions. His biggest challengers are likely to be his KTM teammates Antoine Meo from France, Austrian Mathias Walkner, the Monster Energy Honda Team of Kevin Benavides and 2014 ADDC winner Paulo ‘Speedy’ Goncalves. 2016 FIM Cross Country Rally World Champion Paulo Quintanilla from Chile and his French teammate,Pela Renet, will lead the charge for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.

Search and rescue helicopters are key to the safe delivery of the event

As well as Sunderland, the UAE riding community will be well represented with Emirati rider Mohammed Al Balooshi determined to achieve a podium placing after fourth place last year, and the Vendetta Racing trio of Dubai-based Britons Alan Boyter, David McBride and David Mabbs keen for a good showing. The quad class on the event, which has struggled with low numbers in recent years, has bounced back for 2017 with a staggering 16 vehicles on the entry list. The experienced pair of Pole Rafal Sonik, last year’s winner, and Camelia Liparoti, the only female rider in the race, will have to withstand the young Kuwaiti rider Fahad Al Musallam, who is full of confidence following his maiden international victory in the Dubai International Baja. In the cars event, the third round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies following the smaller bajas in Russia and Dubai, two time winner Nasser Al Attiyah will hope for a clean sweep in the UAE, following his own victory in the Dubai International Baja. Among those aiming to stop him will be the UAE’s Sh. Khalid Al Qassimi, Mohammed Abu Issa from Qatar, 2014 and 2015 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge winner, Vladimir Vasilyev from Russia, and Emirati privateer,Yahya Al Helei, the only man to have competed in each of the 27 editions of the event. World Rally Championship driver, Martin Prokop, will this year make his debut on the event, while American Bryce Menzies, one of the stars of the North American desert racing scene, returns for the second time. Whatever the result may be at the gala

The mass start of bikes on the second stage

prize-giving at Yas Marina Circuit on the evening of Thursday 6 April, event organiser, Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his team at the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) will be happy as long as everyone who sets out to conquer ‘The Challenge’ makes it home safely to tell the story. ■

Female riders Laia Sanz from Spain and Yevgeniya Nesterova from Kazakhstan

2016 winners Nasser Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel

Dubai

INTERNATIONAL

roars to life

Emirati veteran rider Mohammed Al Shamsi aboard his Honda quad

Words by: Stuart Murray Photos by: Edoardo Bauer and Cristiano Barni

A new page in the history book of UAE motorsport was written in March 2017 when the inaugural edition of the Dubai International Baja was staged in the desert, south of the Bab Al Shams Resort. Following a successful candidate event in late 2016, the event was held as the second round of the 2017 FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and 2017 FIM Baja’s World Cup, attracting some of the world’s leading off-road drivers and riders for two days and over 350km of rallying in challenging dunes. Leading the motorcycle entry list was recent 2017 Dakar Rally winner and DubaiResident, Sam Sunderland, riding a modified KTM SXF 450. His main rivals on the event included Emirati hero Mohammed Al Quad Class winner Fahad Al Musallam from Kuwait

The ‘Sweep Team’ ready to assist any broken or stranded competitors

Close action as competitors chas each other in the desert of Dubai

KTM rider Sam Sunderland was forced to retire early on with mechanical problems

Balooshi, two-time FIM Baja’s World Cup winner, Alessandro Ruoso, and veteran Briton David McBride, who won December’s candidate event. On the car entry list, it was a veritable who’s who of Middle East and Cross Country Rally royalty. The list was headed by the Polish crew of Aron Domzala and navigator Szymon Gospodarczyk, as a result of his victory in the opening round of the FIA World Cup at the Northern Forrest Baja in Russia’s remote Siberian region. Following Domzala on the entry list in an identical Toyota Hilux was multiple FIA World Cup winner, Nasser Al Attiyah, from Qatar and his French codriver Mathieu Baumel. Other high profile names included the UAE’s Sheikh Khalid The UAE’s Sh. Khalid Al Qassimi in his Peugeot 2008 DKR

Al Qassimi in a Peugeot 2008 DKR run by his own Abu Dhabi Racing crew and Qatari driver Mohammed Abu Issa, more famous for his exploits on a quad bike prior to making the switch to cars in a MINI All4 Racing. Alongside Al Qassimi, the UAE was well represented with veteran Yahya Al Helei in a Nissan Patrol, his son Mansour Al Helei in a T2 Class Toyota Landcruiser, and Ahmed Al Maqoodi, winner of the car category of the 2016 candidate event, in a T3 Class Polaris RZR. The rally, based from the Bab Al Shams Arena, kicked off on the morning of Friday 10 March, and there was shock news from just 17km into the first stage, as the favourite in the motorcycles, Sam Sunderland, was forced to retire with mechanical problems after losing the front sprocket from his bike. This left the field wide open, and it The Overdrive Racing Team from Belgium preparing their fleet of Toyota Hiluxs

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Car winners Nasser Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel

2016 Candidate event winner Ahmed Al Maqoodi flagged off at the start by Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Motorcycle winner, Husqvarna rider Mark Ackerman

was Frenchman Benjamin Melot who drew first blood, winning both of Friday’s stages to take a slender lead into the second and final day. Unfortunately for Melot, this then meant he had the challenging task of ‘opening the road’ for the remaining riders, with the responsibility of being the first to navigate Saturday’s stage inevitably costing him crucial time. South African Mark Ackerman, racing for the Dubai based SRG Motorsports Husqvarna Team and a previous Outdoor UAE contributor, was the fortunate man starting in second place behind Melot and he happily capitalised to win the final stage and secure the overall win from Melot by just a 29 second margin, with Al Balooshi back in third. Kuwait rider Fahad Al Musallam took top spot in the Quad Class. Ackerman was understandably delighted with the win, his first at the international level: Nasser Al Attiyah on his way to victory

“It’s definitely the biggest win of my career and I guess all the hard work, and having fun, has really paid off!” he said. In the car competition, there was no real surprise as Nasser Al Attiyah and Mathieu Baumel powered their Overdrive Racing Toyota Hilux to three stage wins and a dominant victory. Second place, and first in the classification for all GCC Crews, was Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and his fellow Emirati and co-driver Khalid Al Kendi, with Mohammed Abu Issa and Xavier Panseri in third for their first podium in an international event. In the supporting classes in the FIA World Cup, young Emirati Mansour Al Helei and Northern Irish co-driver Chris Patterson were first in the Production based T2 class, while Dubai-based Vadim Prytuliak, competing solo in his Polaris RZR, was first of the T3 buggies. The Dubai International Baja was organized by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), who will have no time to rest before repeating the task on the upcoming Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. ■ Dubai International Baja, Moto Results

Rider

Overall Position

Camelia Liparoti, third place Quad and first female rider

Al Balooshi, McBride and Sundarelan (L-R) line up before the start

Bike

Total Time

1

#5 Mark Ackerman (RSA)

Husqvarna FX 450

04:15:50

2

#9 Benjamin Melot (FRA)

KTM EXC 500

04:16:19

3

#3 Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE)

KTM SXF 450

04:23:19

4

#7 Alessandro Ruoso (ITA)

KTM SXF 450

04:31:03

5

#8 Mohammed Jaffar (KUW)

KTM 450 RR

04:35:52

Dubai International Baja, Auto Results

Class

Total Time

1

Al Attiyah (QAT) / Baumel (FRA)

Toyota Hilux

T1

03:55:46

2

Al Qassimi (ARE) / Al Kendi (ARE)

Peugeot 2008 DKR

T1

04:10:43

3

Abu Issa (QAT) / Panseri (FRA)

MINI All 4 Racing

T1

04:18:53

4

Chabot (FRA) / Pillot (FRA)

Toyota Hilux

T1

04:26:57

5

Zaplatel (CZE) / Sykora (SVK)

Hummer H3 Evo

T1

04:29:09

7

Prytuliak (UKR)

Polaris RZR

T3

04:49:06

10

M. Al Helei (ARE) / Patterson (GBR)

Toyota Landcruiser

T2

05:12:01

Overall Position

Mark Powell and Quin Evans in the Saluki Motorsport buggy

Driver / Co-Driver

Car

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EVENT REPORT

Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

The UAE Ultra Marathon season consists of Wadi Bih 72km, Hajar 100, UTX50 and the Big Stinker 45km, with road marathons in Doha, Dubai, Riyadh and Bahrain over the past eleven weeks. I’m thrilled to have experienced each event and finished with dignity every time. The last event is the Big Stinker, with its three loops each with 500 metres of climbing a mountain. I know the Big Stinker is tough, because the time cutoff is seven hours, and last year I suffered miserably and managed to finish in 6:59:35 – with only twenty-five seconds to spare! The Big Stinker

The Big Stinker is a 45km ultra that takes place two weeks after UTX50 in Khatt. The degree of difficulty is much higher than UTX50 with three steep climbs and descents. To make things interesting, a torrential downpour fifteen minutes before the start

causes a minor delay, and the resulting flash flood creates a water-crossing obstacle after the first kilometre. The climb up and descent down the mountain is now as slick as a black diamond ski slope, but with mud and rocks. The rain and wind are a mere inconvenience, just adding to the thrill of the event.

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One loop – 12km, two loops – 24km, or three loops – 45km



Finishing with dignity

The Big Stinker is unique because runners for three distances start simultaneously, so novice trail runners are interspersed with the ultra runners. The trained eye distinguishes quickly between the newbies and experienced ultra runners. Newbies usually have heavy backpacks flopping around and like to blast up hilly sections, which makes them lose their breath and suffer. The ultra runners also suffer, but usually with a smile – they know it’s not supposed to be easy!

Scott, Alex and I are the only runners participating in both UTX50 and the Big Stinker. We share our strategy: go easy on the first loop, enjoy the second loop and survive the third loop. The plan works, except Scott decides to crush it and we lose Scott down the first loop. Alex and I cross paths only near the turnaround on each loop as he runs ahead of me. I run the second and third loop with Jalal – my buddy from Hajar 100, and together we finish with dignity under the seven-hour cutoff.

It’s not supposed to be easy!

What’s next?

Running the Big Stinker in hard rain and wind is an epic challenge. In addition to the knee-high river crossing, on every loop you must run through five deep puddles that are at least ten meters long and deeper than your ankles. You think you are prepared with hill training and endurance runs, but who could predict the flash flood and crossing the rapids? Climbing a steep hill is tough, but what about when you are sliding with every step up and basically skiing down the steep parts – how do you train for that? The honest answer is you don’t – ultra running requires the mental toughness to adapt to the conditions and expect the unexpected.

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Over the past six months, I have run six ultramarathons, six marathons, one half Ironman and an obstacle run – what’s next? Training! After suffering through last year’s

ultras, I spent most of last summer training – running Wadi Showka and Devil’s Plunge almost every weekend, as well as time at the gym. The next month is recovery with just Paris Marathon planned, and then it’s time to start doing the hard work of training with Coach Lee’s Desert Trail Runners. Because the summer ultra events in UAE are somewhat limited, this is the time to select your main fall ultra and put together the training schedule now. Remember, you must train hard to play hard. ■

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EVENT REPORT

Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

The UTX50 is a welcome reprieve after the hurricane at Wadi Bih and the spectacular Hajar 100. While Wadi Bih and Hajar are considered the more competitive ultras, UTX50 is more of a fun run. After all, how tough can it be to run 50km over sand dunes and mountain trails? UTX50 Three weeks after the Hajar 100 (followed by Riyadh and Bahrain marathons on consecutive Fridays) the UTX50 takes place – a 50km trail ultramarathon in Ras al

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Khaimah with sand dunes and mountains. My running buddy Alex and I show up at midnight, toss our sleeping bags on the desert sand and sleep until the 04:00 call to check in with Urban Ultra. Sleeping under the stars without a tent is invigorating, and the sense of adventure begins before sunrise. We run up and over sand dunes – fun for me, not so much for Alex. We settle into a comfortable pace together, running through villages up and over some hills.

Introduction to trail running

The UTX50 is essentially an introduction to trail ultras – not too demanding, albeit with a little bouldering after 30km. Running trail ultras is not comparable to road running. It’s not about the distance – trail running is about expecting the unexpected and selfsufficiency. These trails are reasonably well marked with pink dots. You follow the pink dots and whenever you look up and don’t see one, you are lost and turn around. We run with Scott through the sand – we’ve run with him at most events since last summer. When you come across a fellow runner, you

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say hey and make sure that each of you are okay. Since runners are quickly dispersed over the course – some runners finish in five hours and some finish in nine hours –when you see another runner, you tend to stick together.

Running buddies

Alex and I have run thousands of kilometres together over the last four years. We share similar running abilities (except he’s better) and workout regimens, but more importantly we share the same passion of running for pleasure. At the checkpoints, Alex tends to his gear and nutrition while I tend to faff about – a phrase I learned while faffing about at the Hajar 100 Checkpoint 5 –chatting with the Urban Ultra crew, sharing my favourite nutrition secrets (pickles) and enjoying the moment.

The easiest 50km in UAE



At 15km mark at UTX50, we come across Sandro, a relatively new Desert Trail Runner, and he decides to stick with us over the next five hours. The trails take us through wadis and villages, along goat trails and even paved roads. The canyon after 32km is an interesting twist, where you experience climbing through boulders on your spent legs that do not bend. I think the highlight occurs at 44km, when you begin to understand that the Finish must be close and you turn a corner only to see the next kilometre goes straight up a hill. Sandro stays next to Alex and me, and the three of us finish UTX50 with dignity.

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Ultra running is a hobby, not exercise!

After running UTX50, I reflect on why I run. A nonrunner friend of mine recently accused me of exercising too much, just because I run a lot. He seems to confuse my ultra running habit with exercise. There are many reasons to run an ultramarathon: fitness, exercise, adventure, or maybe a desire to test your limits. Most nonrunners do not comprehend that running ultramarathons is simply a fun hobby. If you think ultra running is boring, join a running group like Coach Lee’s Desert Trail Runners and you’ll quickly understand the thrill. I’m not saying that running hours and hours is easy, but it is fun – especially the camaraderie when you faff about among fellow ultra runners. ■

EVENT REPORT

On March 4 2017, SeaYou Dubai organised the 2nd edition of the Annual DXB Paddling event, the biggest paddle event in Middle East in partnership with the Dubai International Boat Show. The event consisted of a 15km open paddle race around the Palm Jumeirah. The race invited only experienced paddlers from the Middle East, which boasts some of the region’s most talented paddlers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi SUP (stand up paddle), Dubai Surfski and Kayak Club, Dubai Outrigger Canoe Club and for the first time ever, the local Dragon Boat Team from the Dubai Paddle Club gathered, with around 95 participates in total. The 15km race comprised a long distance

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and relay race, which took off right by the beach at DIMC and continued inside the Palm Jumeirah and all the way around back at DIMC for the finish line. Race conditions were near perfect and contestants were treated to a real glimpse of some of the amazing properties and landmarks around the Palm. At exactly 2pm the stand-up paddlers and dragon boat team departed, and were followed just five minutes after by the kayaks and outriggers, and finally the surfskis. The first team to comeback in were Tina

Tinggaard Nielsen and her crew in the OC 6 (Outrigger) who clocked a time of 1hr 15 minutes to take first place in the outrigger race. In 2nd place, with a time of 1hr 24 minutes,was Krisztina Gonda and Leon Vercueil in their OC 2. The first and only dragon boat team to take part saw the Dubai Paddle Club, captained by Christine Todd cross the finishing line with a time of 1hr 22 minutes. In the Men’s Surfski 15km race, Tiago Oliveira came in 1st place with an impressive

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time of 1hr 8 minutes and 38 seconds with Gary Luke just 2 seconds slower in 1hr 8 minutes and 40 seconds to take 2nd place. Just behind in 3rd place came in John McGloughlin with a time of 1hr 11 minutes. In the Women’s 15km Surfski race,South African Liefie Schulze was crowned winner with a time of 1hr 26 minutes. The open kayak race saw Geronimo Gacutno, Jojo Oliver and Elisa Li Pira respectively take up the podium spots. In the Men’s 15km SUP race, Starboard rider Nic Muhl came in 1st place with a solid time of 1hr 39 minutes. He was closely followed by Sjaak Van Tunen in 2nd with a time of 1hr 43 minutes and Arnaud Billet in 3rd place with a time of 1hr 44 minutes. In the Women’s 15km SUP race, NSP rider Christine Zanon was crowned the fastest female with a time of 2hr 11 minutes. Christel Rossignol took 2nd place with 2hr 21 minutes and Linda Luu taking up 3rd spot with a time of 2hr 33 minutes. The open SUP relay race saw American



pair Rick Hayes and Ricardo Gonzalez take 1st place with a time of 2hr 18 minutes. In 2nd place came in Danish pair Dotre and Lars with a time of 2hr 19 minutes who were then joined by Jalal and Mohib from Morocco with a time of 2hr 20 minutes to take the final podium spot. The ‘Battle of the brands’ Starboard SUP dominated with a total of 168 points

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followed by Naish (58) and NSP (38). As soon as the races were over, participants were invited to a complimentary snack at the beach which was followed by live music and a prize giving ceremony. A big thank you to DIMC, Dubai International Boat Show, Nakheel and the Dubai Sports Council for making the event a possibility. Also a special mention to our prize sponsors COYA Dubai, Sofitel Palm Jumeirah, Palmers Middle East, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Constantine Nautics for their generosity. To find out the full ranking and event photos, visit facebook.com/groups/ dxbpaddling/or simply send an email to [email protected] to find out more about next year’s event. ■

EVENT REPORT

Firenze Urban Trail 2017 Nearly 2000 athletes took part in running amongst the monuments and Florence hills event. The Cortina Trail itself was my last competitive race in June last year. From that moment, after the necessary recovery, I restarted training but with no precise target. Therefore, the Firenze Urban Trail represented the ideal challenge considering mainly that the 58km distance would have been the second longest run I have ever covered after 100km run in December 2015. The trail is not my touchstone and I have no means to properly train in the city where I live (this has been my second trail competition). Though there wasn’t much time left to prepare, I accepted! DubaiBlog became the Media Partner of the event. The competition was inaugurated on Saturday evening, together with the 13km night race, by the Councilor for Sports of Florence, Andrea Vannucci. The inauguration took place on the stage set up under the Basilica of Santa Croce. I took my place in the first, ready to start the race, I even had the chance to exchange some jokes.

Words by: Nico de Corato Photos by: Nico de Corato and Photo Studio SAB

Pouring rain, mud everywhere, countless climbing, great effort exerted but also determination to pursue, nice people, breath-taking views: these simple words reflect my participation in the Firenze Urban Trail 2017. The day started with a message from Cristina [Cristina Murgia,representative of the Organising Committee for this race and also for the Cortina trail where we had the opportunity to get to know each other] simply saying: Will you show up in Florence?

Intrigued by these words, I asked for more information which sparked my interest in the Hills and villages around Florence

Winner’s arrival of FUT 2017 Ultra Challenge

There are three races in the program: 13km by night on Saturday, 30km and 45km on Sunday morning. There was also a challenge (13km by night and 30km by day) and an Ultra challenge (13km by night plus 45km by day). Of course, I opted for the longest distance. The event was fully booked and the night race started with 1,000 runners. The race started from Santa Croce square under pouring rain. We ran along the city centre streets and passed through the Boboli garden and proceeded towards San Miniato and Michelangelo Qquare. We ran up and down the narrow alleys and roads of Florence. I let the runners in front outdo me in order to save energy and to give space to an emotional run. Running at night helps this, we were 1,000 but quite often I had the feeling that I was the only one on the road. My training in the weeks before the run was “mindful” with the coach Andrea Colombo from Mente Corpo and was an important part of this participation. At night I even managed to keep the headlight (one of the compulsory items of equipment to be carried) switched off nearly all the time in order to be to let myself carried away by the glistening trails

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in the night. The Second Edition of Florence Urban Walking was performed on part of the 13km by night route. It is a 10km track with more than 200 walkers. In addition to the various intrinsic difficulties, I have to say that I had never participated in a combined competition, with two sessions (the second of which was longer than a classical marathon). This aspect was exactly one of those that I managed best. In the evening I didn’t push hard, I managed to pace myself in order not to stress my legs and save my energy for the following day. My diet before and during the race was adequate to the challenge, and some hours of rest were planned for the necessary recovery. At 8.30am I was at the Santa Croce square, ready for the second part of the run. I ran through Settignano, Fiesole, Monte Ceceri and Maiano to come back to the city centre along the banks of the Arno river in a real technical trail, with a height gain of 1,200 metres for the

Nico just after the finish line



45km run (about 600 metres for the 30km run). Nearby were wonderful views and breath-taking panoramas, but also lots of uphill routes which I was not ready for. The uncertain weather (the rain which poured at times, starting from the evening before) and the wet, slippery, muddy ground made my endeavour even more challenging, but in no way to diminished my enthusiasm. I often asked myself, “Is it true that this is an urban race?” This event has increasingly become more appealing to many non-Italians and has witnessed the participation of several foreign runners coming from the U.S.A., Belgium and Greece…., and there is me, the Italian coming from Dubai. Another interesting aspect of the Firenze Urban Trail is the money raised for charity by Oxfam, which participated in the race with a team of political

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asylum seekers who have been welcomed in Florence and Tuscany to participate in the Run as One project together with other refugees. It is a unique experience to be able to organise a real trail in a city like Florence and to run in squares and among world-famous monuments, while enjoying the priceless view of the city and its hills. ■

#NeverStopTraining #DubaiBlog

Nico

Blogger, marathon runner and triathlete, divemaster and heli rescue swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels. You can check my website www.dubaiblognetwork.com, contact me on social networks or via email at [email protected] for information about this article or just to say hello.

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Contact Improvisation?

We interview Tara Atkinson about this type of yoga and her program

Tara Atkinson; therapeutic yoga/ movement teacher and co-founder of authenticmotion.org; an online platform for somatic movement dialogue talks to us about Contact improvisation, what it is and what it means to her. What is Contact Improvisation?

It’s hard to sum up what Contact Improvisation truly is without experiencing it, but here goes: “Contact improvisation (CI) is a dance technique in which points of physical contact provide the starting point for exploration through movement improvisation. It is a dance/sport/art form involving an open-ended exploration of movement by listening with our bodies through a moving point of contact.”

That was the official explanation, but if I could describe it to you I would say it is absolute freedom to move with another person without any predispositions or structural rules. Normally any partner work is formal, we have a role and there are certain things we should and shouldn’t do in order to create beautiful alignment or shapes (or even safety, like climbing relationships for instance). When most partner work is taught normally the language is also structured around achieving an “aesthetic”. In contact improvisation however, we have only ‘guidelines’ for the skills and ‘propositions’ for exercises, with an aim to also use language which relates to feelings in the body. There really aren’t any rules in the jam sessions “just improvisation”. Observing how we act in society or move with others it’s easy to see how it is all just a formal or functional process. (It blows me away to think how little improvisation there is in the world!). Focusing on just the aesthetic we really move with our minds rather than our bodies creating disconnection. This practise is extremely special; it not only allows us to express ourselves through movement and connect with others, but on a deeper level brings us back to the “soma”; the balance between the body and mind connection and feel instead of think. 22

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

Why Contact?

I am a mover, always have been. I have a lot of energy and if I don’t move, climb, surf, slack line, bike I go crazy. I was always interested in the idea of Contact improvisation but never really went in search of it. I feel like contact improvisation found me. I did a lot of Acroyoga and come from a performing arts background, and would normally get my adrenaline fix through very active or high pressure activities like mountain biking



or climbing but never felt fulfilled until I over did it! Other than slacklining or yoga which I find very meditative, contact improvisation gave me a truly somatic practise and encompassed my mind and body and allowed me to connect with others in one go without putting too much strain on my being. It’s not just about ‘doing a movement with a partner’ or the aesthetic which is what I found a lot in Acroyoga, but rather finding the smallest dance within yourself and feeling how this can connect and create grounding with another person all without judgement or too much thinking, “just being”. There is so much creative potential in moving with another person that it becomes more of an art form than anything else. From the moving on the floor by myself to flying on some one’s shoulders I really find a sense of freedom in the practise. I have always been interested in partner movement but this

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practise truly brings me back into my body, back into the present moment, so much so it’s blissful.

Where can we find out more?

We run a weekly class at the Urban Tribe Studio in Al Quoz 3. To find out more check out Contact Improvisation Dubai on Facebook or follow the link here: www.facebook.com/groups/contactimprovdubai/ We are also running a 3-day retreat in Umm Al-Quwain at the end of April (27-30th) with daily workshop passes available over the weekend. More info can be found below: Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1787616004890894/ Website: www.authenticmotion.org

EVENT REPORT

DR3 team work

DR3 best stuck

Winners 2017 Dark Skies Challenge Words + Photos by: Marina Bruce

Following on from last month’s report on the 2017 Dark Skies Challenge and Dark Skies Extreme events, here are the results. Dark Skies Challenge (14 teams participated, 12 finished)

1st Place

Desert Raiders 3 led by Tossey 142.9km

2nd Place

Knightriders 2 led by Bjorn

144.3km

3rd Place

Desert Raiders 2 led by Yehya

146.4km

Dark Skies Extreme (5 teams participated, 4 finished)

1st Place

Jeepers Discovery 2 led by Robert

203.4km

2nd Place

Dubai Offroaders led by Ahmad

205.7km

Well done to all our teams and thank you once again to our sponsors: Jeepers Automotive, TREDpro, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Ibex Adventures and last, but by no means least, Daniel and his team at OutdoorUAE magazine. Desert Raiders 3 made a clean sweep of the photo competitions with Knightriders 1 and 2 and Desert Raiders 1 also gaining very high votes on our Facebook competition. ■

ride completes touring through five emirates • Ajman’s royalty and several Sharjah HHEO officials took to the streets with PCR • In its seventh year, PCR is making breast cancer awareness go places • Sharjah’s PCR Equine Route touched most of the emirate’s important cultural historical landmarks Reem Bin Karam: “It is important for us to get the momentum going, to keep riding and spreading our message of hope.” Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi: “Breast cancer awareness is a national responsibility. Participate and be part of it.” Yesterday turned out to be an emotionally charged and symbolically significant day for Pink Caravan Ride, as it spent most of the day touring through its home-ground, Sharjah, where the seeds for this pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative were sown seven years ago by Sharjah’s wise leadership. As the briefing for Day 6 of the campaign’s Equine route was being given at the Kempinski Hotel in Ajman, three advocates of breast cancer awareness from Ajman’s Al Nuaimi royal family – Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Omar bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi and Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi– were saddling up to get on their horsebacks and join the day’s ride. Awardwinning UAE show jumper and prominent rider at Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation (SWSF), Nadia Abdul Aziz Taryam, took the lead. “It was an honour to be part of the Pink Caravan Ride today. I rode through Ajman and Sharjah with the other riders of the group and it was a great experience interacting with the public as we went along. I thank His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah; and his wife Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Founder and Royal Patron of the ‘Friends of Cancer Patients’ (FoCP), International Ambassador of the World Cancer 26

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Declaration for Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), for their wise leadership and unfailing support to a noble cause,” said Sheikh Omar bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi. The pink brigade made its way to Sharjah’s Supreme Council of Family Affairs (SCFA), passing the Pink Caravan fixed clinic at Ajman Corniche, waving to pedestrians and passersby, giving them PCR flags and continuing their journey of awareness. At SCFA, PCR received a grand welcome from several prominent HHEO officials. Of these, Sheikha Hind bint Majed Al Qasimi, Acting Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC); HE Noura Al Noman, Chairperson of the Executive Office of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi; and Erum Mazher Alvie, Senior Advisor in the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi took to the streets and marched on with the pink brigade. “I thank everyone for being here today. The Pink Caravan has shown a great leap from the previous years with regards to the number of people coming in and getting screened to people cheering for us from the sidewalks, to the number of applications we received from those who wanted to volunteer for the campaign,” said Reem

Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi

Binkaram, Chairperson of the Pink Caravan’s Higher Organising Committee. “This seventh year is a significant milestone for the campaign, reflected in its theme ‘7 Years for 7 Emirates’. Our equine route this year has tried to showcase important UAE landmarks as a symbolic show of the union of the seven emirates and its history of charitable giving. Today, we are at SCFA Her Highness Executive Office – the place where the Pink Caravan was born. By being here we want to express our gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi and Her Highness Jawaher Al Qasimi for supporting the Pink Caravan since inception,” she added. “It is a hot day today, but the turnout is amazing. It just goes to show the UAE’s passion and determination in spreading awareness and doing good for the community. I wish everyone all the best,” Bin Karam concluded. Braving the heat, HE Bin Karam; Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, PCR’s Head of Awareness and Medical Committee walked alongside the horseback riders all the way from Heart of Sharjah, crossing Souq Al Jubail and other landmarks in the emirate to reach Al Majaz Waterfront where the day’s ride ended. Soon after, the riders, volunteers and dignitaries walked up the Waterfront’s pier where they got into a big pink boat provided by the Sharjah International Marine Club

Participation of Sheikha Hind bint Majed Al Qasimi, HE Noura Al Noman, Erum Mazher Alvie, and Reem Bin Karamin the pink caravan ride

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and took breast cancer awareness from land to sea. On the boat several prominent dignitaries including HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Chairman of Sharjah Media City Free Zone Authority; and Tariq Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau joined the PCR team. They were surrounded by beautiful pink jetties, which led the way and created an awe-inspiring visual spectacle for the Waterfront’s visitors. Then came ‘Pink Strides’, the 7 kilometre breast cancer awareness walkathon around the Al Majaz Waterfront, which saw participation of the general public alongside prominent figures such as HE Nada Askar Al Naqbi, Director of the Sports Department at Sharjah Ladies Club; Mariam Al Shurafa, Pink Caravan Ambassador; and several representatives from SWSF. “Today I was with the PCR advocates and toured over 21km by horseback through Ajman and Sharjah. I am happy I could be part of a significant health initiative and will continue to contribute to the Pink Caravan’s cause in every capacity. Breast cancer awareness is a national responsibility. Participate and be part of it,” said Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi as the day’s campaigning for PCR came to an end at Al Majaz Waterfront. The Sharjah chapter of PCR was sponsored by Sharjah Media Corporation, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Sharjah Environment Company LLC (Bee’ah).



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Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Omar bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi

It was Day 7 for the Pink Caravan Ride’s Medical Route, which ended with 662 screenings, including 191 locals and 471 expats who underwent 239 mammograms, 357 regular screenings and 66 ultrasounds. Of the total number of visits, 432 walked into the daily clinics, and 230 were at fixed clinics operating in the seven emirates. Monday’s gender tally stood at 562 females vis-à-vis 100 males. Themed ‘Seven Years for Seven Emirates’,

Participation of Sheikh Ali bin Jamal Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Omar bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi and Sheikh Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi in the pink caravan ride

the 10-day ride is travelling across the seven emirates from 7 to 17 March, offering free breast cancer screenings and raising awareness about the disease by emphasising on the significance of early detection. The horse riders will set off on today’s journey (Wednesday) at 09:30 from City Walk Dubai, and travel 16.5km to reach Salt Restaurant at Kite Beach, where they will end the day’s ride. Mobile medical clinics will operate across the seven emirates during the 10-day ride. Today, it will offer free breast cancer screenings and other medical check-ups for women at the mobile medical clinic set up at DEWA HQ from 07:30 to 14:00, and Sharjah’s Zayed Military Hospital from 07:00 to 14:00. A number of awareness activities and fundraising events will be held across the seven emirates through the duration of the ride. To stay updated and participate in these activities, visitpinkcaravan.ae/events-listing.php To enhance people’s participation and charitable acts in the ‘UAE Year of Giving 2017’, donations for the Pink Caravan, as low as AED 5 can be made by sending an SMS to 2302 (Etisalat or du). Direct fund transfers can be made to Pink Caravan’s Sharjah Islamic Bank account. The global online social platform ‘Just Giving’, or PC’s official website, Facebook account - The Pink Caravan, or their mobile app – Pink Caravan, can also be used for making donations. ■

EVENT REPORT

Wings for Life World Run 2017 The groundbreaking global charity run, Wings for Life World Run, continues on May 7, 2017, with official start locations for the fourth consecutive event spanning six continents, plus thousands of runners using the Wings for Life World Run App worldwide. They all hit the streets simultaneously, raising money to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Everyone can take part as the moving finish line, aka the Catcher Cars, gives chase and records fall. The Wings for Life World Run is the only race where everyone who starts is guaranteed to reach the finish. Why? Because the runner doesn’t come to the Finish Line – the Finish Line comes to the runner!

The unique Wings for Life World Run returns to the global stage to battle spinal cord injury on May 7 2017. The groundbreaking global charity run will have official start locations for the fourth consecutive event spanning six continents, plus thousands of runners using the Wings for Life World Run App worldwide. They all hit the streets simultaneously, raising money to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Everyone can take part as the moving finish line, aka the Catcher Cars, gives chase and records fall. The Wings for Life World Run was launched in 2014 in order to raise funds for the Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation, and more than 300,000 people have participated so far. The international event is a milestone of the sportive calendar for runners at every level, from beginners to dedicated runners and competitors in a regular, everyday wheelchair. Registration for the 2017 race is open on wingsforlifeworldrun.com The launch of the first Wings for Life

World Run in 2014 pioneered the concept of a “moving Finish Line” of Catcher Cars. Think that keeping ahead of a moving vehicle sounds impossible? Think again. The 2016 Men’s Global Champion, Giorgio Calcaterra, achieved 88.44 kilometres, keeping ahead of the Catcher Car in Milan for five and a half hours before his race was done. Even participants who had never raced a day in their lives managed a minimum of 30 minutes on the course – running, jogging, walking or rolling a wheelchair. Here’s how it works: The half-hour head start: All over the world, runners begin the race simultaneously, whether it’s day or night in their location. Thirty minutes later, a Catcher Car sets out on the same course, pursuing the runners at a precisely determined (and very slow) pace. The moment that a runner is “caught” – that is, passed – by the Catcher Car, he or she has finished the race. The Catcher Car pursuit continues until only one man and one woman are left running worldwide: the Global Champions. So just how fast does a Catcher Car go? The pace starts out at 15km/h and increases at strictly regulated intervals, according to a rigid global schedule: 11.00 UTC – RACE START 11.30 UTC – CATCHER CAR START – PACE of 15km/h (approx. 9.3mph) 12.30 UTC – PACE INCREASES TO: 16km/h (9.94mph) 13.30 UTC – PACE INCREASES TO: 17km/h (10.56mph) 14.30 UTC – PACE INCREASES TO: 20km/h (12.43mph) 16.30 UTC – PACE INCREASES TO: 35km/h (approx. 21.75mph), which remains steady until the final participant is passed

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Adding to the fun and excitement, the Catcher Cars are driven by celebrities, from popular television personalities to stars of the sporting world. Each driver has a trained expert along as a wingman to help navigate the course and adhere precisely to the acceleration schedule. The finish is just the beginning - what happens to the participants once the Catcher Car passes them? They’re transported back to the start area to begin celebrating their success and the difference they’ve made for spinal cord injury research. And that’s the point. Whether you outlast the Catcher Car for a half hour or many hours, for one kilometre or dozens, your participation is helping spinal cord researchers move in the right direction, to one day make spinal cord injury curable. It’s a race result everyone can be proud of. It’s time to sign up for the 2017 edition of the Wings for Life World Run on wingsforlifeworldrun.com. No matter where you live, you can register for any location of your choice! ■

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EVENT REPORT

The winners list:

Winners Men 5KM Podium

showcase their best at Wadi Adventure

1st place

Samba Chicora

2nd Place

Mohamed Abdulsalam

Over 800 local and international participants competed in the 13th edition of the iconic Wadi Adventure Race Series (WAR13), which took place at the Middle East’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding destination, Wadi Adventure-Al Ain on Saturday March 18, 2017!

3rd Place

Ahmed Jber

Arriving at the crack of dawn, participants started registering and receiving their Electronic Timing Chips from Super Sports and W.A.R. 13 T-Shirt supported by Tamouh Investments Group from the Wadi Adventure Registration Desk before making their way to an energetic warm–up session that prepped them before heading over to the Red Bull Arch starting point. The nail biting build-up; WAR13 was split into three gruelling race courses (5km, 10km and 15km) providing challengers the opportunity to test their physical limits and conquering along the way a series of over 35 indeterminate obstacles like climbing ropes, hauling heavy-duty sand bags, crawling under barbed wires and plunging

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into ice-filled water before reaching the finishing line. The 15km was again extended to a full loop course and especially incorporated with a bunch of new obstacles proved to be the highlight of the day, adding more zest to the popular racing event. “Wadi Adventure Race (WAR) 13 proved to be a thrilling spectacle as it mastered testing the inner fortitude and determination of its participants in a fun and friendly environment. Extreme obstacle racing is one of the newest fitness trends and undoubtedly W.A.R.13 has indeed set the bar for other competitors,” stated Chief Project Officer for Tamouh Investments Group and General Manager-Wadi Adventure, Mr. Saif Al Bloushi. Eighteen podium winners from the Men’s and Women’s categories were awarded with medals, trophies and Goodie Bags with prices. The racing event also hosted a few sponsors that entertained the guests throughout the event, like NMC Specialty Hospital Al Ain, Techno GYM, Fitness Edge, Gold’s Gym,Nazih Beauty and Red Bull leading to a buffet and awarding ceremony. With WAR13 coming to a successful end, Wadi Adventure Race series has undoubtedly become one the top most challenging obstacle races in the UAE. WAR13 Sponsors include: Tamouh Investments Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Police, Al Ain Municipality, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Al Ain Water, Coca Cola, Red Bull, Techno GYM, Fitness Edge, Gold’s Gym,NMC Specialty Hospital Al Ain, Hilton Hotel, Aloft Hotels Al Ain, Danat Al Ain Resort, Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet, Quebec Travel and Tours, Super Sports, Nazih Beauty, Adventure HQ, Oasis Living and Ana Fit. ■

10KM Podium 1st place

Steven Coates

2nd Place

Jamel Khcharem

3rd Place

Clement Vigier

15KM Podium 1st place

Michal Martikan

2nd Place

Toby Dovey

3rd Place

Cedric Ferlat

Winners Women 5KM Podium 1st place

Rhea Elysia Beazeley

2nd Place

Cassandra Gottschalk

3rd Place

Helen Soens

10KM Podium 1st place

Ivana Kolaric

2nd Place

Hannah Hall

3rd Place

Helen Cooper

15KM Podium 1st place

Bianca Pesler

2nd Place

Donya Hancock

3rd Place

Angeline Siervo

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Hatta Curves Location: Hatta Pools Uae Photographer: Mohammed Ahmed Ahli Instagram: mohdaahli Shutter: 1/8sec. Exposure: f/6.3 (ISO 100) Lens: 10mm on crop frame

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The Unknown Paradise of Billfish Words + Photos by: Antonio Varcasia

This article is the story of a personal discovery, one of those things that you do not expect because it is a place that already have framed and you’re sure to know very well, and get that great day when you get splashed with something that you’d never imagined, as in the sea... My story with Nicaragua began about thirteen years ago, time in which the largest region of Central America became my second home, where I have worked, lived and toured some of the most important roads of my life. In the fishery research field I can say having fish on all coasts and environments that characterize this country (the two oceans, vast lakes, volcanic lakes, navigable rivers) where I could catch almost all major game fish of these waters. One of the limits of this paradise was the possibility of fish billfish thanks to dedicated and consistently well determined jobs. I still remember years ago when sailing boats looking Sailfish and mythological stories as Marlin was captured by fearless fish-

ermen who dared to go “off-shore”. These two words are pronounced with a deep tone and sense of respect by fishermen, meaning in a few words to reach the drop-off, the continental fall, which in Nicaragua is possible between 40 and 50 miles. It is well understood in a tropical country, where the ocean is quite the opposite of peaceful and where the possibility of being rescued at that distance is something that puts a brake on the desire of the most persistent fisherman.

No billfish, no party

To enter the Olympus of the world of sport fishing. In the elite of countries that every year are contending through a rich and prestigious circuit and the tournament scepter of the country with fishing and most desirable fish of the world cannot miss the rostrate. Looking at the charts this is like a contradiction, because for Panama side and Costa Rica do the lion’s share, although with a coastline far more limited compared to the Nicaraguan, and secondly Guatemala can boast fishing the best sailfish in the world. Also El Salvador is growing and now Jiquilisco Bahia del Sol is a constant target for enthusiast’s bill fishing. How is it possible

that Nicaragua, in the middle of this spot, with commercial fishing beyond 20 miles practically nonexistent, not equally count on these fish stocks? This same question was asked by some enthusiasts of the big game from this country, particularly Carlos Pellas, Nicaraguan magnate with Italian origins, who more than two decades ago, was one of the few to ride the pristine waters beyond 50 miles. It first began putting in good hands, the captains with the C, as Joe Crawford, who had crossed the waters of half the world in search of the billfishes, and began to see results. Then he began organizing a tournament in the only Marina of Nicaragua, Marina Puesta del Sol, and then contacting local enthusiasts and nearby regions. In the lapse of 15 years, the tournament between friends became an international event and this year, as evidence that the charts (and anecdotes of mates and captains) are not lies, attended the most representative team of the whole region (from USA to Venezuela and Colombia). In this event we wanted to dedicate a separate box, but it is included here because it is yet another proof that if Nicaragua is fished as well as in neighbouring countries, the results can not only be seen, but can be truly amazing.

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Where and when

The historical place where sport fishing was born and developed in Nicaragua is San Juan del Sur, a placid bay where there are anchored cove ships and fishermen. In recent years it has also become a tourist destination for surfers. The nightlife in this town has grown and this has attracted many Americans and Europeans, some of whom decided to move over there and for a sea change. San Juan and surrounding areas have the disadvantage of being exposed to the winds of the south eastern quadrants, which are dominant in this area and in the period from December to March blowing strongly, makes life difficult for fishermen and also the fish. Fishing for billfish here focuses on the area around 50 miles, but in fact entered the 12 miles is already possible to find conditions very good for sailfish fishing, as well as structures and rocks that can draw the attention of arlin and Dorados. The rocky shores of San Juan are a perfect spot for Rooster fish, Jacks and Cubera, so many charters offer a mix between inshore and offshore. Among the most reliable in this area, Mukul mentioned in Guacalito Island (www.mukulresort.com), an exclusive resort offering a charter service in-offshore in a Pursuit 33 ‘, Spirit of Mukul, handled generally by Capt. Leandro Chamorro Jr. ([email protected]), an expert local captain. Among the cheaper alternatives are Rob Plath’s Colorlinecharters at Playa Gigante north of San Juan del Sur (gigantebay.com), which offers excellent service charters – large boats and catamarans are available. Northern Nicaragua is diverse because the shape of the coastline protects it: the wind



is less strong and the sea is quieter. Here the reference point is the Marina Puesta del Sol, unlike San Juan del Sur agrees to anchor safely and can be able to have the fuel, water and light at the dock. It is the starting point, an ideal stop and a lovely place to stay, created more than a decade ago by two Mexicans, Roberto and Maria Laura Membreño (www.marinapuestadelsol. com). The fishing season here runs from May to September, usually goes to sea with the wind at his back, then during the period of time of the day usually comes the prevailing wind so during the day the captains have this small advantage of having the wind. The fishing area extends between 43 and 57 miles, with a drop-off that has all the characteristics of a bank, by the presence of peaks, outputs and tongues of rock that extend to the north and west and are true mountains and landmarks for grazing fish and predators before the fall. It is an almost inaccessible place for local professional fishermen (I have never seen a commercial boat or logline, something that is very common elsewhere) and is also a great place from the environmental point of view. In one of the many days I went to sail to six knots and a half, I could count in half

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an hour and in the space of about 3 miles, about 18 longbill whales, the world’s second largest whale, and hundreds of dolphins which there are at least 4 species, including the most common, spinner dolphins, famous for their aerobatics, sea turtles and many species of marine birds complete the picture of the animals’ environment. “The main course are the billfish, particularly the sails and marlin, the latter here are three species (blue, black and striped), among which predominates usually the first one. Other interesting game fish are Dorado and Yellowfin, while now there are few ships that have tried to fish in the background either that natural and artificial lures, and considering the spot is legitimate to think that real dinosaurs that have hitherto lived here unmolested by fishermen.

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How

Fishing for billfish in Nicaragua is no different from that practiced in nearby regions, if feasible fishing rods normally 4-6 from 30 (Sailing) to 50 (Marlin) pounds, with natural lures. Fishing 90% Sailfish they use ballyhoo (a kind of local needle without face and many pellets balls in the head), while for Marlin ballyhoo that Spanish mackerel stripped with or without head. This is the technique more common although depending on the day or inspiration of the captain can also be used Kona lures plastic or mold craft. What characterised this fishing action is the strong call made thanks to the teaser, flippy-floppy and dredging, which are handled by the captain and mate with appropriate stabilizers and electric reels.

The story of dredging in this country is very interesting. If before anyone was using them, now no one can miss them and this is thanks to the results of one of the boats for a long time has fished steadily in Nicaragua, Tranquilo of Ken and Amanda Cofer, and that in recent years has been awarded some of the tournament’s most prestigious of Americas, as Bisbee´s in Cabo San Lucas, the most “expensive” tournament sport fishing Saltwater (first prize $ 4 Million), Bill Pino, part of the Tranquilo crew , by Jahr many believed in the dredging, creating what is now one of the leading companies in this field, Squid nation (squidnation.com), that convinced with facts many fishermen to make the use of this type fishing attractors. Lures are thrown in the water and bait. This

is not practiced elsewhere frequently – it’s preferred to throw arrangement lures to the rostrates. This to avoid the famous parboil (sancocho) it’s important to be always on guard, watching the ocean surface awaiting the fin or other signals indicating the presence of a predator on the surface. Fishing captains focus to the sails (main target) 6-7 knots trolling rods 30 pounds and leader in fluorocarbon between 60 (brave) and 80 pounds. This means that in addition to what has been said to make a good reading of fish in hunt surface, have at least two rods pitch bait with a 50lbs with leader of at least 300 pounds of spinning for Marlin. Even if the size of the latter is similar to those of other spot in Central America, so usually between 300 and 400 pounds, and therefore there are few crew who have already released Marlin also with fishing tackle for sail when the size is increased or just looking the depth the fish is essential to have a terminal and a reed with more performance practiced so often as elsewhere, preferring to throw them available rostrate lures. On this last trip I had the great fortune to be on board ships that have made history in sport fishing in recent years, and especially the great opportunity to meet his captains. Accustomed to a Latin approach in which the captain fishing following their mark, watching the water and following birds and birdhouses (who among us is the most difficult thing), see use technology along with all the rest, (NB: the technology doesn’t fish!) as probes, sonar and radar to search for the aviaries spinner dolphins or marine birds is really educational. In fact the progress coming from the satellite maps, with levels



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Flor de Caña International Tournament 2016, Marina Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua

of chlorophyll, temperature and currents predicted are awesome. But whoever believes that these advances can remove magic from fishing is wrong, in fact always decide - the fish - how and when to eat them.

How to get

Travel to Nicaragua from Europe is possible either through USA but also via Guatemala and Costa Rica. KLM and Lufthansa are noted for their service and customer support. The local currency is the Cordoba (1US = 30 cordobas), the dollar and all credit cards are generally accepted. No need for visa and no vaccines are required. It is recommended to bring sunscreen and repellent for mosquitoes, especially for the evening. For more information visit the websites of the destinations mentioned in the article and get more information about Nicaragua and tourism in general, in particular, the website of the Institute of Tourism is well maintained and updated (www.visitanicaragua.com). * Typical expression in Nicaraguan meaning “not to make long” but actually it is widely used by logorreicas people - as the underwritten - when they are about to tell a long history (story). ■

From 24 to 27 August the XV edition of the International Tournament of Flor de Caña was held in Marina Puesta del Sol, in Nicaragua. This year 25 boats participated in the tournament and were divided into two categories, Centenario (large yachts) and Gran Reserva (smaller boats), with well known crews as Tranquilo Ken and Amanda Cofer, and winners of the 2015 Bisbee’s in Los Cabos, Mexico but also Fish Tank of Chirs Jessen, No Agenda with legendary Captain Bobby Brown, Pelese with John La Grone and Nicaragua’s “Rum Runner” by Carlos Pellas under the command of Captain Joe Crawford. Fishing with these greats around 50 miles was really fantastic. After an hour and a half in line, 147 sailfish had already been released, and the tournament was concluded with 1371 sailfish released and 5 Blue Marlin. These surprising numbers constitute the record of all time for sport fishing in Nicaragua. In particular, the 14 ships of the category Centenario presented incredible statistics, with 1121 fish released in 3-day tournament, an average of 80 per boat, which means almost 27 fish a day. During the tournament 170 doubles, 83 triples, 18 quadruples, 3 quintuple (Tranquilo, Fish tank and Rum Runner) and 1 sestina (Rum Runner) showing how fishing beyond 50 miles has been really spectacularly reported. In the end the Team Tranquilo first won the tournament Flor de Caña, confirming their “state of grace” with Amanda Cofer as top

angler of the tournament with 35 sailfishes released, and the impressive amount of 127 sailfish released from the team during the 3-day tournament (over 5 sail fish released per hour of fishing). The fight for first place was uncertain until the last minute that freed 123 Fish Tank sailing and Sea Angel fish, which placed third with 113 fish released. The last two hours of the tournament were crazy and I took pictures while I counted 11 ships in combat, some with various fish hooked while they hunted fish sails in shoals of sardines on the surface. Also the category Gran Reserva presented very impressive numbers and Showtime Hugo Holmann won first place with 54 sailfishes released, up from “La Carreta” Tito Silva (42 sailfish released) and “Superbly” by Gabriel Fernandez (34 Sailfish). Nicaraguan fishermen Carlos Pellas Francisco Jr. (Spirit of Mukul) and his brother Edoardo Pellas (Rum Runner) won the prize for the largest marlin caught during the tournament, while Carlos Holmann won the top award in the category fisherman Gran Reserva. The event was monitored by observers IGFA and the last day, President Rob Kramer participated in the tournament and the closing ceremony. The numbers of fishing and the great organization of Roberto Sandino, Mauricio Solorzano and Joe Crawdord have confirmed to Nicaragua as one of the new hotspot for bill fishing in the Pacific Ocean and have made the “Flor de Caña” an event not to be missed! www.varcasia.com

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THE

OFF-ROADERS corner

Name: Ammar Zheiman Nationality: Syria Occupation: Biomedical Engineer Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler Tell us the background story of the car…

As a car enthusiast, I have always loved to drive different types of vehicles, but none of them fulfilled my love towards off-roading except one, which I believe is a lucky charm for me: my red Wrangler. I went to the dealership; test drove the car and loved every bit of it. So I decided to purchase it and got it straight away from the garage to start modifying it.

What modifications have been made, performance and cosmetic wise?

My car is unique in terms of the modifications that were done by Ramy4x4 and Jeepers, the number of things that were modified are countless. I remember that initially started with my King Shocks Stage 3 suspension with Tera Flex arms, since I knew back then that I required durable and heavy duty parts to enjoy my rides, either in the deserts or wadis. The steering stabilizer from Rough Country is a great add on to keep my car steady because I have large tires installed on them. The second part was my K&N air filter,which was a great addition towards my engine as a performance air filter. With the help of the Gibson exhaust system, the car was boosted by a couple of horsepowers and provided me with a great engine sound for the vehicle. I have installed an AEV speed booster

with a Dana 40 differential system to provide my car with great torque and performance with steep dunes. In terms of the looks, I have designed it with the red and black theme. As shown in the images, you could see the exterior and interior are fully red and black. I have added also a metallic heavy duty bumper to give it a rough look and in order to protect my vehicle from short dunes, and a Tera Flex tire carrier to keep my spare tire safe. The best part about my vehicle is the tyres and rims that are installed, a 35 inch BF Good rich KM2 Mud Terrain with and XD Series rims. As for the lighting systems, I have installed the Canon X-vision light bar to enhance my night driving trips. My entertainment audio system was also modified using Pioneer speakers with a sub woofer and amplifiers designed by Hertz.

the best features of it. In addition, I’m very proud of my entertainment system, as it is one of the best in the audio industry. Nevertheless, I think the whole setup of the car makes it a special feature.

Do you have something that you consider to be a ‘special feature’ of the car?

Are you planning any future modifications?

I believe that my lighting system is one of

What were your other options before you bought this car?

Well, I wasn’t really planning for another car because this car means a lot to me. I have been a Jeeper boy for ages and that’s why this vehicle is very special to me.

How often do you use your car, and what activities do you take part in? I usually use my car on weekends, since I am going on trips on weekly basis with the UAC4X4 club. I am very much involved with their IJK team, which is specifically created for intermediate and advanced Jeeper drivers only.

Definitely! In fact, I am thinking of adding a turbocharger for the car to boost it upto a 500 hp, which will be installed by SSS garage. I am also planning to upgrade my suspension into a stage 6 long travel King Shocks system.

What 4x4 do you dream of owning? My dream is to have a Jeep Wrangler with Hellcat engine 707 HP. I have accomplished half of my dream by owning my current Jeep, and soon I am seeking to finish the second half of my dream by adding more parts to it and make it to a one unique Jeep!

Want your 4X4 to be the next feature? Just send us an email at [email protected] with the subject “Off-Roaders Corner” and you and your car might just be the next one on this page!

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$100 Cash REWARD Share your routes with OutdoorUAE and receive a reward of USD100 if we will publish your route.

es Rout ED T WAN

Your routes will be available online for everyone to download for free on outdooruae.com/route. You will be credited as the author of the routes. All we need from you is the GPS (gpx) route file, a few photos and a short description. We are looking for hiking, off-road, MTB, trail running, MX and any other outdoor related routes. Routes should be from the UAE and border regions. Help us to get more people outdoor, active, healthy and happy be able to enjoy the beauty of this region. You can upload your route at outdooruae.com/add-route and we will get back to you within a few days if your route will be published and how to collect your reward. For more details email us at [email protected]

Tips for healthy and economic grocery shopping: Words + Photos by: Robert Jahn

Everyone knows the feeling, its 4:45pm, work is about to end, but instead of going home to relax, the dreaded trip to the super market is coming up. But fear not, its easier then you think to manage your precious time and also your budget. Here are the best tips when it comes to grocery shopping. Plan ahead: Its true, taking just 10 minutes out of your week to sit down and make a quick plan of your weekly meals will make all the difference. It lets you get the majority of purchases done in one go, and keeps you from last minute fast food ordering binges.

Check different deals:

The UAE is jam packed with supermarkets and grocery stores. Take a moment and check their websites and the little flyers we all get dropped at our buildings. Sometimes its really worth it, you can find wonderful deals on a majority of items and use that to help you plan the purchases.

Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach:

This one may seem like an old myth, but its true, if you go to your favorite store and the last meal you had is eight hours ago, you are defiantly going to spend more then if you just had a snack. Think of it this way, that feeling of watching TVcooking shows while you are hungry, but times 100.

RECIPE Paleo Marshmallows

• 115 grams Water • 14 gramsBeef gelatin (grass fed) • 115 grams Honey • 2 grams Vanilla Extract • 2 grams Sea salt • Coconut Oil • 100 grams Tapioca powder • Line a pan with parchment paper, leaving overlay on all sides to use as handles to remove the marshmallows when they’re done. • Lightly grease the parchment paper with coconut oil and sprinkle with a layer of tapioca flour. • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the gelatin with 1/2 of the water. If using a hand mixer use a large bowl for this. • While the gelatin is softening, pour the other 1/2 of the water in a saucepan along with the honey and the salt. Turn the burner on medium heat. Slowly bring the mixture to a boil. Place a candy thermometer in the saucepan and continue to boil the mixture until it reaches 115c degrees, don’t go over 116 degrees. • Note: If your pot is too big the sugar syrup will be more likely to burn as the temp will rise too quickly and the thermometer will have trouble reading correctly. If the honey mixture foams up,

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watch it closely so that it doesn’t over flow. You can use a spoon to break up the foam but try not to stir the actual syrup. • When it reaches 113-115c degrees, remove the sauce pan from the heat. • If using a stand mixer, turn it on to low/ med. Pour the honey mixture into the bowl in a slow steady stream combining it with the softened gelatin. Pouring “slow” here is very important. Turn the mixer to high and continue beating until it becomes thick like marshmallow crème (about 7-10 min). These times will vary depending on the mixer and event the size of bowl used. • Add the vanilla a few minutes before it’s done mixing. • Turn off the mixer and transfer the marshmallow crème to the prepared pan. Smooth the top. • If you are not using a coating then lightly grease your hands with oil and pat smooth. This will help keep the marshmallow cream from sticking to your fingers. • Leave the marshmallows to set for 4 hours, remove the marshmallows by lifting from the parchment paper flaps. • Cut to desired size and add more Tapioca while cutting if needed. • Please remember, this is hot and molten sugar so be careful and use your head while doing this.

Don’t over think it:

So you want to make something special for dinner? And the recipe you have found calls for exactly one specific ingredient? If you don’t find it, don’t sweat it. Chances are it will still turn out fine. There is no need for you to run from store to store looking for it. Go with the flow and have a little selfconfidence when it comes to your cooking abilities. We are sure something good will come out of it.

Give in once in a while:

Don’t feel like cooking? Don’t know what to get in your lunch break? Try something from out delicious selection at The Cycle Bistro. We offer take away, delivery and dine in, even a customized Meal plan with multiple options to fit your taste and lifestyle. ■

Located at The Cycle Hub, Dubai Motor City Call: 04 425 3000 Website: www.thecyclehub.com [email protected] facebook.com/thecyclebistro instagram.com/thecyclebistro The Cycle Bistro GPS location: Latitude: N 25° 02.792 Longitude: E 055° 14.384

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



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

Point 65 Tequila GTX Solo

Point 65 Martini GTX Tandem

(FREE Paddle and Life Jacket)

(FREE Paddle and Life Jacket)

Exclusively available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Exclusively available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

With its new tracking keel the Tequila! GTX paddles straight as an arrow. With Point 65 ́s innovative patented Snap-Tap solution, the single-seater snaps apart and re-assembles in seconds for a kayak that is safe, stable, and strong making it by far the most lightweight kayak on the market. The Tequila! is a rigid high-performance kayak that you can carry with a smile on your face, put inside most cars, and store under your bed.

The Martini GTX features a comfortable ergonomical seat equipped with a cushy seat pad as well as thigh braces for improved control, multiple cup holders, integrated rudder and easily adjustable rudder pedals. The Martini GTX also features a large, oval dry-hatch aft and a smaller round bow dry-hatch to access two water tight compartments for safe storage of gear on your next adventure.

* while stocks last

* while stocks last

Point 65 Tequila GTX Angler Solo and Tandem

Feelfree Move

3,495 AED/QAR | 379.90 OMR

(FREE Paddle and Life Jacket)

Solo: 3,800 AED/QAR | 413.00 OMR Tandem: 6,095 AED/QAR | 662.50 OMR Exclusively available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman From lakes to rivers to the open ocean, the Tequila Angler has no boundaries. The solo and the mid-section alike come equipped with rod holders. Two of which are integrated, flush-mounted behind the seat and one is on a deck mount in front of the paddler. This deck mounted rod holder can be removed and replaced with any compatible hardware of your liking.

* while stocks last

5,995 AED/QAR | 651.60 OMR

(FREE Paddle and Life Jacket)

2,195 AED/QAR | 238.60 OMR Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman A versatile single person kayak, the Feelfree Move is a great place to start your paddling adventures. Designed for paddling in lakes and rivers, it can be equipped with optional thigh straps and used to surf with style. In addition, the Move also provides space for rod holders so it can easily be transformed into a comfortable fishing kayak. Combine its lightweight hull and our popular Wheel in the Keel moving the Move becomes easy for any solo paddler.

* while stocks last

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



APRIL 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

PRODUCTS Jobe Inflatable SUP package (Aero SUP)

Kingii (Floatation Aid) - Made in USA

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Specification: The Yarra 10.6 is super accessible and has a new design. This cares for manoeuvrability making it one of the most playful boards in our range. It is also super stable due to its wide shape. Use its bungee cord to carry stuff around on your discoveries and easily carry the SUP around by using the supremely comfortable neoprene grab handle.

Specification: Kingii is the new wristband for all those who love water! If you need help to stay afloat, pull the lever and an inflation bag will pull you to the surface.

AED 3,195 | Was: AED 4,295

AED 295 | Was: AED 495

Includes: Two CO2 cylinders free

Package includes: package comes with a waterproof bag with a front pocket, aluminum paddle and pump in matching colours plus a 8’’ single fin.

* Offer is valid till end of April 2017

* Offer is valid till end of April 2017

Yamaha Factory Watches

Jobe OMNIA board (4 sports in 1)

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE

This summer show your allegiance to the MotoGP Team with these sporty chronos. High quality sporty chrono wrist watch by TW Steel® featuring the Yamaha Factory Racing logo.

Specification: Not enough storage in your boat to fit all your gear or tired to drag those hefty skis in and out every single day? The Omnia is your all-in-one solution! Ready to be used as a kneeboard, ski, wakeskate/board AND wakesurfer, this lightweight board adds a whole new dimension to multifunctionality. Compression molded out of PU foam and fiberglass, this family focused board can be used with great variety. Suited for all skill levels.

595 AED | Was: 795 AED

• Seiko VD54 movement • 10 ATM water resistant • 45mm diameter case • Reinforced mineral crystal • Steel caseback with Yamaha logo • 24-hour indicator • Stop watch function • Silicon strap • Available in various colours • By TW Steel® - leader in oversized watches and official sponsor of the Yamaha Factory Racing logo

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2,295 AED | Was: 2,995 AED

4 sports in 1 board: • Lay • Stand • Kneel • Surf

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



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PRODUCTS Men’s Ultra Vertical

(Shady Blue/Hyper Blue) Ultimate lightweight protection for steep trails

AED 549

Men’s Better than Naked S/S (Exuberance Orange/Tibetan Orange) Lightweight breathability for race day

AED 199

Available at The North Face stores Dubai: The Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre Qatar: Ezdan Mall Doha

Available at The North Face stores Dubai: The Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre Qatar: Ezdan Mall Doha

Designed to tame the most aggressive trail terrain, the Men’s Ultra Vertical Running Shoes deliver incredible performance on high-angle ascents and descents. Ideal for runners who want to go technical, you’ll benefit from a new geo cage construction that promotes perfect fit and helps keep the foot stable. An anatomically oriented Vibram® outsole ensures top traction in all environments. Lightweight and with breathable FlashDry™ elements, these shoes are the perfect compromise between lightweight feel and heavy-duty protection.

Supreme breathability in a lightweight package: our athlete-inspired Better Than Naked™ T-Shirt is the perfect race-day layer. FlashDry™ fabric wicks away moisture quickly to keep you dry and focussed hour after hour, while body-mapped ventilation delivers cool airflow to areas that need it most. The stitch-free construction ensures you’ll be chafe-free right to the end.

Women’s Bomber Tight

Fovero 85

AED 329

AED 1,299

Available at The North Face stores Dubai: The Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre Qatar: Ezdan Mall Doha

Available at The North Face stores Dubai: The Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre Qatar: Ezdan Mall Doha

With fitted style and bonded seams at critical areas, our Bomber Tights are a supremely comfortable, supportive and durable layer for a range of mountain escapades.

The premier Fovero 85 Backpack is for those who don’t want to leave anything at home. Inside, a hearty 85-litres of capacity provides ample space for clothes, equipment, food and other gear for a lengthy adventure. The easy-to-use OPTIFIT™ suspension system gives you an adjustable, secure and comfortable fit all the way to the end. With five-direction compression for superb load management and an included rain cover, you’ll be steady and ready come tricky terrain or dreadful downpours.

(TNF Black) Comfort, support and durability on the trail

FlashDry-XD™ fabric wicks away moisture quickly to ensure you stay dry and fresh from start to finish. The wide, backpack-friendly waistband offers a snug fit no matter how much you move around, and the concealed zip pockets provide the perfect place to stash keys, maps and other hiking essentials.

Monterey Blue/Goldfinch Yellow Superior comfort and stability in the mountains

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Spending some money for quality gear from The North Face is worth every penny

Tested by: Daniel Birkhofer Photos by: Jung Francisco

There is actually nothing that holds you back from exploring the great outdoors. You don’t need any special gear to venture out on your next hike. Here in the UAE and all across Asia, especially in the Himalayas, you will often be taken over by porters or shepherds with flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt carrying double the weight of your backpack and passing you with ease. On the other hand, you have people who buy the most expensive gear just as a fashion statement or to look professional. But outdoor clothing is not about fashion. It

is an essential part of your gear and should serve a purpose. Of course, we would be lying if we said we don’t care about the looks, so no matter of the importance of the clothing’s properties, style and fashion will always play a major role. Finding the right gear for the UAE is not that easy since it is certainly not the typical hiking environment and product descriptions are more focused on rain, snow and other conditions in cooler climates. And if

you look to one of the top brands available here, “The North Face”, the name even implies somehow a picture of snowy mountains and seems to be misplaced in a desert environment. This perception is very wrong and you get great gear that encourages you to “Never stop exploring” from The North Face. Jackets are a piece of gear I often find missing in the backpacks of people going on a hike. In the winter months it can get



cold and this year we even had some snow on Jebel Jais which should be proof enough that a jacket should be with you at all times. Also rain showers can let temperatures drop dramatically. Yes, you will not freeze to death but choosing your gear correctly should give you the highest comfort possible to enjoy the hike. The APEX FLEX GTX is a durable, stretchwoven shell with a waterproof gore-tex® membrane and the soft, knit face interior is breathable and fully weatherproof. The stretchy face fabric and a warm-to-the-touch inner layer are seamlessly fused for superior comfort. The jacket is 100% waterproof which would have been of great use this March with the frequent and intense rain showers and thunderstorms we had. More importantly, the jacket is light and protects you well from wind. Especially for a 100% waterproof jacket, it’s still breathable and you don’t feel like you are wrapped in a rubber layer so it is your perfect outer shell in bad weather. The APEX FLEX GTX is certainly over engineered for the UAE but if you need a jacket for multipurpose need it is a great choice. The APEX FLEX GTX is the perfect jacket especially if you go hiking in other countries with a mild climate and a chance of rain and wind. So if you plan your next travel adventure for summer make sure you are protected from the elements and enjoy harsh conditions in style and comfort. On a dhow trip in Oman last summer our Omani guide climbed up the sharp rocks on the shore barefoot. The dark stone was not only sharp it was also boiling hot. Do you need hiking shoes? Everything is possible, but the question is how much are you willing to sacrifice or how thick is the skin of your

feet? When it comes down to hiking gear, in my opinion the shoes are the most important part of all your gear since they have the biggest influence on the comfort on your adventure. No matter what properties you are looking for, a shoe has to be comfortable first of all. Even though you should wear in your boots before taking on long or multi day hikes, if the shoe is not comfortable from the beginning it certainly never will be. Therefore hiking shoes or boots are not like high-heels where you collect many of them, you usually have very few pairs which you will wear until they fall apart because they are worn-in and comfortable. If there were only one pair of boots to choose for hiking all-year round, it would be these. The Men’s Endurus™ Hike Mid GTX Boots are waterproof, breathable and incredibly comfortable, making them perfect for a wide range of mountain activities. On the outside, GORE-TEX® technology locks out the wet so your feet stay dry at all times and you can have fun in the Wadi if you find some water. A waterproof membrane also has the advantage of keeping powdery dust out of the shoe in dry and sandy conditions, but lets air ventilate. Shoes with open membrane will quickly be stuck with dust and you have to empty the shoes every couple of hours. Inside, a FlashDry™ collar lining fends off blisters and sweat. The mid-top fit gives you some extra support and coverage for the ankle. Underneath, an innovative new XtraFoam™ midsole resists repeat loading and recovers its original state, offering maximum comfort, support and durability. This, coupled with a soft OrthoLite® footbed, gives you one of the smoothest rides out there. As for grip, the Vibram® XS Trek

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outsole provides enough bite to keep you locked on to even the slickest of surfaces. If a wind and rain jacket is not an absolute necessity in the UAE, good shoes are and there would be no better choice other than the Endurus. The choice is yours, spend some money for high quality gear and go on adventures in comfort or go on journey of suffering and safe a few bugs. Available at The North Face stores Dubai: The Dubai Mall and Mirdiff City Centre Qatar: Ezdan Mall Doha Facebook & Instagram: @thenorthfaceme Online store: https://en-ae.sssports.com/brands/the-north-face

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PRODUCTS Hobie Mirage Eclipse 12.0

BMC 2017 Sportelite SE Deore

Available at Adventure HQ Dubai: Times Square Center Abu Dhabi: Dalma Mall and Yas Mall

Available at Adventure HQ Dubai: Times Square Center Abu Dhabi: Dalma Mall and Yas Mall

Incredibly stable, just get on and go using MirageDrive® leg power. Soon you’ll fly high at exceptional speed, nimbly carving turns using fingertip steering controls. There’s minimal setup. Go from the car, the dock or your boat to the water in minutes. Cruise solo, with your partner or with a group.

The Sportelite 27.5″ series bikes are made for introducing riders to light trail riding, with a careful and ideal selection of wheel size, geometry and suspension. The triple-butted and hydroformed tubes of the Sportelite family represent the pinnacle of aluminum tube shaping, ride quality and lightweight performance.

AED 13,500

The Mirage Eclipse takes fitness out of the gym and onto the water and under the sun. The board is lightweight and durable and full of thoughtful features such as gear tie-downs and a carefree kick-up rudder. The Mirage Eclipse takes standup to a whole new level.

Fate II (Red/Black) AED 549

Available at Beyond Fitness in City Centre Me’aisem, Dubai and Adventure HQ (Time Square & Dalma) Description: A great all-around running shoe,with a peppy, responsive kick and ample cushioning in the forefoot and heel, the perfect ride of this shoe is not an accident, it’s Fate. Product details: • Weight - 9.4 • Platform - P.O.P 2 • Heel-to-toe drop - 4.5 mm Upper: • NEW seamless upper with open-weave mesh and no-sew overlays provides optimal foot conformity and breathability. • NEW enhanced metatarsal stretch panels. • 360 degree reflectivity Midsole: • 5-lug P.O.P 2 platform • Action/Reaction technology in the midfoot and heel • Bio-mechanical metatarsal sensor plate • High rebound EVA foam • Durable rubber outsole.

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AED 5,495

While the competition focuses on the lowest price, we focus on giving you the best ride experience. Your first MTB can make or break the relationship you have with a new sport – we aim to turn you into a life-long rider.

Polar M200 (Black and Red) GPS Running Watch

AED 590 Available at Go Sport, Jumbo MOE & TDM, Adventure HQ & Virgin Megastores Features: • Advanced GPS • Activity tracking • Heart rate training • Sport profiles • Polar flow • Smart notifications • Individual targets • Fun running displays

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PRODUCTS Nikon Coolpix A900

Yuneec Typhoon H

Available at Grand Stores Digital and other leading electronic outlets across the UAE

Available at Grand Stores Digital showrooms across the UAE

AED 1,799

Nikon – the world leaders in digital imaging has introduced the latest addition to its A Series range of digital cameras - the Coolpix A900 – a slim long-zoom compact camera that fits snugly into any user’s pocket. While it may be small in size, it is packed with an amazing 35x Optical Zoom NIKKOR glass lens (70x with Dynamic Fine Zoom) that can easily reach long distance subjects.

AED 4,299

Typhoon H is the most advanced aerial photography and videography platform available in such a compact size. Driven by customer demand for a design that goes beyond the limitations of a traditional quadcopter, Typhoon H delivers capabilities previously only found in high-end professional offerings, but at a consumer price. Typhoon H offers flight durations of up to 25 minutes while filming with the CGO3+ 4K UHD camera. The Android powered ST16 Ground Station features a 7-inch touch-screen that displays live footage of your flight in HD 720p resolution and enables a wide variety of autonomous flight modes.

Sony FDR-X3000R Action Cam

MDR-XB80BS Extra Bass Sports

2,099 AED

599 AED

Available at Sony store, 2nd Level, The Dubai Mall and other retail outlets across the UAE

Available at Sony store, 2nd Level, The Dubai Mall and other retail outlets across the UAE

The 4K FDR-X3000R Action Cam contains a wealth of technologies that have never been seen in POV cameras. The FDR-X3000R is packed with Sony’s patented B.O.SS (Balance Optical Steady Shot) technology into for better image stabilisation and is available in 4K and high speed recording modes. This model also comes supplied with Sony’s latest Live-View Remote with the ability to control shooting settings including power on/off and start/stop recording, without having to touch the camera at all.

The MDR-XB80BS Bluetooth headphones has an ear hook style design with a cable adjuster. They are also water resistant and washable, making it easier for users to clean them after exercising. The headphones are claimed to have 7 hours of battery life on a single charge.

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OUR EXPERTS

Easter on the Ocean:

Live-Aboards Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle

With an endless amount of ocean out there to explore, often while diving, it seems the adventure ends too early. Spending a day at sea, diving, allows you to immerse yourself in a world that is seldom seen, a world where everything is different and everything is foreign - but as soon as you do take the plunge and you sink you below the surface, you immediately realise that the two dives you’re going to do that day, simply aren’t going to be enough to satisfy your exploratory needs, and the answer to that dilemma is a live-aboard dive boat. Of course, there are many different types of diving, and each different type has its own benefit - for example when partaking in a beach dive (entering the water straight from the shore), it can be a lot more convenient for a lot of people, as it doesn't involve traveling too far, and there are certainly many opportunities for these types of dives along Dubai’s coast, with a number of dive operators taking groups out just off the shore by the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, or down near the mouth of the Dubai Canal. Despite the convenience of beach dives (and the added benefit of being able to relax on the beach before and after the dive), boat dives have a certain special element themselves. It adds to the whole adventure of diving, boarding a boat and heading out to open ocean in search for the perfect dive. Perhaps you’ll spot dolphins off the edge of The Palm playing in the waves, or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to spot a Sail Fish burst out of the water and into the air. You get the cool ocean air blowing on your face and the fresh smell of seawater constantly around you. It’s an integral part to anyone experiencing what the ocean has to offer. You’re able to choose where you want to go, depending on how you feel or what the weather’s like. You can search for those beloved animals like whale sharks or turtles and stop and jump in when you do find them! Diving from boats adds a whole new dimension to the experience. 46

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When you do reach your dive site, wherever it may be, more often than not, you’re secluded - away from anyone and anything else. There are no buildings lined with traffic filled roads, no large crowds of people sprawled across the beach and nor are there any loud sounds to harsh the serenity you’ve come so far out to achieve. As you are in open ocean, your chances of spotting larger, more interesting marine species increase

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dramatically (a lot of the exciting animals hang out in the ecosystems further from the coast). The chances are that the coral has been relatively free from city pollution and there have been fewer people to come and trample over the fragile reef. You’re pristine waters now. Although this may sound like a difficult place to get to in the Middle East, there’s actually a vast amount ocean throughout the Arabian Gulf and along the

Arabian Peninsular with pockets of sea just like this. The only problem with reaching sites like this, and partaking in a dive whilst there, is that you can quite easily experience a severe addiction. Once you’re in the water and you begin to explore the colourful reef, you start to think and imagine all the area around you, beyond this particular reef, beyond this particular pocket of ocean and a longing to explore it all begins to build - but how can you do that, all in just one day? You don't you choose a live-aboard. Live-aboard dive boats are pretty self-explanatory - they're ships and boats that head dive expeditions out on the ocean, for varying lengths of time. Some can last only one night, others three weeks - it all depends on your preference, and how much you wanting to explore. The standard and nature of these boats can also vary greatly - it simply depends on the purpose of the expedition. Some boats attract people who are veteran divers, who simply want to dive all day and all night and cover as much ocean as they can, and who don’t require a ‘luxury’ vessel. Others cater to people who are looking for a more well-rounded experience - divers who enjoying frequent diving, but would also like to sunbathe on the top deck some days, and who enjoy a good well prepared dinner and a large state-room at the bow of the boat. It’s up to you what kind of boat you choose but I can guarantee you there is one out there for you - and these expeditions are the perfect thing to do throughout the brief Easter Break. Thanks to the varying lengths

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of stay and the flexibility of the expeditions, you can take part over a long weekend or a week - depending on your time off. Live-aboard dive boats solve the one and only real problem that we encounter when diving, and that is not having enough time. Picture a day out on the ocean, an experience like I described earlier, with two perfect dives filled with lots of marine life suspended in outrageously clear water. Now picture three, five, or seven days straight of that - an unbeatable experience. An experience that can only be given to you through a liveaboard dive boat. When staying aboard one of these boats, and taking part in an exciting dive expedition, there is so much added to the experience. Not only are the dives constant and the excitement continuous, but there are aspects of living on the ocean that simply can’t be matched on land. The ocean at night-time, above and below, is an intriguing place - your dinners are spent under the stars or in the saloon, depending on your preference, and you're gently rocked to sleep by small ripples on the surface of the water. In the morning, you wake up to one of the most picturesque settings in the entire world - an ocean sunrise. The rays bounce across the water and light up all the blue around you. The warm sunny rays combine with the crisp ocean air to form the most pleasant of temperatures and one of the most unique atmospheres in the world (and the day hasn't even begun yet). Most of these dive expeditions offer it’s explorers three dives a day - an early morning, a midday and a night dive (my personal favourite) - so there’s certainly no shortage of diving aboard these vessels. You’ll be able to explore so much more than you would in a single day - you’ll cover vast



amounts of oceans and encounter so many different things. Given the scope and size of the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsular - you’ll certainly need the time if you want to explore a significant chunk of ocean. Luckily for us here in the UAE, we have access to these trips whenever we want, as there are a number of dive and tour companies down in Dibba, Fujairah and Musandam, Oman, who operate short dive expeditions on the weekends. Most of these weekend tours take place aboard renovated Dhows, perfect for diving, dining and relaxing. If you wish to venture further afield, similar tours are operated out of Muscat, in Oman, and even further, there are a great number of larger boats who operate longer tours throughout the Red Sea. If you’re particularly daring, throughout the Red Sea there are many dive expeditions centred around sharks and shark spotting for the more adventurous divers. The diving and the atmosphere are not the only benefits to these trips however, because when you do spend time aboard a boat out on the ocean with a small group of people - bonding is inevitable. I have numerous friends that I am still in contact with that I met years ago aboard boats on a dive expedition - something that anyone who joins a dive trip will understand. Sharing dives, meals and stories aboard these boats can result in fantastic and long lasting friendships - yet another benefit to spending some overnight time out on the ocean. Of course, if you’re not a diver, or you have a group with non divers in it, that’s not a worry either, because all dive boats actually cater to non divers as well. I’ve been on live-onboards with 5-10 non-divers, who simply came for the sun, sailing and

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snorkelling! So it works out to be a perfect family getaway as well, if you've got mixed interests within the group. Leading up to a holiday break, there always seems to be that discussion, ‘so, what do you wanna do for the Easter break?’. Perhaps in the past you’ve enjoyed a weekend in a hotel, or taken a road trip into the desert - but how many times have you spent a night or two aboard a boat on the ocean? It’s a fantastic experience for both divers and non-divers alike, and it would fit right into to any holiday break like Easter. If you’re a diver - you’ll understand how great it is to do as many dives as you want, and if you’re not, why not give it a try? Or just relax and jump in the water every now and again - it’s up to you! So if you’re up for a mix of adventure and relaxation out on the ocean this Easter - you know what to do! ■

OUR EXPERTS

Words by: Marina Bruce Photos by: Neil Bruce, Miriam De Wolff and Marina Bruce

Wahiba Sands (22.34983 58.79860)

Probably the best known and visited dune area in Oman, this massive expanse of sand dunes runs in a north-south direction, parallel to the sea for around 170kms. Known also as the Sharqiya Sands, they extend up to 80kms inland, but most offroad activity centres on the villages of Al Bidaya and Al Wasil. Numerous tourist camps can be found just a short distance into the sand valleys, but keep going south and you will soon be far away from the crowds. There are tracks that take you in to the sand in every valley and some of these veer east or west which allows relatively easy crossing of the walls of sand. The Wahiba are full of Bedu and camels; plants and bushes abound and you should stick to the aforementioned tracks to minimise damage to the desert – and to your car. Turn right for the highest dune in the world

Follow Mike Nott’s route – number 13 in Advanced Off-Road Adventure Routes UAE & Oman – as it takes you from the northern perimeter through the sands to the sea over 100kms away.

Starfish Dunes (23.77986 55.66788)

Just a few kilometres from the UAE/Oman border crossing at Mezyad/Hafeet, long tendrils of sand snake westwards crowned by beautiful “starfish” formations. Mother Nature has created these with the help of ever-changing winds as you might find if you have a campfire there – you might be moving your chairs all evening just to avoid smoke in your eyes! A great route, zig-zagging between these giant sand massifs can be found in the book mentioned above – look for Route 12 – and you can read about my last outing there in OutdoorUAE July ’15 edition. Another option that will take in one or two starfish, is to keep close to the border and attempt to drive all the way from Jebel Hafeet all the way to the UAE/Oman/Saudi

Wahiba sands

confluence point. I was part of a team that successfully completed this in November 2012 and you can find a trip report on my blog (www.thedesertdiva.com/2012/11/20/ the-back-side-border-expedition/). You will get UAE phone signal all the way; I recommend keeping a minimum of 1km from the border fence). Please note there is no border fence between Oman and Saudi.

The Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter, although mainly located in KSA, encroaches on the Western Boundaries of Oman. Although less than 10% of the world’s largest continuous sand dune desert lies in the Sultanate it is still a huge area with complex dune formations that turn a gorgeous red in the late afternoon sun. Mike’s book has a route which takes you right through the Empty Quarter and a few diehard off-roaders have completed it in its entirety in “one bite” however, it is possible to split it into three separate expeditions to make it more manageable just by starting and finishing at the refuel points.



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Oman EQ North

EQ Northern Area (20.89359 55.67678)

Head southwards from Ibri, following signs for the Rob’a Al Khali and you will soon find yourself in one of the most remote parts of Oman. Preparation is everything when you visit here; I always take extra petrol and a satphone, as well as leaving a trip plan with friends, just in case, as you could be a long way from help if you do get into trouble. The dunes rise up to 100 metres above a sea of sabkha; the many ridges and gullies cast shadows at the start and end of each day making this a photographer’s delight. Once past the oilfields and gatch tracks it is very much the Empty Quarter – there are no camel or goat farms here; just the odd raven and a few dragonflies. I have taken a few groups into this area over the winter and the terrain has amazed every single person. You can read about Ibex Adventure’s first outing here in OutdoorUAE November 2016 edition and if you are a fatbiker you might enjoy last month’s article about two-wheeling in the EQ.

EQ Southern Area (19.17750 53.32552)

The highest dune in the world has recently been identified in the very south of the Oman EQ –Ramlat Jadilah, just 12kms from the Yemen border and in a desert area

Oasis in the middle of the Wahiba sands

controlled by the Oman military. If you ask nicely, the soldiers will probably let you in! The top of the dune has been measured at 455 metres above sea level with the sabkah base being approximately 300 metres above sea level; there is no doubt that this dune, and some of the others surrounding it are much higher than those in the northern Empty Quarter. During a recent stay in Salalah I visited the dune but unfortunately due to a sandstorm I was not able to climb to the top – giving me the perfect excuse to return some day! Please note that it is an 800km round trip from Salalah so it is not suitable for a day excursion. There are many suitable campspots;it is also possible to stay overnight in Mazyouna, the border post between Oman and Yemen, at the clean, but rather basic Mazionah Hotel, ready for an early morning departure the next day. It is still a long drive over mainly gatch track to reach

Ramlat Jadilah but we completed this on full pressures. Mike Nott’s route number 16 takes a longer, even more interesting route towards the Yemen/Oman/Saudi confluence point and is worth checking out if you have more time to spend in the area.

Sugar Dunes (20.40239 57.94305)

A very small sand area near the remote fishing village of Khaluf, some 420kms south of Muscat, the dunes are small, technical and quite soft. For most people they are probably not worth the journey just for the dune bashing, however, between the dunes and the sea there is an exquisite beach that is ideal for camping. It is possible to access the sugar dune area from the Filij/Duqm road via a gatch track or you can also drive along the beach from Khaluf village for around 15kms, providing it is not high tide! ■

Sugar dunes

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OUR EXPERTS

Words by: Kit Belen Photos by: Paulo Pagharion, Mikko Cordova and JP Suanico

Coming home is always something I look forward to. The only problem is, I would be missing some fishing in Dubai, leaving in a weekend and coming back a week after, just after the weekend, that’s 4 fishing days that I would have to miss. After an uneventful flight, we were home. Manila is my second home, as I grew up in Cebu and most of my friends are there. However, I have a handful of friends in Manila who are often very accommodating and just like me, are crazy about fishing. The deal with my wife is that I would have one fishing day and although I know she wouldn’t mind me going more than once, I took it upon myself to just go for a day and

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it took quite a lot of convincing (myself) to not take a lot of gear on this trip – trust me, it’s not easy. Before the trip, there were a few options open to me, and since I mostly fish saltwater, I wanted to fish for freshwater fish, and I just have the right person for the job. The best people to call were Paulo, JP and Mikko. Together, they manage “Lake Big O”. A lake we nicknamed“Amazon Lake” because it is stocked with Amazon species. Lake Big O is part of a 500 hectare track of land and is one of five lakes found in the property. For a few years now, they have been asking me to visit the lake and fish it but due to work and other obligations, I have not really had the chance to go home. Five years later, here I come. Although it holds a lot of species (Arapaima, Toman, Redtail Catfish, Alligator Gar and a lot more) the ones that I want to catch are the Peacock Bass, and there are two species stocked in the lake, Cichla Monoculus and C. Temensis. The C. Monoculus are the more prolific of the two and are willing biters. The C. Temensis are the ones that grow bigger but are harder to find and catch. The main lake is expansive and some parts are covered in water lilies, perfect ambush spots for these predatory fish. The whole property is covered in greenery and although well kept, the surrounding trees

and shrubs give the whole place a sense of being wild, add the numerous birds that call this place home, I thought “Jurassic Lake” was an even more apt name. As this was going to be a short trip, we decided to fish the banks and forgo the boat. I have already decided to concentrate my efforts on a C. Temensis because…well, they grow bigger, not as easy to catch and are even harder to find. The drive from my in-law’s home to the lake was long and painful, that was mostly because I ate too much the previous night and was stricken with a bad stomachache. Needless to say, we had to make a couple of stops to keep me sane. When we finally arrived, what I saw was a lake that I could not even see in my mind’s eye no matter how much I looked at it in Google Earth. It was expansive, wild and full of life. From the birds that flew from tree to tree, the herons that were busy picking small fish and frogs in the shallows to the raptor that was flying around searching for it’s next meal. The place was pristine and unspoiled – the only thing that broke the wild looking scenery was a nondescript campsite tucked in one corner amidst the trees. The amenities at the lake are quite simple – there were workers there installing a well, a watchman, a cow herder and there was

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Paulo and myself. Even with a few people around, we hardly saw anyone while we were fishing, except for the watchman lazing around in the hammock facing the lake. My first few casts were greeted with bumps and because of the relatively clear water, you could see the fish nudging the lure. I managed to get one female Monoculus hit the lure with gusto and the fight was on. They fight close quarter and always head to the nearest snag, so it was quite a surprise for me when I saw that the fish at the end of my line was a runt! They pull hard and never give up till the end. I was starting to understand why these fish are a



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huge draw for traveling fishermen to their native water and wherever they are stocked. My stomach was bothering me again so we drove up to the pavilion and I was greeted with a clean toilet and running water. Bare essentials are covered in the campsite and although the creature comforts are set at bare minimum, better accommodation for those that need it is only a few minutes drive outside of the property. When we started casting again, I saw a bedding Monoculus not far from where I was standing, with it was a nice sized Temensis, I thought to myself “wow, that’s a weird scene, because the Temensis might just make a meal out of the smaller Monoculus. A short cast towards their noses and I was greeted with bumps, and for about 6 casts, I had nothing but bumps, on the 7th cast, I made the Storm Lipless Minnow pause in front of them for some time, the bigger Temensis nudged at it and tried to swipe, but I pulled the lure out before it could hit it. On my 8th cast, I cast as far as I could and reeled in fast as soon as it picked up speed, I felt the line jerk and the fish jumped. I hooked the Temensis and it was running towards the lilies towards my right. I managed to stop the run and a couple of minutes after, I had the fish on the lip grip. A few photos later, we released the fish with nothing harmed, except for its ego. The rest of the day was spent on discussions about how to make the place a bit more angler friendly and other things they

could install to make the place even better. A few quick casts to other lakes and we slowly made out way back to the city. As adventures go, this was probably one of those that were quite unexpected because even if I have been involved in some shape or form from the start, it was the first time I have seen the place and it still surprised me how awesome it was when I first went…certainly wouldn’t be my last. The lake is Invite only and not open to the public. If you are lucky enough to get an invite, you are in for a treat. ■

Till next tide change,

Kit Our fishing pro who shares his experiences and expertise with OutdoorUAE through his regular column. [email protected]

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OUR EXPERTS

a hike into another World Words + Photos by: Baxter Jackson

In the forgotten interior of the United Arab Emirates, at the edge of the Empty Quarter, lies the desert oasis of Al Ain. There, at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, a giant monolith of rock shooting up from a desolate plain, I’m alone at an unmarked trailhead about to do something very foolish. With little more than a print out from the Internet and a decent sense of direction but no GPS, compass or topographical map, I’ve reckoned the 4-hour hike from Green Mubazara up to the 1,249 metre (4,098ft.) summit should be cinch, a fun little day hike, albeit without any cell phone service. Up here in the deserted foothills at the jumping off point, I can’t help but recall my American pal who set off to explore Jebel Hafeet with one of his students and got medically evacuated by an emergency helicopter after his pupil twisted his ankle and couldn’t climb back down. The recent deaths of other hikers in the vicinity such as the Emirates Airlines pilot who fell to his death on Jebel Jai’s Stairway to Heaven or the UAE resident who succumbed to heat and dehydration at nearby Wadi Al Sameenah also come to mind. The gravity of the situation and the heat of the afternoon

sun bead my brow with sweat. My mouth goes dry. I realize now that recently watching 127 Hours, the true story of Aron Ralston’s solo foray into the wild slot canyons of southeastern Utah, could either be my undoing or my salvation from a similar fate, but without even a Swiss Army Knife, I’m hoping it won’t end up with me cutting (i.e., chewing) my own arm off to make it back to civilization. If this hike does prove to be my demise, at least I know I’ll be in good company should I tumble off the southern side of the mountain where there are 317 honeycombed tombs dating back to 3,200 to 2,700 BC. Inside the 5,000 year-old catacombs, skeletons (all would be hikers such as myself, I presume) were laid neatly to rest for eternity with Bronze Age copper artifacts, pearls and ceramics from Mesopotamia. From inside the safety of the Green Mubazzara, a family-friendly park of green grass, date palm trees and hot springs, the cloying smell of civilization - of frying flesh and French Fries - drifts all the way to the trailhead where I’m still contemplating my fate, staring into the parched mouth (a dry canyon bed) of what legendary desert explorer Wilred Theisger described as a giant beached whale of a mountain. Giant enough to be clearly visible from space, Jebel Hafeet was actually, in the Cenozoic Period, a beach on the ancient Sea of Tethys. Some 65 million years ago, when

palm trees grew as far north as Greenland, a volcanic eruption of oceanic crust and upper mantle transformed this oceanfront property into what Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Daheri, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at the Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD), has called the most ecologically diverse and biologically rich area in the whole Arabia Peninsula. The thought that this treasure trove of flora and fauna, of geology and archeology has been in my backyard for so long (I’m a 4th year expat in Al Ain) and I have yet to explore it, gets my white guilt in gear and moving up through the boulder field of the wadi – self reproach and curiosity trumping common sense. On a canyon bed of solidified lava and magma from when the prehistoric beach suffered its great upheaval that transformed it into a mountain, I tramp past shallow pools and croaking toads that go quiet with my approaching footsteps, hiding in between maidenhair ferns. In addition to thorny acacias, the wadi is shot through with serpentine, a dark green mineral of hydrated magnesium silicate, mottled and spotted like a snake's skin. Ancient corals, plankton and crabs seared into sedimentary rock bear silent witness to the geological violence that ushered in the rise of Jebel Hafeet and the age of mammals on the Arabian Peninsula. Of special note are nummmulites, a disc shaped fossil unique to Jebel Hafeet.

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In the dappled shade of an acacia, I pause to catch my breath, wondering what a mammal of my sorts, supposedly the pinnacle of the evolutionary chain, is doing out here alone, in the heat of the day. Snatching the list of fauna from my back pocket, already stained with sweat, I fan myself with it. Glancing at it from the bottom to the top of the food chain, I make a mental note of what to look out for, what not to step on and what could kill me (most fit in all 3 categories). The first category includes 315 different species of invertebrates (creepy crawlies to you and me) and among them - scorpions, camel spiders, centipedes and a couple of unique endemics such as the sand cockroach and minute moss beetle. Counterbalancing the creepy-crawly factor are 23 different kinds of beautiful butterflies of which I have seen a few flittering by. Just the thought of sand cockroaches, scorpions and centipedes sends a shiver down my spine that gets me on my feet again. Dusting the wadi from my rear and doublechecking to make sure no stowaways have hitched a ride down there, I step gingerly through the boulder field of this zone of elevation known as Acacia Tortilis Parkland that soon gives way to the loose scree and dwarf shrubbery characteristic of the higher altitudes of the Wadi Montane zone.

As the sun begins to set, a fireball of orange and red, the summit of Jebel Hafeet appears in reach. But before I make my final ascent I pause, taking in the scene - feeling very much like a young Skywalker on the brink of new mysteries. At higher altitudes still are the feathered creatures of Jebel Hafeet (avian dinosaurs in scientific terms) circling high overhead. Gazing upwards into a cloudless, flightless sky, it’s hard to imagine there are 119 species of birds here - notables being Kestrel’s and Bonelli’s Eagles, Arabian Babblers, Barbary Falcons and Egyptian Vultures. Actually, Jebel Hafeet is the only place in the UAE where you might be lucky enough

to spot an Egyptian vulture of the flying variety. The variety of slithering and side-winding creatures among the folded and stratified rock of Jebel Hafeet is slightly unnerving. The Persian Horned Viper with its ‘horns’ above its eyes (really just scales growing on top of one another) and its vertical pupils fits the description - looking unnervingly as dangerous as it actually is. Highly venomous, it moves in a sinister side-winding motion but like most desert creatures, it has more sense than I do and only ventures out around sunset (which is quickly approaching). Picturing it, I quicken my pace and inadvertently slip on some sharp scree, drawing blood from my knee on the ancient stones. Hoping Persian Horned Vipers aren’t drawn to blood the way other predators are, I wind my way back onto what looks like the trail. One of the features of Jebel Hafeet that has actually drawn me here are these selfsame otherworldly creatures like the Persian Horned Viper. Other seemingly alien life forms such as the Sinai Rock Agama (a lizard that turns bright blue during mating season), fan footed geckos, spiny tailed lizards (called ‘dhub’ in the Emirati dialect) and even one hermit type lizard (Acanthododoctylus Ophedodurust) that was considered extinct until 1982, all remind



me of characters from the canteen scene from Star Wars, Episode IV. Just imagine all of these diminutive desert dwellers the size of human beings having a few pints together at the local watering hole, throw in some similarly super-sized mammals found around Jebel Hafeet such as the globally threatened Blandford’s Fox, Brandt’s Hedgehog, bats, hyraxes and the Arabian Tahr and you've got yourself an interspecies (if not intergalactic) party lively enough for a George Lucas magnum opus. While that might sound like an absurd thought, I'm actually not the first one

to notice Jebel Hafeet's sci-fi potential specifically and its cinematic charisma in general. Long time Al Ain resident Mike Goldschmidt, a hardcore fanboy of the franchise, actually wrote, directed and produced his own Star Wars fan/tribute film here, Episode III 1/2 in which he used Jebel Hafeet as Tatooine, Luke Skywalker's desert home planet. Bollywood also got in on the act - the climax for Race! was filmed on the Jebel Hafeet's twisting highway to the top. Nearing the top, I stumble upon a rare local endemic, the qafas shrub, its yellow bloom and reddish hairs making it unmistakable. It reminds me that not only is the fauna of Jebel Hafeet seemingly from another planet, so is its flora. Jebel Hafeet hosts some of the most rare plants on the Arabian Peninsula, accounting for 40% of all the plant species in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Of special interest is this gafas shrub (known scientifically as Acridocarpus Orientalis) because of its potential to treat cancer. For centuries, Bedouins have used the plant as pain relief medicine, crushing the seeds into a powder and making an oil to massage into the affected area,

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particularly useful for udder inflammation in livestock. Sadly, the plant is endangered (like the Dwarf Palm, another endemic and only palm native to the UAE) and might be wiped out before it's potential for science is fully explored. As the sun begins to set, a fireball of orange and red, the summit of Jebel Hafeet appears in reach. But before I make my final ascent I pause, taking in the scene feeling very much like a young Skywalker on the brink of new mysteries. Far below, the alluvial plain gives way to chalky, calcareous dunes and further still, beyond the horizon, sabkha flats that recede to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. A light breeze from the north, a shamalia, ruffles through my hair. If only there was a second setting sun and a John Williams score rising and lilting in the background, my Star Wars moment would be complete. While I made it to the summit without having to dismember any of my extremities, ilhumdelelah, next time, I'll bring someone else along to share in the otherworldly delights of Jebel Hafeet that have been right there in my backyard all along (and a GPS too). ■

PEOPLE

Alanna Turpin

Age: 33 Nationality: British Profession: Group Sustainability Manager at Omnicom Media Group MENA Words by: Bandana Jain Photos by: Supplied

Alanna smiles to herself every time she begins her ride. Initially cycling to accompany her partner into triathlons, little did she know that this sport would become an integral part of her fitness routine. Almost a kind of ‘mind reprogrammer’, cycling not only feeds her soul but also gives her the sense of freedom – to be out in the desert away from the concrete towers with the wind running past her face!

What inspired you to start cycling? When and how did you get into it?

I started to get into cycling when my partner decided to progress from mountain bike riding to road bike riding to enter into triathlons, so I used to go out with him. Simultaneously in 2015, my company had partnered with Gulf for Good for the challenge to cycle 450km from Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia. We had to get used to biking for 7-10 hours per day and my colleagues and I would be up at Al Qudra bike track most weekends from five o’clock in the morning. From here, I just continued and learnt to love it. When I came back from the challenge, I bought myself a road bike and would go out regularly.

How often do you cycle and where? I try to cycle at least once a week, although if I’m training for an event I’ll increase it to twice or thrice. Usually I’ll cycle in Al Qudra or Nad al Sheba cycling track and occasionally indoor cycling like Flywheel or BR by Fast.

In which countries have you done cycling? What would you say about cycling in UAE and Oman? UAE, Vietnam, Cambodia. The facilities in UAE are fantastic. I’m not sure if there are many countries in the world that offer bespoke cycling tracks away from cars and traffic that can go up to 150km.

Have you participated in any special events or races related to cycling?

Apart from the Gulf for Good challenge in Vietnam and Cambodia, I did my first Sprint distance triathlon (750swim, 20km cycle and 5k run) in October 2016. Ever since, I have competed in a few sprint triathlons, but my biggest one was taking part in the Iron Man Dubai in January this year. It was a half Iron Man distance at 90km and we went from Umm Sequim beach all the way up to Al Qudra, almost to Bab al Shams and back. It was the first time I ever did this distance at once and that too in a race, so I was very nervous, yet I enjoyed every single minute of it! It was a great experience to ride on the roads (that were closed at the time) through Dubai and into the desert and back. It was such a great sense of achievement. In 2016 itself, my company partnered with Team Angel Wolf, another local not-for-profit organisation) that aims to raise awareness of children in fitness, as well as children with disabilities in everyday activities. Nick and Rio – who make up the father and son part of Team Angel Wolf, are an inspiring duo that race every single weekend of the racing season to push this message – even though Rio, 13, has a rare chromosome disorder that prevents him from doing anything himself. So Nick trained 57 of our employees to take part in their first triathlon in October 2016 and in return, we bought two custommade running chairs, direct from the supplier in the US to gift to Team Angel Wolf for them to be able to involve more children with disabilities. This is really where I started to push cycling further, to train in more triathlons, which are seriously addictive!

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

I often have friends asking if they could come out cycling with me. Most of those who have joined me end up taking it up on their own. It’s an addictive sport, in fact, it is being said that it has taken over golf for being the most sociable place to network for business. I have organized two company rides in 2016, taking upto 25 colleagues each time around the 50km loop of Al Qudra, many of whom have gone on to buy their own bikes and start their own cycling journey. I will continue to encourage people to find their passion, which makes it so easy to keep to a fitness pattern. 58

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OUR EXPERTS

Desert Challenge in Qatar

Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt Photos by: Supplied

The 2nd edition of the Al Adaid Desert Challenge is a big highlight and the most challenging cycling event on Qatar’s off road cycling calendar. For the first time in Qatar, the race was also part of the International Cycling Union calendar. Marked as UCI C3 Cross Country point to point race (XCP), it covered 40km of astonishing desert track from Sealine to one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid. The challenge attracted more than 250 participants from 15 different countries and included riders from International pro level, competing in the UCI category, to competitive amateurs from the Middle East, to the local riders competing in Qatari category and also welcoming anyone riding to have fun, spend an active day with their family or challenge themselves personally. The event offered a choice of riding either a mountain bike or a fat bike and the four main event categories were UCI XCP C3, mountain bike, fat bike and Qatari.

In the remote desert

For the convenience of international visitors and riders, the official Al Adaid Desert Challenge hotel, The Royal Riviera, in Doha,

made a convenient assembly point. Before the crack of dawn at 5:30am the riders were collected by the official transfer bus and taken free of worry to the race start location 45 minutes down the coast line by the Sea Line Beach Resort. More than 250 riders, the largest participation to date, and double from the previous year, gathered in the race village before the 8am start. Registration and race number collection was a smooth process and official bike mechanics were on site to help with any last minute bike issues. The UCI category riders with a mix of International visitors from Holland, France, New Zealand, Spain and UAE and a few local Qataris and expats got a head start onto the course, followed by all remaining riders, men and women, competing in both the mountain bike and fat bike categories.

The Course

Qatar is home to one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert. Inaccessible by road, the ‘Inland Sea’ can only be reached by crossing the rolling sand dunes. With the finishing point by this natural reserve, the riders had 40km of off-road track to cross to get to this tranquil expanse of water. 40km may not sound much, but the course presented challenges for all riders both on mountain bikes and fat bikes. The main challenges on the course were the six steep soft and sinking sand dunes, where most riders found themselves walking or running while pushing their bikes uphill, leaving their legs trembling and sending their heart rates to the roof. On the soft downhills many riders opted for the safe option to walk down while other more experienced off-road riders

or daredevils took the faster option to ride down. Here the fat bike riders had the advantage of riding through the soft sand with their wider tires, while the mountain bike riders took their advantages on the hard flats being able to maintain higher speeds on the slimmer tires. On the long wide flats however, the riders were often confronted with sandy patches, where each rider had to choose their preferred pathway according to which bike they were riding. At the bend of the final 10km mark, the riders turned straight into a headwind exposing the riders with one of the last challenges: who had enough left in the tank to power strongly against the wind? But just before reaching the finish line, the finale of the course, changed slightly from the previous year to make it more challenging for the riders and more interesting for the spectators, the finalists were faced with one last challenge, the sixth and final sand dune only 500m before the finish line. With this one final physically tough and technically demanding effort, a close call between riders could mix up the standings right at the end.

In addition, inside the race, sand dune Nr. 4 had been dedicated as a Garmin Sprint Stage, a ‘race inside the race’, with timing starting at the bottom of the dune and finishing 800m further up at the double top of the dune. Top three fastest male riders of this sprint stage were awarded with valuable Garmin devices.

Organizers optimistic for the future

The Pros take home the trophies

With the Al Adaid Desert Challenge now marked as UCI C3 cross country point to point race and with a prize money pot totaling USD 50,000, we witnessed former professional riders storming across the course and over the finish line. Erik Dekker, 46, from Holland, a former rider for Rabobank Pro Team (1996-2006) and multiple Tour de France stage winner, took home the victory of the UCI male category in the impressive fastest time to date at 1:11:39. “I came to Qatar with my partner and combined this challenge with a holiday. It’s really nice to come to the Middle East from Europe at this time of the year and be spoilt with beautiful desert and weather. In the challenge I broke away early on as I discovered I was faster on the dunes. It’s not the first time I ride in sand; in Holland we have beaches. At least I knew which type of tyre was best suited for this challenge. I have only recently taken up mountain biking and I am now preparing for an 8 day MTB event in Australia in September. I would highly recommend to others to take this opportunity to visit Qatar in combination with this

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event”, says Erik Dekker. The female UCI crown was earned by Qatari resident, PiaSundstedt, 41, originally from Finland, a former multiple UCI World Cup XCM champion, former National Finnish champion and 2012 Olympian. Pia Sundstedt completed the course in a strong time of 1:30:03, which was also an 8th place in the overall ranking. “I had a great experience, especially the atmosphere which was amazing and I love how the event is also suited for family and friends to provide support. The new finish by the water, on a slightly changed course from last year, was really nice, especially coming down from the sixth and last dune. My supporting husband and son and I really enjoyed the event”, Pia Sundstedt shares. A total of 30 Qatari riders took to the start line, and after a tight battle to the final sand dune, male Qatari Mubarak Alajji took the victory, while female Qatari Tala Abujbara was the only contestant in the womens’ Qatari category and was rewarded first place. The finish line venue also hosted a smaller non-competitive kids’ off-road race, while the adult finishers and their family and friends enjoyed shelter, food, snacks, drinks, shower facilities, massage and relaxation by the tranquil Inland Sea.

With the event taking place in this unique off road remote location of Qatar, unarguably the organisers were faced with an extensive organisational challenge, but with support from several organisations and authorities and not least their sponsors, Qatar Cyclists Centre, under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture & Sport, managed to pull off a truly enjoyable and unique experience for both competitive and non-competitive riders as well as their families and friends. With the Al Adaid Desert Challenge now listed on the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar and with a growing number of entries, the organisershave set higher targets and hope to attract up to 500 participants by year 2020. Find more information on the challenge and pre-register for the 2018 event on www.aladaid.qa

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CHALLENGE WINNERS UCI Male: 1. Erik Dekker (Netherlands), former Pro rider (1:11:39) 2. Roman van Uden (New Zealand), Pro rider (1:14:53) 3. Frederic Gombert (France), National Marathon MTB champion (1:22:59) UCI Female: 1. Pia Sundstedt (Finland), multiple World Cup XCM champion (1:30:03) 2. Julie Melville (Australia), (1:52:25) Mountain Bike Male: Vlad Metaxa (Romania), (1:31:58) Mountain Bike Female: Jenn Wicks-Hancock (Canada), (1:51:45) Fat Bike Male: Mohammed Al Subaih (UAE), (1:21:31) Fat Bike Female: Helle Bachofen von Echt (Denmark), (1:39:56) Qatari Male: Mubarak Alajji (1:39:13) Qatari Female: Tala Abujbara, Qatari national rowing team (1:58:36)

ICE vs DESERT – A brand new Fat Bike event partnership

Bike across the Lac-Saint-Jean and Al Adaid Desert Challenge has teamed up for an exciting fat biking challenge and adventure in 2018 in two different locations across the world. Ride across the impressive frozen lake in Canada in sub-zero degrees, followed by the other end of the extreme, the hotter desert of Qatar. The winners of the 2017 fat bike challenges, has received a special invitation for the other event in 2018. Find more info on www.aladaid.qa and www.velosurlac.com 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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FUNctional fitness

Core Bag dead row

Words by: Nicky Holland Photos by: Jung Francisco

Most people get bored of their training regime because it consists of the same exercises which can become quite tedious and repetitive. Functional training is a great way to improve your fitness and make it fun at the same time. Functional basically means performing movements that will help you perform day-to-day tasks. There are many types of movements we do every day that require a basic level of strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination. This article will give you an insight into functional training and how you can make it fun so that you look forward to your workout and avoid the boring exercises.

1

2

The dead row exercise is often performed with a barbell. This can be overhand or underhand grip. However, using the core bag means the grip is vertical not horizontal. This will work different parts of the forearm and the bicep. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, bend over slightly keeping your back straight. With arms extended, squeeze the back and shoulder blades to bring the core bag into the body. This row movement will work the big muscles of the back and the arms. Try to do 10 reps and 3-5 sets.

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1

BOSU squats Battlerope

Stand at full length so the rope is straight. Hold in each hand and alternatively lift one side to create a wave effect. Then do this with the other side. This is a simple but great exercise to work the arms and the shoulders. It is also a form of hidden cardio, which means it will raise your heart rate and is harder than it looks. This calorie burner should be done as fast as you can for 20-30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds then repeat 3-5 times.

Kettlebell clean and press

Using one side at a time, grip the kettlebell and start in a bent over position. This is an explosive move where you need to pull the arm up, keeping the bell close to the body, then drop you wrist underneath to catch the bell on the back of the forearm. Then

This is an advanced exercise that will challenge your core strength, lower body leg strength and your balance. Stand on the BOSU with feet just wider than shoulders. From this stance, turn the toes out slightly. The movement is the same as the squat, so keep your heels on the BOSU, then drop your hips back and down as you lower your bum down to knee level. As you go low, the BOSU will start to shake, this is normal. Focus on the movement and keep the muscles under control. Aim to complete 10 reps for 3-5 sets.

extend the arm by pressing to the ceiling. Again, a hidden cardio move that will get you out of breath if performed with the right weight at the right intensity. Do 10 reps on one side then change. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat for 3-5 sets.

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Burpee to plyo box jump

An exercise that burns a high amount of calories is the burpee. It requires a lot of effort because it uses a lot of muscle groups, all over the body. Start with a burpee, where you are positioned behind the plyo box. Then as you stand, jump with both feet on top of the plyo box. Then jump back off and go straight back into a burpee. Repeat this cycle for 5-10 reps, depending on fitness. Your rest can be 60-90 seconds. Try to do 3-5 sets with speed and feel your heart rate increase. By incorporating these exercises into your training program, you will find that they work the same muscles but in a different way. This is really important as people tend to plateau with their training and therefore don’t get the results they want in the time they want. Change up your training and make itFUNctional!!! ■

Nicky Holland Fitness Manager, Fitness First Motor City

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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

OUTDOORUAE

63

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

Diving

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

64

OUTDOORUAE

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



APRIL 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Fishing & Kayaking

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, 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

General Sports Equipment Distributors

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 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

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

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

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, 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

APRIL 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

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

Motocross & ATV’s



Running

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, 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,

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/about-spacewalk/

Health, Safety & Training

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

OUTDOORUAE

65



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

APRIL 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404; P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont

Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com Orthosports Medical Centre, 5B Street,

Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO (67846), www.orthosp.com The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49,

Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, +971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae

OMAN DIRECTORY

Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box 747, Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545, www.alsawadibeach.info Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar Al Rhowda, P.O. Box 940, Muscat, Oman, +968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box 498, PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman, +968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346, www.global-scuba.com Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours, P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab, Musandam, Sultanate of Oman, +968 91713449, [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

Camping & Hiking

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Boating & Sailing

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

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

Clubs

Horse Riding

Fishing & Kayaking

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

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

Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp, P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421, Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman, +968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com

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

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