Desert Show Down: Aquatic Life

Sailing Arabia the Tour 2017

Al Ain’s ultimate obstacle race - WAR 13

Desert show down

Ultra in Nepalto a Close EDC running Season comes

Wakesurfing UAE

how you can ride an endless wave

Aquatic life

Jake is getting up close

Why women boulder smarter?!

Plenty of

PRODUCTS TO CHECK OUT

Price 10.00 AED 10.00 QAR 1.00 OMR

Tried & Tested:

SILVERBACK SLADE SPORT

CLIFF WALKING THE GRAND CANYON OF ARABIA

Vol. 7, No. 3 March 2017

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OutdoorUAE Team

Who are the people telling the story of OutdoorUAE We are asked many times who the people behind OutdoorUAE are, sharing these amazing stories, adventures and knowledge. The answer is very simple: it is you. Over the past seven years, OutdoorUAE has published articles from several hundred contributors. Sharing your story is the spirit and the heart of OutdoorUAE – real life and first hand experiences. We let you tell your story in your own words, since nothing else would be more honest, authentic and emotional than your personal account. The magazine is not a uniform collection of articles from one or two editors; it is a diverse mix of people, cultures and experience on all levels. No story is like the other and even if we have covered certain topics like climbing Kilimanjaro several times over the years, each

and every account of the same adventure is a very personal and unique account. Everyone can write a story – we truly believe in that statement. Of course, there are people like our regular contributors who are more professional in putting their experiences into words, but even unskilled writers can share their story. The OutdoorUAE team will help you craft yours tory into an article suitable for the magazine while we ensure it is still your story. So don’t be afraid of contacting us. There are only two conditions: it must be your story and we need photos with every article in high resolution. To find out more about how to tell us your story, just drop us an email on [email protected].

Daniel Birkhofer

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 Mobile: 055 9398915 [email protected]

© 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE Vol. 7, No. 3, March 2017

Cover photo by: Sailing Arabia

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Margo Ciruelos Sales and Marketing Manager [email protected]

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Katherine Cañedo Patangui Administration [email protected]

Ian Sebeldia Circulation

Jake Lyle Diving and Watersport Expert

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

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Nico de Corato Diver and Heli Rescue Swimmer with Bergamo Scuba Angels

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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.

Dan Wright Staff Writer and Outdoor Guide

EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

Daniel Birkhofer Founder and General Manager [email protected]

WHEN YOU’RE DONE READING, PLEASE RECYCLE!

Kit Belen Our Fishing Pro

Bandana Jain Outdoor and Lifestyle Contributor

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CONTENTS

09 TEST YOUR METTLE WITH WAR 13

19 CONQUERING HAJAR

EVERY ISSUE 06 EVENTS CALENDAR 08 BEST SHOTS 42 PRODUCTS 63 DIRECTORY

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 09 TEST YOUR METTLE WITH WAR13 10 EDITORIAL - AL YOUSUF MOTORS 12 EMIRATES DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP 16 WADI BIH – TALE OF TWO RACES 4

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26 DARK SKIES CHALLENGE 2017

18 RED BULL CHALLENGE 19 CONQUERING HAJAR 20 EFG SAILING ARABIA – THE TOUR 2017 RACE OVERVIEW 24 DUBAI TOUR 2017 26 DARK SKIES CHALLENGE 2017 27 PHOTO OF THE MONTH 28 WAKESURFING UAE 30 DANA MISKULNIG 32 WINNERS OF SHARJAH LADIES RUN 2017 33 WHY WOMEN BOULDER SMARTER 34 SUMMARY OF THE SECOND SEASEON OF AL MARZOUM PROTECTED AREA

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45 SILVERBACK SLADE SPORT

36 KARIBU KILIMANJARO, HAKUNA MATATA

56 AQUATIC LIFE: GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

OUR EXPERTS

36 KARIBU KILIMANJARO, HAKUNA MATATA 38 CLIMBING IN OPOLO VALLEY

LIFESTYLE 40 OFF-ROADERS CORNER 42 CYCLE BISTRO

47 OUTDOOR EDUCATION – HAYDON 50 FISHING - KIT 52 CLIFF WALKING THE GRAND CANYON OF ARABIA - BAXTER 54 FATBIKING IN THE RUB AL KHALI, OMAN – MARINA 56 DIVING – JAKE 58 CYCLING – HELLE 62 BE HARDCORE, TRAIN YOUR CORE – FITNESS FIRST

TRIED & TESTED 45 SILVERBACK SLADE SPORT

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EVENTS CALENDAR



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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST EVENTS

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

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M A R C H

#IGNITEDXB Hatta Hills Running Festival

Spectacular scenery and some cheeky hills. Distances of 2 ½, 5, 10 & 21km, 7am start. Great race for families, friends and advanced athletes. When: 10th March Where: Hatta Fort Hotel Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

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F4 UAE Championship

FIA Formula 4 has been created to offer young racing drivers around the world the opportunity to take the first step from karting into the world of single-seater racing. Open to drivers of 15 years and above, F4UAE will feature six events, with five of those holding 18 Championship races

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13

Pink Strides

A health walk aiming to promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among people, which is imperative for combating as well as avoiding cancer, Pink Strides will engage participants in a 7km walk at the Khalid Lagoon Corniche.

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When: 13th March Where: Majaz Waterfront Contact: [email protected]

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Fazza Championship for Freediving

In the early days of the emirate’s history, pearl diving was a common way to earn a living. Without the help of tools or equipment, the divers had only their natural skills and abilities to descend and retrieve treasures from the bottom of the sea. When: 13th - 18th March Where: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sport Complex Contact: [email protected]

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Join us for an action packed morning of swimming, biking and running at Mamzar. Great for beginners to advanced, all ages, abilities & relay teams of 2 or 3 athletes. When: 17th March Where: Al Mamzar Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

When: 9th March Where: Yas Marina Circuit Contact: [email protected] MARCH

2XU Triathlon

Muscat Paradise Triathlon

Barr Al Jissah is a probably one of the best locations in the Sultanate of Oman that showcases everything that Oman has to offer, beaches and mountains where the views are spectacular. The race itself takes place at the wonderful Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and surrounding area, which also acts as the transition point as well. When: 17th March Where: Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort Contact: www.mtc-triathlon.com

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The Sorbonne Race 2017- 3rd Edition

The Sorbonne Race 3rd edition is a mixed team race during two full days, and it’s not for beginners. You are competing in different format of races (by relay team or individually). This year new route and one more race Hotel night stay included - BBQ party - Safety Boat - and crazy prizes. When: 17th & 18th March Where: Start Location - Abu Dhabi Mina Port Finish Location - Yas Marina Contact: [email protected]

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M A R C H

RAKUAS (Rub al Khali and Umm as Sameem) trip to your diary

Follow our very own offroad expert, Marina aka The Desert diva on this two day self-drive expedition into the Rub Al Khali Oman and crossing of the Umm As Sameem. Disconnect from the modern world as we venture deep into the desert and enjoy a scenic easy offroad drive (or hike/fatbike) as well as an inky black sky and a campfire. When: 17th & 18th March Where: Rub Al Khali Oman Contact: [email protected] MARCH

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Wadi Adventure Race 13

WAR means running through the desert, swimming through lakes and pools, and navigating dozens of obstacles. Its an amazing challenge, great fitness challenge, and epic fun all rolled into one. Visit the garden city, enjoy the race, grab a free lunch and drink, take a shower or a lazy swim.

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When: 18th March Where: Wadi Adventure, Al Ain Contact: [email protected] MARCH

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5 Star Aquathlon - Race 3

The 5 Star Aquathlon presented by Daman’s Activelife returns to Emirates Palace for the season closing aquathlon. One of the most picturesque backdrops in the world, competitors will swim in the idyllic waters of the Emirates Palace open water lagoon before transitioning into the run through the Palace grounds.

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Sharbatly Fruit Big Stinker

Are you ready for a bit of a climb? Choose from a 12k, 24k or the new and exciting 45k ultra distance worth 2 UTMB Qualifying Race points! The Sharbatly Fruit BIG Stinker is run up and over a beautiful mountain (540m) ascent and descent per 12k loop in Ras Al Khaimah. No GPS required! A great family and friends weekend away! Don’t underestimate this challenge ... probably the toughest solo footrace in the UAE! When: 24th March Where: Khatt Springs Golden Tulip RAK Contact: www.urbanultra.com

The Abu Dhabi Cylce Race Festival will offer afternoon of cycling events at Al Wathba Cycle Park, catering for levels of riders from Juniors, Mountain Bikes through to elite riders. When: 25th March Where: Start & Finish Location - Al Wathba Contact: [email protected]

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Earth Hour LOVERUN 2017

Turn off the lights at home and join EARTH HOUR LOVERUN to run for our planet and send positive vibes to Mother Earth! We guarantee you will have evening full of glow fun when rainbow colored river flows throughout JLT Park for 2017 metres. When: 25th March Where: JLT Park Contact: [email protected]

When: 24th March Where: Emirates Palace Contact: www.urbanultra.com

MARCH

Abu Dhabi Cycling Races at Al Wathba

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Muhaisnah Road Run 10k & 3k - 3rd Edition

Team Sports UAE has brought the 3rd version of road run at Muhaisnah tracks, full of greenery and traffic free route under the supervision of Local authorities. We are inviting our social, professional runners and labors to come and join. The race format is 3k and 10k simultaneously. When: 31th March Where: Muhaisnah 2 Contact: [email protected]

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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: Greg Falski, Lara Antoinette Tan and Olivia B. Well done!

Greg Falski

Cyclist in the desert sun

Lara Antoinette Tan

Weathering mother natures constant change

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Olivia B.

Catching some rays at the golf

Test your Mettle with WAR13 Be prepared to face your fears at Al Ain’s ultimate obstacle race Set for cross country running with a difference the 13th edition of the popular Wadi Adventure Race (WAR) series will once again offer natural and man made hurdles, water features, wired fences, sand bags, cargo netting in addition to some more fun yet fortified testing obstacles at the foot of Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet Mountains in Wadi Adventure on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 8am. Open for both amateur and professionally fit athletes, Wadi Adventure Race (WAR) 13 will be covering over 25 different obstacles with three suitably divided race courses; 5km, 10km and 15km that are perfectly designed keeping in mind the fitness level of athletes competing in the chosen category. Participants can enter for the race by registering via Premier Online. Last date to register is March 14, 2017 at 11:59am. Although race registration can even take place after the deadline and on event day, but will not include the timing chip. Speaking about the event, Engineer Saif Al Blooshi, Chief Project Officer-Tamouh Investments Group and General ManagerWadi Adventure exclaimed, “The combination of energy sapping heat, the dreaded

tyre drag, running across turned over rafts and on unforgiving sand, is something you will never get to experience anywhere else but Wadi Adventure. The event is an initiative in its own way to promote fitness and healthy lifestyle in the city of Al Ain. Our event is a great platform for the city’s fitness community to spend a day filled with excitement and test the true athletic ability- all under one roof.” In addition to the obstacle race, the event also has something for the families of the participants and general spectators as they can enjoy free admission to the facility until 12PM and not only watch the race but also participate in the various fitness oriented activities and raffle draw taking place at the Beach Activation Area in courtesy to our valued sponsors. A specially designed Kids Entertainment Zone will keep the kids

enthralled with activities like, Bouncy castle, Face Painting etc., The event will be followed byan awarding ceremony alongside an inclusive food buffet for all participants, which will excellently go down well for all the hungry and tired bodies scattered around. For registration log on to: https://www.premieronline.com/event/ Wadi_Adventure_Race_13_2470

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Al Yousuf Motors Unveiled its first-class products at DIBS 2017 For the 14th year in a row, Al Yousuf Motors returned to the Dubai International Boat Show with a collection of astonishing wave runners and sports boats. For more than 50 years, Al Yousuf Motors has distributed YAMAHA products ranging from motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, golf cars, outboard engines, boats and personal watercrafts across the UAE. The company has over 30 different sales outlets, workshops and spare parts centres for YAMAHA customers. This year, Al Yousuf Motors was proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Dubai International Boat Show 2017, taking place at Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from 28 Feb – 4 March. Mohamed Iqbal Alyousuf, Deputy President – Marketing of Al Yousuf Motors clarified: “We participated in the Dubai International Boat Show for the 14th year in a row, not only to emphasis our strategic role in this region but to signify the UAE’s position as a maritime hub for tourists and a center

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of major sporting and sailing events, with our range of cutting-edge products.”

“A legend is born”

Introducing our newly launched Waverunner GP 1800 that has hit the records being the best waverunner in its category. The latest and the most powerful waverunner equipped with supercharged 4-cylinder engine with four strokes, which offers the maximum torque. A high-performance waverunner that combines the best hull with the best high-speed Yamaha engine, the GP1800 also features a high quality control system. The lightweight

waverunner is easy to control in turns and quick to speed from zero to 70 miles. Among the collection of Al Yousuf Motor’s products, they represented the latest wave runners such as FX Cruiser HO – FX Cruiser SVHO– VXR -Super Jet. They also showcased their numeric boats such as 242 Limited S – 242 E-series – 190 FSH Sport. The 190 FSH Sport is a top-of-the-line family fishing boat with a T-Top. Yamaha’s new FSH family fishing series represents a clear departure from the previous models and indicates Yamaha’s commitment to innovation. The boat is built on a 19-foot, two-inch hull. The center console layout offers plenty of walk around room for everything from fishing to family fun. FSH Sport has plenty of storage options including a lockable glove-box as well as a 12V outlet, USB and auxiliary plug-in.

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What else?

The sponsored racing team also was there at the Yamaha stand during the event and shared their experience using the Yamaha waverunner GP1800. It was used in the UAE Water Bikes Championship 2017 by the Champion Ali Lanjawi and the Yamaha Superjets that were used by Salman Younus and Sultan Al Hammadi. Ali Lanjawi, the World Champion with the Yamaha bike, took first place in 2016 in the professional category in Sweden, and the Pacific Championships in Estonia. Al Najawi also participated in the last World Cham-



pionship in October in America, won two silver medals and competed in a number of different European tournaments. Salman Younus and Sultan Esa Al Hammadi are the young champions in the Juniors Category. Salman and Sultan, who are also supported by Al Yousuf Motors-Yamaha, have been training with Al Lanjawi since 2010 and have won international Jet Ski championships. Salman had earlier won a championship in the USA, while Sultan won in Europe. Thanking Al Yousuf Motors and YAMAHA, Ali Al Lanjawi said: “We are thankful to

MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Al Yousuf Motors and YAMAHA for their support with not only the world-class water vehicles but also their full technical team. This support has offered me the opportunity to participate in international championships and excel. This is an incentive for all sportsmen like me to work harder and continuously improve in order to achieve more sporting excellence for the UAE and encourage others on a wider scale. The success of Salman Younus and Sultan Esa Al Hammadi, who have trained with me over the last six years, is testimony of the bright future this sport entails for the UAE and the region.”

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at Challenging Penultimate Emirates Desert Championship Event Photos By: Tim Ansell and Greg Falski

Khalid Al Jafla, Ahmed Al Maqoodi, Ross Runnalls and Fahad Al Musallam won their respective Auto, Buggy, Motorcycle and Quad races in tough conditions at Round 4 of the Emirates Desert Championship in the Margham region of Dubai recently. Competitors battled against the elements as well as each other as rare storms hit the UAE on Thursday and Friday. Heavy overnight rain washed away all desert tracks making navigation more difficult, as well as leaving a heavy layer of damp sand throughout the desert, which is especially difficult for the motorcycles to stay upright in. Thankfully, despite low temperatures and overcast skies, the wind and rain held off long enough early on Friday morning for the organisers to start the race, and all competitors were keen to score some much needed points, with only one more round of the championship to go. In the Auto category, Emirati Khalid Al Jafla was a dominant winner in his Armada Trophy Trucks, setting consistently fast times and emerging as a clear winner, with Briton Mark Powell second and Qatari Sh. Hamad Al Thani third in a pair of Nissan Patrols. “The conditions suited my vehicle which is significantly lighter than the Nissans, and I was able to glide along on the top of the wet sand. It was great fun to be honest!” said Al Jafla. “While the win is always welcomed, it was actually more important for me to get used to this new vehicle and its capabilities Rider #130 John Malan

Khalid Al Jafla and his Armada Trophy Truck

Fahad Al Musallam chases down Quad Championship leader Obaid Al Kitbe

ahead of the Dubai International Baja in March. I hope to be able to fight for the win alongside the world’s top teams”, Al Jafla concluded. In the Buggy category, Ahmed Al Maqoodi of the Polaris UAE Racing Team recorded his third win in succession, and looks to have gained control in the championship as he seeks to regain the title he previously won in 2014-15. Al Maqoodi’s teammate Omar Sawan was second on the day, with Briton Tom Bell in third place. Ryan Trutch, who had been leading the championship going into the event was forced to retire with mechanical problems. Reigning motorcycle champion Ross Run-

Buggy category winner and championship leader Ahmed Al Maqoodi

nalls won his first event of the season with a comfortable margin from fellow South African Aaron Mare in second place. Mohammed Al Balooshi finished in third place, leaving himself and Runnalls effectively in a two way fight for the title going into the final round. Al Balooshi, who was runner up to Runnalls last season, goes into the final round holding advantage,having finished all four events compared to Runnall’s three. He will need to finish ahead of Runnalls at round five to ensure that he takes the championship. Elsewhere among the motorcycles, Al Balooshi was first in the Veteran’s Class, Shannon O’Connor won the Master’s Class, Benjamin Melot was best of the Over 450cc Class and Shelby Ingrilli was top of the Marathon Class riders. Elisha Dessurne was first in the Ladies Cup. #73 Sean Butterworth of the Sandy Helmets Team



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#31 Aaron Mare finished the race second overall

British rider Sam Smith

South African rider Ricky Petzer

The Overall Motorcycle podium of Mohammed Al Balooshi, Ross Runnalls and Aaron Mare

#51 John Watkinson found it tough going in the wet sand

Finally, in the quads, Kuwaiti Fahad Al Musallam won a tightly fought battle over two-time Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge winner Obaid Al Kitbe, with the Al Musallam beating his Emirati rival by a margin of just eight-tenths of a second after two hours and Kuwaiti rider Fahad Al Musallam won the Quad Class

Dark skies loom large over British rider Torsten Skeen

100kms of racing. Khalifa Al Rasse finished the podium off with third place. Al Kitbe will be hoping for a strong result in round five as he aims to become the fourth Emirati to win the quad title in four seasons. “Today was a real challenge for the competitors and we were lucky that the conditions permitted us to run the race, although they deteriorated a bit as we got to the end. A lot of the competitors are using this championship as training for the Dubai International Baja and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge coming in March and April, so I am glad that we still gave them the opportunity to race today”, said ATCUAE President and EMSF Chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “I would like to thank all those that came out today to the event, not just those that competed, but more importantly the marshals, sweep team, media, service crew and spectators who braved the worst of the conditions to support UAE motorsport”, concluded Ben Sulayem. The Emirates Desert Championship is the UAE’s national baja rally championship for cars, buggies, motorcycles and quads and is organized by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and the Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF). The fifth and final round of the championship will be

The T2 Nissan Patrol of Mark Powell

held on Friday 17 February 2017, and will be followed by the Dubai International Baja on the 9-11 March and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from the 30 March - 6 April 2017.

The Overall Auto podium of Sh. Hamada Al Thani (3rd), Khalid Al Jafla (1st) and Mark Powell (2nd)

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New Champions Crowned as EDC Season comes to a Close

Torsteen Skeen (#158), who suffered a broken collarbone late in the race

Photos By: Tim Ansell and Greg Falski

The fifth and final round of the 2016-17 Emirates Desert Championship season took place in stormy conditions on Friday morning, but the wind and rain couldn’t stop the various competitors fighting to secure their titles. Riders in the Marathon Class take the start

Emirati rider Khalid Al Falasi

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In the motorcycle category, after coming second in the previous two seasons, Emirati Mohammed Al Balooshi finally put those demons to rest by taking the win on the day and confirming himself as the new champion. “After coming second in the last few seasons, and starting this year still recovering from injuries, I can’t describe how important this win is to me! It will definitely take a few days to settle in”, said Al Balooshi. “The conditions today were really hard but I knew I had to fight through it and push myself if I wanted the title, and I finally found that good luck I’d been looking for in the past. I’d like to thank the ATCUAE and EMSF for putting on such a great event, not just today, but all season”, he concluded. Balooshi’s closest challenger, last season’s champion Ross Runnalls could only manage fourth overall on the day, leaving him a close second place in the championship. Runnalls will be able to comfort himself with the fact that he finished the season as first in the 450cc Class, with Al Balooshi first in the separate Veteran’s Class. Additionally, Al Balooshi’s good fortune continues with the fact that his own team, Balooshi Racing, which

A focused Mohammed Al Balooshi (#7)

Sam Smith (#122)

British rider Torsten Skeen prior to fracturing his collarbone in a crash

includes Sultan Al Balooshi, Mohammed Jaffar and Shannon O’Connor, has finished the season as winners in the team competition for the first time, ahead of the Sandy Helmets in second and SRG Portable Shade Husqvarna in third. Elsewhere, despite an uncharacteristic mechanical issue that left him in fourth place

Husqvarna rider Ryan Blair

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

Quad class winner Khalifa Al Rasse (#202)

Patrick McMurren chases his Sabertooth Motorsport teamate through the dust

AUTO winner Khalid Al Jafla

Khalid Al Jafla and his menacing Armada Trophy Truck

on the day, Ahmed Al Maqoodi had already done enough to reclaim his Buggy title that he previously won in 2014-15. His Polaris Racing Team UAE teammate Omar Sawan finished round five in first place, with the team holding onto the best Auto/Buggy Team award which they also won last year. Ryan Trutch was second on the day with Patrick McMurren in third place. The quad category celebrates its fourth different Emirati champion in four seasons, with Obaid Al Kitbe the latest rider to add his name to the list, but circumstances on the day forced him to work hard to secure the title. Finishing fourth in the event, which was won by Khalifa Al Rasse, Al Kitbe had to carry out emergency repairs in the middle of a desert sandstorm in order to continue the race and score the much needed points. He finished the season only one point ahead of Kuwaiti rider, Fahad Al Musallam. Finally, in the Car category, Emirati driver Khalid Al Jafla was one of the few competitors to retain a title from last season, doing so in style by comfortably winning the final race of the year. Briton Mark Powell was third on the day, with compatriot Ian Barker in third place. “I’m delighted for all the winners, and really impressed that they had the courage to still push themselves today in some horrendous conditions! Between today and the previous event two weeks ago, we don’t seem to have had much luck weatherwise, but it all adds to the challenge”, said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ATCUAE President and EMSF Chairman. It’s been a great season, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported the championship, especially all the officials and marshals. However, the

Kuwaiti Quad rider Fahad Al Musallam

work is never over and we are now full steam ahead organizing the Dubai International Baja, our new FIA and FIM World Cup event for Dubai that is taking place in just over three weeks’ time, and we hope everyone will come out to support it”, he concluded. The Emirates Desert Championship is the UAE’s national baja rally championship for Cars, Buggies, Motorcycles and Quads, and is organized over five events by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) and the Emirates Motor Sport Federation (EMSF). The Dubai International Baja takes place from the 9th to the 11th March 2017, with the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge held from the 30th March to 6th April 2017.

Mark Ackerman (#15) dragging some sand

Over 450cc Class Champion Benjamin Melot

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

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EVENT REPORT

Solo 72km Hurricane and Relay 72km Fun Run in the Sun Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

Wadi Bih is famous for two things: a relatively easy Solo 72km run and a Fun Team 72km Relay on the first weekend in February. This year I doubled up, running Friday’s Solo 72km and Saturday’s Team 72km Relay. Why? Harry, my boss, promised he’d run the Solo 72km when I did the Bahrain Ironman 70.3, so I had to run with him. I also promised my running buddy, Ramzi, that I’d run the 72km relay with him. Brilliant Idea #1. The Weather

The day before the event, the organizers emailed everybody about the weather. Weather? C’mon, seriously? Ultrarunners always expect the unexpected, right? Thursday evening it was a balmy 27C and sunny – so I didn’t bother reading the details. Oops. Brilliant Idea #2. When we gathered for the start at 04:30am, it was dark and quite cold (10C) at sea level. Even though the organizers warned us and predicted it was going to be 10C colder at the top of the climb after 30km, I scoffed at that ridiculous notion and wore my Luna sandals – Brilliant Idea #3. Can you see how my brilliant Ideas can compound exponentially into sticky situations?

I stayed together for the first half to keep each other in check. At CP9, we shared our favourite Salt and Vinegar Pringles. At the turnaround, Harry smiles and says he’s gonna stretch his legs a little. Apparently that means he wants to blast down every hill with reckless abandon. He crushes it, and I don’t see Harry again until I finish and he has already showered and changed into warm clothes.

disappeared in the darkness. He finished with a fantastic time of 8:22, and a great photo of him covering his face on the mountain: Mike’s hands are covering his eyes from flying dirt, sand and debris but he is still running hard into the wind!

Steve – some guy I ran with from 15km to the turnaround

Steve caught me around sunrise. This was his first ultra and we chatted together for over 20km. When we hit our dropbags at CP9, my hands were shaking from the cold and I’m still grateful I scrounged (stole?) a pair of gloves off him – thanks, but they didn’t quite make it back so I owe you. Remember Steve, what is said on the trails, stays on the trails!

Mike On – a top FRU Ironman Harry’s Payback for my Bahrain 70.3 Ironman

Wadi Bih is Harry’s first ultramarathon, which he agreed to run after he coerced me to try that Half Ironman in Bahrain. Harry and 16

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When you run in the darkness with a head torch, it’s easy to sense when you’re being stalked. Mike’s head torch was lighting the path where Harry and I were running – it felt like he was drafting, but the gusts were swirling around from all directions. After 10km, Mike picked up his pace and

Chris Queen

Chris is a solid DTR runner who seemed a bit nervous at the Start, probably a combination of nerves and freezing temperatures. Steve and I caught Chris at 28km, something that

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surprised me so we stopped to see what was going on or if he needed some nutrition. Chris said he was cramped up and was struggling. After the turnaround, I was relieved when I saw how Chris was running better. About 10km later, I heard somebody blasting down the trail behind me: it was Chris! As Chris sailed by, he said he caught his second wind … I assume that was a little British irony, but he crushed it!



how nasty the weather was and how the runners embraced it. When it started to snow, I asked Ramzi to get out of the car to confirm whether it was snowing or I was hallucinating. Ramzi stepped out, and when he stopped laughing at me for running in sandals in a hurricane, he confirmed that I was running in sandals in a hurricane while it was snowing!

Two mysterious runners

At 66km, a woman was running well and closing the gap behind me. As we were slogging through the snow, she managed to go from 500 meters behind me to only 5 meters by 68km. When I looked back at 69km, she had dropped out of the race, with only 3km to go. Another runner was stopped at 70km and sat down in the car with Ramzi for ten minutes. The guy said he was sleepy. He got out of the car and couldn’t move. Both runners were fighting the cold rain and wind for almost ten hours – stopping was a tough decision.

Sam in Training for MdS

Sam is preparing for Marathon des Sables, so he wore his full MdS kit at Wadi Bih. Sam started out ahead, and we ran together on and off after CP9. After 50km, Sam and I were out there essentially by ourselves in the nasty rain. We ran and walked past each other throughout the last few hours – both of us pushing each other to keep each other going to finish virtually together.

My running buddy, Ramzi, and my wife, Olga, were crewing – which meant they were driving the Solo72km route ensuring everybody was ok and taking some photos. Mostly I thought they were amused by

Team 72km Relay

The Saturday Team 72km Relay crowd is the polar opposite of the Solo runners, and fortunately for everybody, Saturday’s weather is perfect for the team runners: warm, sunny and no wind! Nonetheless, the organizers had to change the course because the road through the wadi washed out after Friday’s storm. The course turned at CP4 to up and over a hill to Zighy Bay, which was a welcome reprieve from that mountain we faced on the Solo 72km. Also, the new course meant the teams had to run in pairs – which makes the running much more interesting, but unfortunately reduced the recovery time between runs. For me, the best decision I made was to ditch the sandals and wear my running shoes!

Relay Running Finishing

The last six hours were quite painful for me, as my feet and ankles felt every step in my sandals. When it started to snow at 65km, I was suffering a bit from numb feet and frozen hands but managed to pick up the pace when I heard the organizers – correctly! – were pulling runners off the course because of the risk of hypothermia. I eventually finish in 10:06 and before they gave me my Finishers medal, somebody put a hot, hot towel on my head, because my face was a deep blue. Twenty runners were plucked off the mountain during the storm.

The Aftermath

The Crew

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When I finished, the area behind the hotel looked like it was hit by a hurricane. Why? Because the area behind the hotel was hit by a freaking hurricane! Chairs and tables were knocked around. Tents were scattered around the hotel grounds, with two floating in the Indian Ocean! We stayed overnight in the hotel, because Saturday morning, Ramzi, Olga and I were running the Team 72km Relay with another guy from work (Zaid), along with two other teams of five runners from our office.

The Relay team runs the first leg all together, then Ramzi and Olga ran the next two legs through the village and over the dam. Zaid and I took the next leg – ouch! After running 72km on Friday, I found that the first 100 meters of each relay leg was extremely painful before I was able to find some rhythm and run. We switched around on the legs, but somehow I had the honours of running back-to-back legs, and running to and from Zighy Bay with Ramzi. The hill was a bit tough but we were rewarded with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean on a sunny day!

Jeremy Curran

Jeremy Curran is a beast and set a course record. I saw Jeremy twice at Wadi Bih. First, when he took off at the Start as if he was racing 5km. Then when I was putting on the gloves I nicked from Steve around 27km, Jeremy is flying back at his 45km! I was frozen and numb, but Jeremy was sweating in his tank top and short shorts. I cannot fathom how Jeremy ran that 72km in 5:28 – that’s 4:33/km pace! How did he sprint up that mountain? Didn’t he notice the wind? He was so fast that he finished in time to have breakfast at the hotel with my crew! Unfortunately for Jeremy, he ran so fast that he didn’t take full advantage of the Wadi Bih experience: Sam and I ran the last 7km in snow! Jeremy, next year if you train better maybe you can run Wadi Bih with me and Sam in snow…

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In the latest Red Bull Challenge:

For two years, Markus ‘Max’ Stöckl laid out a plan to put himself in the record books yet again. And in just 11 seconds and at a speed of 167.6km/h with a standard mountain bike, whose components you could buy yourself in the high street, he reached that speed hurtling down a mountain with no name in Chile’s Atacama desert. Stöckl has a penchant for the record books. Brought up in the Austrian mountains, his thirst for speed was established at a young age, his place in the speed annuals first cemented in 1999. In the interim, records have been set at the French ski resort of Les Arcs and on a volcano in Nicaragua among others. For his latest attempt on 13 December - sealed following eight practice runs - it was the barren Chilean desert with barely anything in sight from the 4,000 meter highest point from which he set off. With the gravel slope of 45 degrees deemed the perfect angle for his record, the 43-year-old’s pulse hit the 170 beats per minute mark, the wind whistling past his ears on a 1,200-metre descent in a place 11,000km’s from his home in Austria’s Tyrol Mountains. Speaking emotionally moments after the finish and his latest record, he said: “I’m back on the mountain without a name in the middle of the desert. It’s tricky because it’s all rocky and loose at the start. It was such a long time getting here and standing up there we already cried at the start but it was great fun.” But for Stöckl, as thrilling as the successful record attempt was, it was just as much about the two years in its making. “The whole project is an adventure,” he said. “This is the top bit of it but also travelling here with all the stuff and making our way through the middle of the desert.”

His journey to 100km/h and then 120, he insisted, was straight forward but, as the descent ran out, the increased speed was harder to come by. “It’s hard to reach top speed,” he explained. “After 160, each km/h is a huge effort. If you want to reach a certain goal then you have to put it all in.” Stöckl was a sight to behold on the bike. In a specially designed, figure-hugging suit, he effectively had rudders attached to his legs under the material and a helmet made of two parts - the first a normal helmet, the second aerodynamically designed to ensure the least air resistance possible, the logic being the less air resistance, the quicker he could go. The carbon-fiber helmet, outfit and bike were all tested in a wind tunnel to find the best design and seating position for his latest record attempt. But perhaps the most notable part of the record attempt is that the bike is one that you or I could put together… albeit with some effort and expertise. “It’s a standard mountain bike so there’s no part on the bike that you cannot buy,” he added. “Sure, it’s a high-end bike with the best parts of it but you can buy any part, nothing has been specially made.” The preparation to get there included testing runs on all manner of surfaces from the snow of home to the Chilean mountains, including his fair share of falls, unsurprising with the speeds in question. Whether this latest record has quenched his thirst for the record books remains to be seen. Lying on the ground fresh after the attempt, he spoke of a desire to return home to his family. But after his previous record in Nicaragua, he said the fires still burned inside. That volcano run, in his mind, “wasn’t fun enough

- it wasn’t a real challenge”. But in Chile he claims to have found that. “It’s important that it feels like an adventure,” he said. “We are travelling to another continent, heading into the desert for countless hours, sleeping in tents under the mountain with a good bunch of guys – it all makes for so much excitement. You never know what is going to happen from a start point before you try it.” The footage of his bike firing out a cloud of dust, visible from some distance, suggests the record itself was fairly straightforward but Stöckl admits to being perpetually on the precipice of just one wrong move, his only protection being a built-in airbag to his riding outfit. This is what he had to say about the experience of the actual ride itself: “When above 160km/h, each and every extra kilometre per hour requires an enormous effort. If you want to get an idea of the air resistance, you only have to stick your hand out of the car window when you’re driving at 150 or 160 km/h. This force has an impact on the bike and the entire body. Even though I’m no weakling, physically it is something that I have to contend with too!” To follow Markus ‘Max’ Stöckl future Challenges keep an eye out for more of his exploits in future editions of OutdoorUAE Magazine.

ACTIVITY REPORT

Conquering Hajar The Toughest Ultramarathon in the Middle East Words + Photos by: David O’Hara

In 2016, I quit Urban Ultra’s Hajar 100 after getting lost before Checkpoint 4 (“CP4”). To make amends, I joined Coach Lee Harris’s running group, Desert Trail Runners. Running in a group for the first time is a daunting experience, because the other runners are faster and stronger. During that first run at Wadi Showka with Joff, Yan and Kim, I ran 32km in fear of failing and embarrassing myself but when I finished, it was exhilarating. Yeah, I know those guys are much better runners than me, but we share a common goal: conquering Hajar! Desert Trail Runners

Fifteen Desert Trail Runners (“DTR”) join Coach Lee for Hajar 50km and 100km. We have run together countless hours over the past year at Wadi Showka and Fossil Rock. When people ask why we run every week, we provide a glib answer: because we can, because it’s fun, because it’s good exercise. That’s all crap. When runners ask why we run, we say we run so we can crush Hajar! The DTR group is a diverse crowd with one common passion: running hard. I’ve heard of the loneliness of running, but never experience it, probably because I run with my DTR buddies. We run together and chat, so it’s never dull on the trail. At the Hajar checkpoints, we make sure everybody is feeling good, taking nutrition and hydrating (that’s what we call eating gels and drinking water).

Beauty of Hajar

Nobody enjoys the spectacular views when you run along the ridge at Hajar, with the Arabian Sea visible in the far distance to the east and awe-inspiring cliffs to the west, because we must run up those cliffs in another 15km. When you run the single track along the ridge, you must focus on the rocks on the trail and not on the 100-metre cliff drop

From left: Joff, David, Kim and Yan

off to your right.

Beast of Hajar

Following trail markers on rocks requires concentration, or you risk getting lost or falling. Falling is a regular event. Twisting an ankle is normal. Everybody gets blisters. Rain is irrelevant. Non-runners ask if it hurts and don’t understand that pain is temporary but quitting is worse. The 2016 Hajar 100 has haunted me all year: Why did I quit? Why didn’t I continue? Once you reach CP4, it’s all downhill – at least that’s what you tell yourself even though you know it’s not true. The beast of Hajar is scrambling up and over rocks and boulders to reach CP4. In some sections to CP4, there aren’t even goat trails, because goats aren’t stupid enough to try those climbs! The unfair part of Hajar is the 10km downhill after CP4 is too steep to run down comfortably. A couple DTR’s doing the 50km are running down hard, but I’m sure they burned through their quads. When I get to CP5, I am halfway done.

Thrill of Hajar

Getting to CP5 was a thrill - I didn’t make it

this far in 2016 – and this is when I understand I’ll finish. It was sweet being cheered on by my fellow DTRs at CP5, where I enjoyed a relaxing picnic and changed my clothes for night running. I bump into Yan who told me that Joff was about an hour ahead of me and Kim was almost finished. The camaraderie boosts morale. Hajar 100 is tough, really tough. Whoever says the second 50km is somewhat melodramatic after running up those two mountains in the first half should try running the second half in total darkness. There are many factors speedsters don’t face: headlamp and GPS watch batteries don’t last all night and your stomach only handles so many gels. Without GPS, you measure distance by hours, not by kilometres. Without fresh headlamps, the ankle twisting occurs more frequently. The bright side is getting updates at the checkpoints from DTRs - who crushed it (Kim won with the women’s record in twelve hours), who finished (Joffin nineteen hours and Yan finished the 50km), and who is questioning why he ran Wadi Bih 72km Solo and Relay two weeks prior (me).

22 Hours of Excitement

I run almost all the ultramarathons in the Middle East and personally confirm that Hajar is above and beyond everything in terms of physical and mental challenges. At 03:30 Saturday morning, I finished my first Hajar 100! It took me a mere 22 hours, and I am thrilled because I conquered Hajar and finished with dignity. The ghost of Hajar will not haunt me in 2017. Thanks, Coach Lee!

EVENT REPORT

EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2017 race overview Defending champions, EFG Bank Monaco are on course for a fourth consecutive EFG Sailing Arabia which is the Tour title after winning two of the five legs of the epic 763 nautical mile (nm) race. The team sailed to glory in the 153nm stage from Khasab, Oman, to Abu Dhabi, UAE their second offshore victory in three legs and now they are well positioned to secure the upcoming fourth trek to Doha, Qatar. Crews got off to a spectacular start and Oman’s sailing legacy was on fine display during the first leg to Sohar, Oman. Kicking 20

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off from Al Mouj Muscat’s stunning marina after a tense in-port race, the eight-strong fleet started in a familiar spot with threetime winners EFG Bank Monaco strongly in the lead for much of the 105nm leg. A new face amongst the race veterans, French skipper Theirry Douillard lead the replacement

of three-time champion Sidney Gavignet, who unfortunately stepped out of this year’s race due to physical injury. However, the tides soon turned as Omani skipper Fahad Al Hosni led his home team to victory by snatching first place from the event favorites just before the finish line

in Sohar and allowing fellow Omani crew Team Al Mouj Muscat to move up to second place. Bouncing back from an initial upset, EFG Bank Monaco returned in fine form for the second leg of the race, determinedly taking over arch rivals Team Al Mouj Muscat less than ten miles from Khasab after more than 130nm of intense racing. Led by skipper Douillard, the crew crossed the line victorious at 12.37pm local time (GMT+4), 24 hours and 37 minutes after setting sail from Sohar. In a clear indication of how tight the racing was, Team Al Mouj Muscat, led by Christian Ponthieu of France, finished just three minutes later in second place. EFG Bank Monaco took an early lead for the third leg to Abu Dhabi, though Omani team Al Mouj Muscat stayed tight on its heels. The veteran crew, saw off, spirited attacks from rival crews Team Al Mouj Muscat (OMA) and Team Zain (KUW) to seal the top spot in the 153-nautical mile sprint from Khasab on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula to Abu Dhabi. The triumph is all the more

impressive given the hurdles EFG Bank Monaco faced on the leg. At one point, their Farr 30 racing yacht became entangled in a fishing net, causing them to lose the lead to Team Al Mouj Muscat, but they were able to recover and overhaul their rivals overnight and take the upper hand going into the last

two legs of EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour. Stepping off the dock at Emirates Palace Marina, in Abu Dhabi, Douillard said: “It was a very nice run. We had a good start, a great beginning around old Musandam and the coast. It was incredible, the view was beautiful and our start was a fast one.

Our navigator, Fabian Delahaye, grabbed almost all of the shifts [in tide], which put us in a solid lead before the official race gate. We did have a small issue with a rather large fishing net, sadly, we were caught for a while and it did scare us for a few minutes, but finally we got free and back on course in

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third place. We fought hard to get ourselves in top position by the final gate through some fast moves with the boat and we’re just very pleased with the job of the boys on the crew here and looking forward to keep the momentum up to Dubai.” Returning for its third year, Zain Team of Kuwait’s team manager Michael Miller said his crew was in high spirits from the podium finish and looking forward to more wins. “This is the first time in the 2017 tour that Zain’s hit the podium, after two fourth places, so we’re hugely excited. I’m so pleased for the team and all of us, it’s been hard work and we really deserve it.” The EFG Bank Monaco team, who lifted the EFG Sailing Arabia – The Tour trophy in 2014, 2015 and 2016, now sits comfortably with four points clear at the top of the overall standings with two offshore legs and two in-port race series remaining. They have proved almost unbeatable in upwind conditions but with turbulent seas still ahead for the final 365nm leg remaining until the podium in Dubai. Douillard said, his team must now outperform their challengers with

their spinnakers hoisted if they are to seal overall victory. Omani crews Renaissance and Al Mouj Muscat rank second and third, respectively, as the battle for an overall podium position heats up. British title contenders Team Averda had hoped to claw back some points on EFG Bank Monaco during the final stage, the longest of the event but currently hold steady on a bitter seventh in the rankings. Zain Team’s colleague-friendly voyage stays strong as a potential Renaissance upset, earning a fourth ranking with their podium finish on the last leg. Ranked directly behind the Kuwait team is Sardinian yachtswoman Caterina Nitto’s newcomers, Team Andelasia di Torres, with Swiss boat Bienne Voile directly behind, and Dutch Olympic yachtswoman Annemieke Bes’ DB Schenker women’s team sit in eighth. The fleet departed Emirates Palace marina last Wednesday, heading to the open shore for the penultimate sprint in a fresh 10-knot wind, the identical Farr 30s made good headway towards their next port of call at The-Pearl-Qatar in Doha.

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EFG Sailing Arabia - The Tour is the only annual race of its type in the world and since it was first established in 2011. With a mix of long offshore legs and intense in-port racing, it has become the most prestigious race in the Middle East with a reach and appeal that extends with each edition, among both recreational and professional sailors. For more information on the race, please visit: www.sailingarabiathetour.com Leg 3 Results: OFFSHORE LEG #3 - Coef. 1.5, Khasab - Abu Dhabi

TEAM

2017 SAILING ARABIA THE TOUR - OVERALL RESULTS

RANKING

SCORING

RANKING

EFG Bank

1

1,50

1

EFG Bank Monaco

Thierry Douillard

Al Mouj Muscat

2

3,00

2

Team Al Mouj Muscat

Christian Pontieu

9,00 pts

Zain

3

4,50

3

Team Renaissance

Fahad Al Hasni

11,50 pts

Renaissance

4

6,00

4

Team Zain

Cedric Pouligny

14,50 pts

Bienne Voile

5

7,50

5

Adelasia Di Torres

Caterina Nitto

23,00 pts

Adelasia Di Torres

6

9,00

6

Bienne Voile

Andrew Baker

26,50 pts

Averda

7

10,50

7

Team Averda

Lorenz Mueller

27,00 pts

DB Schenker

8

12,00

8

DB Schenker

Annemieke Bes

27,50 pts

TEAM

SKIPPER

Scoring after 3 races

SCORING 5,00 pts

Marcel Kittel wins Stage 1 at the Atlantis

Kittel wins again

The 4th edition of the Dubai Tour boiled down to a Marcel Kittel showdown Words by: Nico de Corato Photos by: Nico de Corato and supplied

Dubai Tour is organized by the Dubai Sports Council in partnership with RCS Sport, and was held for the first time between 5 and 8 February 2014. The race is a men’s competition consisting of four stages. These are mainly flat, with some hillier parts during the stage leadOfficial Opening of the Dubai Tour with stunt show by Brumotti and friends ing the peloton to Hatta, across the Hijar German edged out Elia Viviani (Team Sky) is 25 degrees Celsius), terrain that isn’t too mountains. In 2015, the second edition of the and Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team) in challenging, comfortable hotels and straightrace was upgraded to 2.HC, meaning that the finale, with Mark Cavendish (Dimension forward infrastructure, with each stage startmore UCI World Tour teams can compete in Data) suffering a mechanical in the sprint and ing from the Dubai International Marine Club the event. The 4th edition of the Dubai Tour fading to fourth. Cavendish (Dimension Data) (DIMC). took place in the UAE (starting from Dubai, hit his handlebars in frustration after his gears Marcel Kittel, German racing cyclist who but leading also to Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, jumped in the final metres of the sprint durrides for Quick-Step Floors, won three out of Fujairah and Hatta) between 31 January and ing the last stage of the Dubai Tour. four stages and took the overall win for the 4 February 2017. I had the chance to follow He had just launched his sprint, coming second year in a row, successfully defending the tour as media & personal photographer from Marcel Kittel’s rear wheel at the right his 2016 title. He won in 2016. for Vittorio Brumotti, Italian Former Bike Trial moment, when his gears jumped. He was Kittel made a strong start, winning stage World Champion, 10-times Guinness World convinced he could have won but ended up one of the 2017 Dubai Tour with a powerful Record holder, now teamed up with Astana. fourth with the German taking his third stage sprint that left Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNLVittorio, also known as “100% Brumotti”, of the race and the overall. Jumbo) and Mark Cavendish performed his trick - as usual Marcel Kittel is the only rider to have won (Dimension Data) unable to come on a road bike - every day the Dubai Tour twice and is also the most off his wheel. The German then before the start, along the successful rider with regard to stage wins in won stage two in a very different path and on the stage after Dubai. In both 2014 and 2017 he powered fashion, jumping from wheel to the award ceremony. Vittorio to three victories, and outsprinted the pack wheel to increase his overall lead. was also called by Dubai twice in 2016, achieving a whopping eight John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) Sport Council to realize a stage wins in the Dubai Tour. took a close win over Reinardt promotional video of the Janse van Rensburg (Dimension Dubai Tour, anticipating the Data) on the third stage of the See you in 2018, Inshallah... locations of the five stages. Dubai Tour, with Bahrain Merida’s https://www.youtube.com/ Sonny Colbrelli third. Race leader, watch?v=PhnauTuM3mw Marcel Kittel, who was allegedly During the race, the leadHE Saeed Hareb with hit by another rider during the er of the general classificaVittorio Brumotti in D3 Hall of Fame Dubai Tour: stage, was blocked in and finished tion wears a blue jersey, the 2017: Marcel Kittel (ger) outside of the top ten. It was Degenkolb’s leader of points classification is denoted by a 2016: Marcel Kittel (ger) first win of the year, and his first major victory red jersey and best young rider by white. The 2015: Mark Cavendish (gbr) over his top rivals since a training crash in race does not award a mountains jersey, but 2014: Taylor Phinney (usa) January 2016. the best intermediate sprinter is awarded an The fourth stage was cancelled due to high Emirati jersey (same colours as Emirati flag). winds, before Kittel took his third victory of Dubai Tour is a stage race that builds on Blogger, marathon runner and triathlete, the race on stage five to secure the overall tithe interest of Western Asia nations hosting divemaster and heli rescue swimmer tle. The race had initially been shortened due early season bike races, giving bike racers with Bergamo Scuba Angels. to sand storms: the opening sections through the opportunity to enjoy a warmer climate. You can check my website the desert were skipped and the start was The overall race winner receives the Circle www.dubaiblognetwork.com, contact moved to Hatta. Unfortunately, strong winds of Stars / Dubai Tour Trophy (shown in the me on social networks or via email at in Hatta forced organizers to cancel this stage pictures). [email protected] for due to safety reasons. For riders looking to ease themselves back information about this article or just to Then Kittel won the final stage (his third of into racing, the Dubai Tour offers everything say hello. the race) and stamped his authority on the they could desire: warm weather (the averDubai Tour by winning the overall title. The age temperature in the city during February

Nico

Dark Skies Challenge 2017 Words by: Marina Bruce Photos by: Supplied

February 23 saw 87 cars assemble at Aradain the Western Region, Abu Dhabi for the fourth edition of the Dark Skies Challenge. The first event back in October 2014 was designed as a training exercise for Oasis Offroad marshals, however they enjoyed it so much the following year it was opened up to other clubs and since then has steadily grown in size.

Dark skies by Anton Delsink

The object of the challenge is not to cover the course in the fastest time, but to go through the waypoints and reach the finish in the shortest distance, without damaging any vehicles, and collecting treasure along the way. The event by its very nature has to be in a very large area of desert and the last massive unfenced area in the UAE is the Magrib (western) desert. Our 2017 edition had 14 teams participating in the Dark Skies Challenge and we were pleased to welcome back many drivers from last year. Some clubs even put in multiple teams; once again some offroaders joined us from Qatar, bringing their friends along to make up two teams, the Qatar Bowl Busters and the Nile Crocodiles led by Alex and Amr respectively. Last year’s winners, Shibu from Desert Raiders took along a total of three teams (the others being led by Yahya and Tossey)– the deadline to submit tracklogs is after the

press deadline so we will have to wait until next month’s OutdoorUAE to see who made the shortest route! One difference this year is that we added a second event - the Dark Skies Extreme – for those who wanted even more of a challenge in terms of distance and technicality. We had five teams participating, including one led by our T-shirt sponsor, Nizar from Jeepers Auto Mechanical Repairing and another by fellow Jeeper, Robert. Back in 2014 when the event was named Desert Raiders checking in at the start gates by Phil Burgess the “Dark Skies” it was a nod to the superdark no-light-pollution area we camp in, too – not only did they have two teams in approximately 100kms from the nearest the DSC headed by Anton and Satishand city, but in 2017 we had dark skies during one in the DSE led by Mohammed, one of the day too! The magreb had last seen rain their club founders, Lee Al Romaithi, also back in March 2016 and the sand was supervolunteered to be in the sweep team where soft, making the going extremely difficult he and his co-driver Phil kept tabs on the for the teams on Friday. On Saturday, the teams. heavens opened and the area saw huge rain Speaking of our sweep teams, once again showers, which made the straight line out of we had top-notch drivers and co-drivers to the campsite much easier for everyone. watch over our teams; Ian and Danny, Steve Knightriders returned for the third year F, Martin, Sarah, Francesco, Shaun, Ameen fielding two teams headed by Saeed and and Lee – thank you so very much - this Bjorne, and Dubai Offroaders entered three event is only possible with your support! teams in total: two for the DSC and one for We had a number of others signed up - you the Extreme edition, led by club founder, can never have too many sweepers - howevAhmad Pervez. er they had to drop out due to illness, injury We had two teams from Oasis Offroad this or vehicle issues. There’s always next year! year, led by Richard and Guillermo, and one I had assistance pre-event too, from Chris of these teams contained the only driver who joined me on the reconnaissance trip to have participated in every DSC - Tatiana and also from Avinash who accompanied Etinger! me on an 115km round trip into the desert The Goat Whisperers to bury the treasure! joined us as a private team Zoe Habrich has a little fun with a There is no prize as Jeepers Jeep! Photo by Zoe Habrich – led by Larry and they such for the winners, loved the small technical instead we have photo dunes so much they spent competitions which are the night there instead of held on our Facebook the camp! Next morning page - facebook.com/ they joined us, all smiles dsc2016. OutdoorUAE is despite enduring the same providing a copy of Mike sandstorm we experienced Nott’s Advanced Off at the main camp. Road Adventure Routes The only team to withUAE & Oman as the first draw from the challenge place prize for each of the was the Desert Hawks, who seven categories. Second had a vehicle issue; bad place prizes by way of luck guys, hope you will food vouchers are being return next year! supplied by the Tilal Liwa UAE Offroaders were well represented Hotel and we also have two prize draws for participants which include a set of Tred-Pros Early morning briefing by Phil Burgess (see OutdoorUAE October issue) and an overnight stay in the Tilal Liwa Hotel. Ibex Adventures Oman sponsored our car “stickers” and caps for each participant and as mentioned previously, Jeepers supplied us with great t-shirts! We would like to thank all our sponsors, participants, sweeps and support for coming together and making the weekend so special – looking forward to DSC and DSE 2018!

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Rider: Moataz El Wasimi Equipment: Airush Kites and Board Location: Dubai Kitebeach Photographer: Glen Grixti ISO 160 | F 7.1 | 23mm | 1/640sec

Words + Photos by: Carl de Villiers

For this month’s Outdoor UAE, we wanted to share our experience on what wakesurfing is, how you can ride an endless wave, and the equipment you’ll need. What is wake surfing?

Wakesurfing is riding the wave that a boat makes directly behind it. It’s done very close to the back of a boat and the best waves are made by specialized boats. You cannot do it with a boat that has an outboard engine. This is a safety issue as the propeller is dangerously close to the rider. The waves can be manipulated with extra weight or “ballast” to weigh the boat down and create a bigger, cleaner wave.

Our boat at Fahrenheit is an AXIS A24 which is way bigger than your standard wakeboat. This tends to be smaller (21 or 22ft and narrower) and it has specialized paddles on the side to create a wake on either side of the boat at the touch of a button. Various other manufacturers like Malibu and Epic also have similar set-ups and can offer good wakes. The result is massive waist to chest high waves of 2 – 3 metres off the back of the boat. Perfect, as this sport is all about the quality and size of the wake.

Why should you do it?

For a start, it’s super easy, super social and super fun! The boat travels at half the speed of wakeboarding (around 11mph) so there are

no speedy and nasty wipeouts – it’s gentle and fun. The skill is not too difficult to learn. It’s easy for both guys and girls,and you’ll get up and be riding in about 10 – 30 minutes on your first go, depending on your skill level. Once you master the skills you can ride without a rope for as long as your legs will hold out which can give you a fully surfable wave for 1 – 4 minutes (or more!). It’s great for flat days when there’s no surf to keep riding, and it’s just as fun as riding ocean driven waves. It’s also very social as most boats will carry passengers and remember: the more passengers you have, the better the waves so always bring your mates! Most of the wakeboats also have the riders close enough to give high fives and you can sit on the back of the boat while they ride and hoot ‘n holler! Our boat has a tower of speakers so you can jam your tunes on while you ride. A lot of companies will allow you to bring your own music so check that when you book. Most groups can accommodate 2 – 6 riders in an hour depending on how long you want to ride for. Most companies will also give you better deals to book for more hours, so go with friends and get a cheaper deal.

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How do you do it?

The boards used for wakesurfing are like tiny surfboards as standard surfboards are too big and bulky. Boards range from 4ft to 5ft in length and tend to have smaller and limited fins too. Some are surfboard shapes and others are like skimboard styles. There are hybrids which are a combination of the two, and even rounder longer boards intended to have a similar feel to longboard surfboards. Board choice is up to the rider on what style you like. The ride starts in the water with a rope like a wakeboard and you place your feet



on the board with the board just floating on the water’s surface. There are other ways to start like standing and sinking the board and jumping off the back of the boat but these are more advanced and the easiest is as mentioned. The boat then takes off and pulls the rider up, and after around 20 seconds the wave starts to form as the boat reaches its peak speed. You can ride with the rope if you want or when you get to know where the “sweet spot” is then you can throw the rope back in the boat and ride without it.

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Where do you do it?

The best places are the ones with the best boats and an area with no other boats. The best boats make a really good clean wake and its best to either go early in the morning when it’s very flat and still or avoid high traffic areas like Marina and Palm where there are big bumps and lots of other boats. Our picks of companies and locations are: Fahrenheit Beachsports in Jumeirah – we have a really good boat and private bay and are at a licensed venue www.fahrenheitbeachsports.com Xtreme Wake in Ghantoot – they have good boats and a good location www.xtremewakeuae.com Eywoa in Abu Dhabi – they have a good boat and great spaces to ride www.eywoa.com/wakesurf-uae All in all, it’s a very fun sport that is growing in the UAE in popularity and there are some great areas to do it. Get out there and give it a go!

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Morocco Trip Eid 2016

Age: 23 Nationality: Austrian Occupation: Entrepreneur – www.elevaete.com Photos by: Supplied

Tell us a little bit about “Life of Dana”?

I was brought up to travel and explore and that stuck with me. When I was a kid my parents would take me out of school to travel with them (within reason) and I was introduced to so many different activities outside. That’s something I took with me and have taken every chance to travel and try out new things. I’ve been documenting my adventures using Instagram (Lifeof_Dana) to share it with others in the hope that maybe they feel encouraged to try these things as well, because if I can do it so can they.

How did you first get into riding motorcycles?

When I was about 16 my dad and my mom gave me a motorcycle for Christmas, it was a Yamaha YZ50. He started teaching me the basics on an empty gravel parking lot and started taking me into the desert. The first time I did a long ride,I was hooked for life. When I first started I wasn’t in the best place emotionally, I was quite a sad teenager and when I started learning how to ride it brightened up my entire world. Riding taught me a lot of important values and life lessons during that time and it still does.

Have you joined any professional motorcycling events?

When I was about 20 I started taking part in the local Emirates Desert Championship, so I’ve just finished my third season of racing. The way the races work is that you ride a certain route for about 2 hours (each lap would be between 20-25km) out in the desert. I race against 2-3 other girls and around 80 other guys depending how many sign up for each race. It’s awesome that we

2010 riding through South Africa

even have girls racing but since there are so few it really pushes me more to get a better ranking amongst the guys. This year I got to take part in the Dubai International Rally (unfortunately as the only girl) and it has by far been my favourite race, maybe next year I can look at doing the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

Have you received any recognition or awards in this field?

When it comes to racing motorcycles, it’s not a very lucrative sport unless you are one of the top riders in the world. So far I’ve been happy to receive 15 AED Satwa trophies and the feeling of pride and glory when you finish the race. Other than that I’ve been approached by a few publications to talk about being a girl in this sport and while that’s really awesome I do wish that there were more girls that are riding that can be covered in the media, but we’re working on that bit by bit.

What countries have you travelled with your motorcycle?

My first overseas trip with the motorcycle was when I went riding with my parents through the Cederburg mountains in South Africa. The following year we decided to ride from Cape Town, South Africa to Windhoek, Namibia and that was probably one of the most memorable trips I got to do on a motorcycle. I’ve been through Sri Lanka by bike, then through seven countries in seven days in Europe and my most recent trip was through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It’s such a liberating feeling to be on the road and trying to find your way. The people you meet and the landscapes you get to experience as you pass by is so humbling.

Other than motorcycling, what other activities does Dana love to do outdoors?

I grew up learning so many different sports and activities; I’m sort of a ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’. I’ve been wakeboarding

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

and wake surfing since I was a kid. When I was studying in Austria I picked up long boarding and most recently I dabbled in paragliding, which I would love to do more of! I’m useless every time I go out but when there are waves here I try to catch one or two.

Do some people find it strange when you tell them you are doing extreme activities like motorcycling or wake surfing?

I have noticed a change that less people are surprised when I mention that I ride dirt bikes or get on the track or do anything else equally risky. That’s a nice thing because it shows that there are more people get-



ting into the sport and it seems to be more normal when a girl does these activities. I’ve been asked a lot if the guys in the community are supportive or they’d rather not have girls there and it’s so nice to be able to talk about how supportive they are. Maybe it’s just the way the riding community is but they are always happy to help and it’s nice to be taken seriously, that you can chat with the guys about the sport and that as a girl you feel so included.

Where do you get the motivation in being involved in these types of extreme activities?

A lot of it comes from my parents – they’ve always been adventurous and I always think if they can do it so can I. There is also this part of me that likes to feel capable, when I can actually do these activities, ride a motorcycle, fly a paraglider, drive a boat, it makes me feel in control when I don’t have to sit on the back of the motorcycle or do something tandem, it makes me feel free. The community that comes with these activities is also a big factor. No matter where you go, if you ride a motorcycle and I ride a motorcycle you already have a friend in each other and it’s nice to be able to connect with others that way and there’s a good chance they’ve got a story worth sharing.

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What is your advice to the ladies out there who are interested in doing extreme activities and adventures but are a bit skeptical in doing so?

As long as you have a safe place to learn and you are learning from someone who knows what they’re doing there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a go. You should also feel safe when trying out these activities because if you learn from someone who isn’t teaching in a way that works for you, there’s a good chance you won’t enjoy it and that you won’t learn it as easily. Always take the proper safety precautions and respect the sport that you’re giving a go so that if you do fall, you don’t get injured as easily. There’s a good chance you won’t get it straight away but the learning curve is so high that before you know it you’ve learnt a new activity and you’re flying or you’re riding motorcycles so don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t get it on the first go. That’s how it is when you learn something new – and you’ve already learned something new by simply showing up.

As an adventurous person, how do you encourage more ladies to try something out of the ordinary?

Activities that are out of the ordinary often have a high entry barrier, whether it’s the financial or skill side. Nowadays there are so many companies where you can learn an array of activities. Or you can always reach out to someone you know is riding if you want to learn how to ride – ask them to give you a session to try it out. Just giving things a go is the first step and you don’t have to commit to the activity – at least give it a go.

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EVENT REPORT

Winners of the Sharjah Ladies Run 2017 Honoured by Sharjah Ladies Club Five km and 10km races saw participation of 1,500 runners from 54 countries

Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC) has honoured the winners of the Sharjah Ladies Run 2017, which took place at Sharjah University City. Characterised by fierce but friendly rivalry, the run saw the participation of about 1,500 female racers from 54 countries, with 66% Emiratis taking part. The competition was held in the presence of a large number of spectators cheering from the sides of the running track. The 5km race saw Ethiopian Berhan Demiesa winning first place with a time of 00:16:12, followed by her compatriot Ganet Gashie who finished in 00:16:23. Liz Verheyden from Belgium took the third place spot in the 5km race with a time of 00:17:44. In the 10km run, Mehrit Tefera from Ethiopia came first with a time of 00:35:14, while Euliter

Tanui from Kenya finished second in 00:36:20 and Natalia Sedykh from Russia won third place with a time of 00:40:33. The six winners received cash prizes and free SLC memberships worth AED 41,000. “This year’s edition of the Sharjah Ladies Run saw a tremendous turnout of participants. The ladies and girls taking part showed incredible enthusiasm and engagement with the race, showing great commitment to promote a healthy life style and to encourage other women and girls to practice sports and physical activities. We are delighted with its success and hope that ladies’ enthusiasm for sports in Sharjah and the UAE stays as strong as it was throughout the race,” said Khawla Al Serkal, Director General of SLC. Mehrit Tefera, winner of the 10km race, thanked SLC for organising the annual event and stressed that she is looking forward to participating in upcoming races taking place in Sharjah and the UAE. She also paid tribute to her family for supporting her in all the competitions she participates in. Berhan Demiesa, winner of the 5km race, said she was extremely pleased with her result and noted the fine weather on the occasion. She reaffirmed that she hopes to participate again in the annual competition along with her friends. The Sharjah Ladies Run 2017 included a number of exclusive offers from SLC, with membership discounts of up to 30%aimed at encouraging participants to adopt a healthy lifestyle during the year. The event also

featured other entertainment activities, such as the Street Art Show, Neon Henna, Photo Booth and Zumba Party. The programme around the competition also comprised personal training sessions with qualified professionals, fitness assessments offered by Fitness 180°,health activities from the Ministry of Health and Preventions, Wii Fit/Sports interactive games as well as medical check-ups, such as BMI, blood sugar and blood pressure tests. Light and healthy meals and drinks were served by the Collage Café to participants during the event. SLC is allocating additional prizes worth AED 74,000, presented by the event sponsors, including health membership, gift vouchers, beauty and therapeutic sessions. The activities were sponsored by the Sharjah Environment Company Bee’ah (Gold Sponsor), Sharjah Sports Council (Silver Sponsor), as well as Support Sponsors that included University city, Monviso, the Health Bank, Pocari Sweat, Cryo and Vita Coco. A subsidiary of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, SLC is dedicated to facilitating leisure and educational activities for women and children. The organisation arranges a programme of events and activities throughout the year that relate to society, art, health and charity; including lectures, seminars, workshops, bazaars, exhibitions, sporting events and forums. Designed to be a unique leisure and learning space, SLC boasts an array of world-class facilities and offers numerous high-end services, making it one of the best-of-its-kind facilities in the Middle East.

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ACTIVITY REPORT

Most guys are stronger than women when they start bouldering. They tend to apply brute force to their movements and haul themselves up vertical obstacles purely on arm strength rather than trying to be efficient. Many women come to Rock Republic with a relatively weak upper body but this an advantage in the long run. A weaker climber is forced to work on technique and use good body positioning and footwork to make it to the top. In the long run, technique will take you much further than a strong back and a vice grip. Developing good technique from the start means you do not have to re-learn it later.

pable of,a 4.5m height wall might be intimidating. Small steps are required combined with patience and encouragement in order to overcome these barriers at their own pace.

Introduction to Bouldering for Ladies

To counter these differences, Rock Republic has started a ‘women’s only’ bouldering class. We leave out the testosterone and macho competitiveness and have a group of women working together to improve their climbing skills. A male-free environment also means local women can join us and enjoy the pleasures, frustrations and camaraderie of working in a group of like-minded individuals.

Next Course

Rock Republic holds an ‘Introduction to Bouldering for Ladies’ session, led by a female instructor on the last Thursday of every month.

For further information on these sessions, take a look at our Facebook page. During the course, Rock Republic is also open for women who are up for a work out session.

Follow our Facebook page for all activities: Rock Republic Dubai

Be that as it may, technique alone is not enough to make a strong climber. Fortunately for women, strength is much simpler to develop than good technique. With a regular bouldering routine and strength training in the weights room, you can go from weak to pretty damn strong in a year or less.

Risk of Falling

Besides strength there are more differences between the sexes. Women generally respond differently than men to risk; they tend to rely on more calculated, cross-cranial decision-making before leaping into a risky endeavor. It’s not that women aren’t daredevils, they’re just more cautious. When women start bouldering for the first time, not quite knowing their strength and what they are ca-

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More than 900 visitors from around the world and more than 600 hunting trips 2070 Houbara bustards, 72 rabbits and 57 antelopes were released at Al Marzoum

Al Marzoum Protected Area for Hunting concluded recently its second season, with a turnout that surpassed all expectations. The hunting season started in midNovember 2016 and went on until mid-February 2017. Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Heritage Competitions at the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi - the official body that supervises the Protected Area-, said that 909 visitors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and a number of foreign countries had stopped at the Reserve. He also revealed that around 628 hunting trips were organised, with the participation of professional and amateur hunters. A number of visits to Al Marzoum by some

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei

poets in conjunction with the presence of different media outlets had marked the second season. The Protected Area had also witnessed the release of 2070 Houbara bustards, 72 rabbits and 57 antelopes. Al Mazrouei expressed his delight at the great success that was achieved by the Protected Area in a brief period, stressing a

commitment towards the development of this unique initiative. “We remain keen on implementing the directives of the wise leadership towards the support of traditional and heritage sports in the UAE,” he said. In its second season, the Protected Area achieved considerable success by luring the lovers of falconry from the GCC region in particular and contributing to the reinforcement of the national identity and the authentic Emirati heritage. Al Marzoum is recognised as a top destination for falconers who fancy traditional means of transportation. The top objectives entail the reinforcement of the historical legacy, the sustainment of species, the support of awareness about falconry, the protection of the environment and the safeguarding of heritage. Al Marzoum also aspires to ensure the consolidation of the principles of sustainable hunting, the development of the breeding projects for falcons and Houbara bustards, and the bolstering of the international recognition of falconry as a cultural heritage of humanity. Al Marzoum has recently hosted a delegation of falconers from the GCC region as part of a heritage programme for the sharing of expertise, the promotion of environmental awareness about the significance of natural reserves, and the role of the Al Marzoum Protected Area in the safeguarding of wildlife. “The Protected Area supports falconry as a significant cultural legacy, an important moral value, and an integral part of the

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national identity and the Emirati heritage,” Al Mazrouei said. “Al Marzoum provides falconers with an opportunity to practise their passion, within the framework of sustainable hunting and in accordance with the hunting regulations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” he added. Being an initiative of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, Al Marzoum remains open for all Emiratis, visitors and tourists throughout the annual hunting season of each year. There, one can enjoy nature and a picturesque environment while practising falconry, in exchange for affordable fees. Al Marzoum is planning to launch a number of specialised programmes to train falconers, and raise awareness about the significance of safeguarding heritage. Students will be taught the principles of sustainable hunting, Al Sinaa (daily etiquette in the UAE), the preparation of Arab coffee, camel riding, and all that is related to the preservation of authentic traditions. On his part, Ahmed bin Haiaai Al Mansouri, Director of Al Marzoum Protected Area, said: “The large turnout that was recorded during the first and second seasons came to confirm a devotion to cultural heritage and a keenness to preserve this legacy for future generations.” “The 3rd season is expected to begin next November and our Department welcomes all visitors, guests and lovers of falconry and traditional hunting. We are planning to organise a number of exciting activities for all our visitors from the UAE and the different countries of the world,” he added.



“Al Marzoum focuses on falconry in the first place and is not providing any other form of wildlife tourism for the time being,” Al Mansouri said. He noted that accommodation would be limited to traditional camps so as to respect the main objective of the project which consists in protecting the environment. He also stressed that only the practice of traditional hunting would be allowed, without the use of any weapons of any kind. Falconry has long been considered as one of the most significant heritage aspects in the region. Its practice has been transmitted from ancestors to younger generations, in the form of a deep-rooted heritage that embodies a spirit of cooperation, good companionship, and a sense of adventure and challenge. Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia, which sprawls over a vast area of 923 square kilometres, is different from all the other wildlife protected areas in the world, with a unique focus on falconry, desert physiognomy, and the different aspects of heritage. All these elements make Al Marzoum the first protected area of

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its kind, on the international level. The Reserve is located 100 – 120 kilometres from the capital, Abu Dhabi (about one hour by car), and is completely delimited by a fence. The Hunting Area is surrounded by a vast natural reserve, where one can find several high-level sites that can be used to observe nature and animals. The Reserve is abundant with the Saxaul shrubs that grow exclusively in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Al Marzoum provides a unique cultural, and tourist opportunity of traditional hunting in the UAE, through the development of its site, where only the use of traditional means of transportation is allowed. Among the objectives are the sustainment of the different species, the reinforcement of public awareness about falconry, and the safeguarding of the environment and heritage. The Protected Area also seeks to promote the significant role of Abu Dhabi in reinforcing the principles of sustainable hunting, and developing breeding projects for falcons and Houbara bustards while ensuring the international recognition of falconry as a cultural heritage of humanity.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Karibu Kilimanjaro, Hakuna Matata Words + Photos by: Bishworanjan Das

A hike to the Roof of Africa - For many, climbing Kilimanjaro is a piece of cake, there are people who just claim that and there are people for whom it actually is. I have met both kinds, but for me the Summit did not come easily... 36

OUTDOORUAE

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Dec. 2016)



I met many climbers back at the hotel after the summit, who asked me, “Do you remember the experience at the top”. We all just laughed at that, but in reality a lot of us didn’t fully remember the experience as we were so badly struck with mountain sickness. The body doesn’t function properly above 5,000m and minus 30 degrees temperatures. This trip was challenging, both at physical and mental levels. From Day 1 of the hike, I started seeing medical rescues and people being brought down on stretchers by their porters. Our confidence levels were already very low so we just had to focus on the summit and keep walking. Day 1 & Day 2 were relatively easy and

we walked for 5-6 hours through the Forest Zone and gained altitude gradually. The rain washed the forest several times a day and everything smelled so fresh however walking in the Forest during rainfall has its own challenges! By the end of Day 2, we were already above 3,700m and the altitude had started rearing its ugly head. From day 3 onwards it was a push towards the Arctic Zone and getting closer to the summit. The body was already tired of hiking in the rain and snowfall, at times for 3-4 hours straight and to make matters worse, people kept coming down on stretchers... On the final day we woke up at 12 midnight for the summit attempt, which was 6 hours away from the last camp. After 1-2 hours of hiking, altitude hit me hard. I had serious nausea and a headache that felt like I was very ill. Well, I know the feeling of being very ill but this was something else! Many times I didn’t know where I was and kept vomiting. I was worried that my guide might call it off and ask us to return. Returning was not an option for me. I had waited

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for this opportunity for a very long time. I said to the Guide that,“I am fine” and kept on going. I hate to admit that it was so hard but I almost gave up a few times. The sun came up and we reached the first point before the summit- Gilman’s Point (5,685m) and here our spirits were up again. There was no going back now but I was still worried about the return journey. You can’t stay in that zone for long and have to quickly descend before the sickness causes any permanent damage or the weather gets too bad. Soon enough we made it to the Summit. The whole experience has been a bit emotional and I find it hard to remember...I have very little memory of the return journey; sickness and exhaustion had taken over me completely. It was mostly my guide pushing me down to get to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the end though, it was done –The Summit was scaled and the Flag was hoisted. My thanks have to go though to my team of 1 Guide, 2 Porters & a Cook. We wouldn’t have made it without you guys!

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in Opolo Valley Words + Photos by: Massimo Ziino

When I return to my home country Italy, I never miss a chance to go into the Outdoors for adventures which I have always loved to do with old friends.

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

Last summer I went climbing in the Opolo valley (Brescia province in Lombardy, Northern Italy) together with my friend Francesco Bosio, an excellent climber from Brescia, and with the mountain guide, Roberto Parolari. The valleystretches from the Monte Guglielmo area down to the Eastern shores of Lake Iseo. The Opolo Valley takes its name from the creek that runs through it, flowing into the lake near the village of Marone. It’s a charming place in itself, but even more special when you can enjoy the artistic installation of contemporary artist “Christo” (an American of Bulgarian origin), while you climb.His temporary work;“The Floating Piers”, is a three kilometre floating walkway on Lake Iseo, which links some local villages with the islands on the lake. Art and climbing - probably a totally unique situation! It guarantees an exciting day immersed in the “Falesiadel Ginetto” comprising of 25 west-facing routes, with



a maximum length of about 40 metres and difficulty grades up to 7c. Rock climbing began here between the late 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, when the first bolts were set in place. Every year, new and increasingly difficult routes are opened up. In 2010 the worldrenowned Czech champion Adam Ondra completed the 9a+ route now called “A Present for the Future”. Ondras’route is so difficult that it has not been repeated since. The rock faces are mostly oriented towards the south and south-west, and therefore can get pretty hot. Temperatures were around 30°C when I went, so I would advise anyone who wants to climb in these exceptional places to do it in the Winter, or in the Spring or Autumn. I love to spend my time in this place, surrounded by nature and far from the chaos of the city and in the company of friends with whom I share the same passions and lifestyle. These places and activities bring

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me back to a human dimension, where time and dynamics flow naturally. A rope, a pair of climbing shoes, a helmet and a few quickdraws, nothing more! The simplicity of the equipment reflects the freedom that we enjoy when climbing. Man and the Wall - a duel with your own ability, an internal battle to overcome obstacles. It takes determination anda good choice of holds. You pay for your mistakes, but due to the equipment, the consequences are not physical. You pay with those small and invisible inner wounds, for not having reached your goal. The rock of these cliffs is a compact Dolomite, and could not be better. It belongs to the Main Dolomite rock formation, which, from a geological point of view, is the same that constitutes the famous Italian Dolomites. I recommend all climbers who pass through this area to stop and spend some time here. This Italian place will present you with incredible climbing opportunities, and guarantees an experience that you will never forget. https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100012021250934 https://plus.google. com/u/0/101704839243638495835/posts

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THE

OFF-ROADERS corner

Name: Zhen Sun Nationality: Chinese Occupation: General Manager Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler

Tell us the background story of the car…

The Jeep was my dream car since I was a kid and I am so happy that dream has become a reality, and the keys are in my hand.

What modifications have been made, performance and cosmetic wise?

I’ve modified the engine to increase its power since it is quite old. I’ve changed the gear ratio to 4.56, exhaust, air intake and tuned the car.

What were your other options before you bought this car?

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

How often do you use your car, and what activities do you take part in?

I consider the stickers on my car to be so special. Also, there’s no roof rack and it has tube doors, so it has a really unique look overall and stands out.

There were no other options. The Jeep was the only car I wanted to have.

I generally use it as a weekend car. I have another car for daily use. I really enjoy driving on the weekends with the UAE OFFROADERS Club or participating in some desert challenges. I also put it in car shows.

Are you planning any future modifications and what 4x4 do you dream of owning?

I am still thinking of having headers and a supercharger on the engine to increase the car power. Regardless of the power other cars have, the Jeep is still the best 4X4 car for me.

What is your advice to the ladies out there who are interested in off-roading?

I advise them not to waste their time waiting! Go for it! Find the right people who will educate you in this field and start saving to get your off-road cars customised based on your personality. Enjoy the season! 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!

$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]

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Going Organic Words + Photos by: Richard Thomas

There’s no denying organic food is the way forward – the health benefits are immense. But what exactly does organic mean? Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. They must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs) and other types of fertilizers. Organic livestock raised for meat, eggs and dairy products must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. No antibiotics or growth hormones can be given to the animals. The first major change once converting to organic food is your body’s capacity for antioxidants, which are believed to play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, premature ageing, vision problems and cognitive malfunction. Conventionally grow produce is more likely to contain pesticide residues, foreign chemicals and contaminants. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) says there are no conclusive

results showing that organic produce is any better than the normal produce that you find in your grocery stores. But if you take a step back and see all the harmful pesticides and shortcuts used for conventionally grown produce, I believe you will see the difference and the positive impact organic food can have on you and your family. Key tips when looking for organic food on your supermarket labels • 100% organic: Must contain 100% organically produced ingredients • Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic ingredients • Made of organic ingredients: Must contain at least 70% organic ingredients • Have some organic ingredients: May contain less than 70% organic ingredients The Cycle Bistro’s produce is locally sourced from Greenheart Organic Farms and Organic Food Stuffs. Greenheart does everything from sourcing genuine heirloom seeds, to soil building, planning the growing schedule including crop rotation and companion planting. They do not store the produce – all their produce is harvested freshly each morning and they only harvest what is needed each day. We are dedicated to producing the best dishes with the freshest locally sourced and organic ingredients. Visit us and taste the difference with organic produce and grass fed meats.

RECIPE Crispy quinoa crumbed crab cakes with apple and coriander slaw, toasted cashews, avocado, tartare sauce and fresh lemon Sweet potato Crab Cakes • 80gm crab meat • 100gm Cooked and mashed sweet potato flesh • ½ lemon zested • 10gm coriander • 5gm chili • 100gm cooked quinoa • 100gm arrowroot flour • 2eggs • 10gm spring onion • 10gm Aioli Method Mix all ingredients excluding the quinoa eggs and arrowroot in bowl with a pinch of salt until just combined. Then crumb with the quinoa by first coating in arrowroot, then egg mix and then the quinoa. Once coated deep fry at 180 degrees until lightly golden brown. Tartare sauce • 10gm gherkin • 5gm capers • 5gm red onion • 5gm dill chopped roughly • ½ lemon juiced • 80gm Base mayonnaise Method Combine all ingredients season and serve chilled. Apple and cabbage slaw • ½ apple sliced • 80gm cabbage sliced • Coriander leaves • 50gm carrot grated • Lemon dressing Method Combine all ingredients in a bowl and dress with lemon dressing and salt.

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

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

GIANT Revel 29er 2

GIANT Talon 3

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

The new Revel with a smart, durable and lightweight ALUXX aluminum frame, a plush suspension fork to soak up bumps, and larger diameter 29-inch wheels. Revel is the right choice for entry-level trail riders. It’s smooth and comfortable on gravel roads or paths, and can guide you confidently toward more challenging off-road explorations.

The lightweight ALUXX aluminum Talon frame features classic off-road design that’s updated with Giant’s proven 27.5-inch wheel technology. The hardtail frame is designed to optimize the wheel size and its 100mm suspension fork. It’s an ideal choice for aspiring off-road riders looking for a balanced blend of quickness and control on the trail.

GIANT Rincon

RADIO DICE FS (with Gyro)

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman

This entry-level mountain bike is a lightweight ALUXX frameset designed to handle the specific geometry demands of 26-inch wheels. A smart mix of weight, comfort and affordability are built into each frame, offering the aspiring off-roader the ruggedness and comfort of a mountain bike.

Radio is a breed of complete BMX bikes like never before. It is one the hottest names on the circuit today, and the Radio Dice BMX is no exception. The Dice FS is designed for the young guns out there just getting into BMX. They have Salt Gyro’s for pulling off the gnarliest tricks at the skatepark. Whilst the bike is also great for cruising the bike paths and some light dirt work.

2,399 AED/QAR | 260.8 OMR

1,999 AED/QAR | 217.3 OMR

• ALUXX-grade, butted aluminum tubeset • Quick handling, 26-inch wheel, optimized geometry for nimble hardtail riding characteristics

2,699 AED/QAR | 293.4 OMR

1,399 AED/QAR | 152.1 OMR

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PRODUCTS Yamaha Factory Watches

Kingii (Floatation Aid) - Made in USA

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: 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.

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

295 AED | Was: 495 AED

Includes: Two CO2 cylinders free

* Offer is valid until March 2017

Jobe OMNIA board (4 sports in 1) 2,295 AED | Was: 2,995 AED

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE 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. 4 sports in 1 board: • Lay • Stand • Kneel • Surf

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Jobe Logo Series Wakeboard Package 1,445 AED | Was: 1,895 AED

Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE Specification: Angled with a “flat spot” in the centre. A wakeboard with a 3-stage rocker features three distinct planes on the bottom of the board. A 3-stage rocker causes your wakeboard to respond with more pop (height) when you hit the wake. Boards with a 3-stage rocker have a flat spot that makes the pop off the wake intense and gives slightly longer hang time before landing. One thing is for sure, if you love massive air tricks, the 3-stage is for you!

T R&I E D

TESTED ODUC THIS PR

OV T IS APPR

TDOO ED BY OU

RUAE

Tested by: Christian Henn, German Cyclist and Triathlete in Dubai

As a Silverback road bike cyclist, it’s always interesting to test other models from the German Silverback product range. Silverback isn’t a big name in the UAE, but the German company is looking to make an impact on our shores with the Slade. With a solid spec and predictable handling, it’s a decent trail all-rounder. I got the chance to test the Silverback Slade Sport Hardtail mountain bike in Showka mountains. The Slade bike range is a cross-country platform that is designed to make the most out of the 275 wheel size. This platform is great for shorter riders and for those who like the agility and stiffness of the in-between in a highly maneuverable, accurate and smooth ride. The Slade Sport from Silverback is a great choice for an affordable mountain bike that won’t break the

bank. Ideal for newcomers to the sport, this bike is nimble, fast and stable. The Slade features a lightweight, tough alloy frame and a plush Suntour fork for impressive control on rough terrain. Reliable Shimano components take care of braking and shifting tasks, and parts from Alex, Maxxis and VP handle the rest. An SBC cockpit finishes the bike off. Better in class than other manufacturers and cheaper as well 2,299 AED is a superb price for the Slade. A picture doesn’t do it justice, you have to see the bike for yourself. The Slade Sport is an alloy frame with a weight of 13.8kg. The front fork is a 100mm suspension with a hydraulic lockout. It comes with a complete shimano group set which is rare for the price, and the maxxis tires work really well on every surface.

The bike handles on tar road and single track dirt just fine and is a great choice if you want to start mountain biking in the UAE or you’re looking for a great bike with a limited budget. Silverback Slade Sport is exclusively sold at Go Sport stores in the region. Available at GO Sport stores in UAE

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PRODUCTS Trail Shaker™ Short Sleeve Shirt 89 AED

Conspiracy™ Razor Ii 349 AED

Available at Columbia stores: Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall

Available at Columbia stores: Dubai - The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center & Ibn Battuta Mall

Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall

Abu Dhabi - Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall

Shaker™ Short Sleeve Shirt

Ultra light multi-sport trail shoe with webbing and synthetic overlays for maximum support on the most rugged terrain.

Features: • Omni-WICK™ • Comfort stretch Fabrics: 62% polyester 26% cotton 12% viscose

Sony FDR-X3000R Action Cam 2,099 AED 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.

Upper: A combination of breathable mesh and synthetic Midsole: TECHLITE™ lightweight midsole for long lasting comfort, superior cushioning, and high energy return Outsole: Omni-GRIP™ non-marking traction rubber

Naish Gerry Lopez 7’10 Funboard Surfboard 1,750 AED Available at Ocean Sports FZE - +971 55 935 2735 Of all the different board models Gerry shapes, the Naish Lopez Funboard is the most popular one because, simply put, it makes surfing easier. These boards suit a wide range of rider’s size and weight, surfing ability as well as types of waves to be ridden. These are super fun surfboards that make catching the waves as easy as riding them. These boards evolved from what we used to call a “mini-tanker” in the early 1980’s, just a shorter version of a long board. It kept being refined to add more horsepower to make it able to handle a wider range of waves in size and juice. Today’s shape still has a fuller nose to maximise paddling while still having rails, edges, bottom rocker and foil to make it fast, steady, positive and maneuverable in almost any wave situation. Bottom shape is a flat to vee running out the tail. Boards come with squash tails and thruster fin set-ups.

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OUR EXPERTS

Educat ion

Scuba Clubs in School Words + Photos by: Haydon Kerr

Schooling and education is all about providing meaningful experiences for students to learn and grow from. So as far as memorable experiences go, offering scuba courses at school is right up there! As an Outdoor Education Coordinator and PADI Instructor, I have had the opportunity to introduce a little bit of ‘my world’ to many students and staff from Deira International School over the years. Getting people to take the plunge and give scuba diving a try has been a great privilege, and there are plenty of students lining up to get involved. To begin a PADI course there is a little bit of paper work involved that can sometimes be a barrier for parents who need to sign on their child’s behalf. But most take comfort knowing that the forms also need to be signed by teachers on the same course! Having mixed groups of teachers and students has been a fantastic way to foster a positive rapport. It also serves to create healthy competition, where students can often find themselves excelling at not only the practical skills, but also the theory. While

the students may be younger, they have a mind set for study and love nothing more than seeing their teacher confused at a new concept such as the relationships between pressure, density and volume at depth (the physics teachers do OK here though). During the teaching of theory and lessons about the underwater world, I had never really paid much attention to the adage that teachers sometimes make the worst students…until I began teaching teachers! Just because a teacher might know the difference between a conjugated verb and an infinitive, or how many wives King Henry the 8th had, doesn’t mean they will ever fully understand how much surface time is needed after a particular dive.

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After each theory session, the time comes to issue quizzes and complete knowledge reviews& there is the inevitable rivalry as to who will come out with top scores. Even more so when the final exam is taken to complete the theory sections of the PADI Open Water course! This is where the teachers kick into gear and revise hard to make sure they not only understand the material, but also so they don’t have to walk the halls of school each day to the tune of “I beat you Sir” or “I’m smarter than you Miss”. Once we reach the stage where everybody is putting together their scuba units, nervous excitement turns to delight as all take breathes in the swimming pool for the first time. It’s normally quite apparent who is going to need a little more attention as soon as those first bubbles are blown in the shallow water. Watching for the wide eyes versus those already confidently high fiving underwater is usually an indicator. The pool sessions are where everybody becomes proficient in all skills required to take the next step into the open water. Buddy pairs are normally formed in the pool and often remain for the duration of the full course until qualification. Students inevitably decide to buddy pair with one of their friends, as do the teachers. But

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on some occasions teachers and students work together to practice various skills. It is fascinating watching on as one becomes the provider of emergency air for another during simulations. After practicing all skills like putting scuba gear together, tired diver tows, recovering regulators and clearing masks, it’s time to

get into the salty open water! Typically we dive off the east coast at Dibba. There are plenty of amazing sites for all levels of diver and most have an abundance of aquatic life. Resident green turtles and black tip reef sharks are scattered across many of the dive sites and a highlight for anybody lucky enough to encounter them.

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

It’s normally at this point in the dive course that I like to explain a few conservation issues and share some of my own points of view. Exposing students to wildlife and sharing the same immediate environment with them, helps to better convey messages about various existing wildlife struggles. Like how plastic bags frequently get mistaken for jellyfish that turtles eat, or how overfishing in areas can lead to serious depletions in the food chain. Generally speaking, most divers are acutely aware of the plights marine life often have. Being able to bring students into the equation helps to nurture a better understanding of these problems, and hopefully create lasting connections with the marine environment. Students achieving a qualification in diving can use their experience to also log hours required as part of their CAS (Creativity, Action & Service) activities. CAS is a major part of IB (International Baccalaureate) schools around the world. Scuba diving activities have lead students into many projects including marine clean up initiatives, aquatic rescue efforts, underwater photography and even surveying techniques. With some students going beyond entry level scuba qualifications and on to Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver, there are even more opportunities that arise for getting involved not only at different dive sites in the UAE but further abroad. Students have come back from holidays with



tales of their latest dives with their friends and family from all parts of the world. Parents also come in to explain how happy they are that their child has found an activity they really love, and a hobby the whole family can enjoy together. So as our ‘Deira International School Scuba Club’ grows, there will be more and more teachers and staff being introduced to the

MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

UAE waters. The experiences gained during the course are enduring and lots of fun! As a teacher, there is no greater satisfaction than knowing that the skills and knowledge you impart will be useful to your students. Seeing them in action after a dive course, and appreciating the marine environment with friends & family on dive boats around the Gulf is even more satisfying!

OUR EXPERTS

Words + Photos by: Kit Belen

There are few constant things in fishing. In olden days it was as simple as throwing a baited hook in the water. These days there are a multitude of fishing styles and disciplines one can get lost in and there are constantly more specific methods for different types of fish being developed each day and further refined to be even more effective. The evolution of fishing here in the UAE occurs as technology is being brought in by our hard working tackle shops and people are starting to adapt and learn new techniques that help improve their fishing. One such innovation is Storm’s Gomoku Conceptrange. Storm, a brand under the “Rapala VMC umbrella” is one of the most progressive brands in the world. Japanese designers are constantly looking for ways to make catching fish easier andconsumers are finding it easier to catch fish with their products every day.

The Jig and a little bit of Insanity

A hallmark of a good lure is not how flashy it is or how expensive or how realistic they look, in my opinion, the best lures are the ones that catch the most fish in the most diverse conditions even in the hands of a not so experienced angler! Without a shadow of a doubt, the Storm Gomoku,“Koika” is one of those lures. From shore fishing to dropping it down to almost 200 meters in Fujairah, this lure has produced for me when other proven lures have failed. On a recent trip with Alghwas Fishing Charters, after dropping a fast jig several times just after sunrise, I went

a 25lb/12kg leader and just to ensure the Koika got to the bottom, I made the leader as short as I dared.

Long Fall Jigging

to the back of the boat and touched the water, finding it to be cold, I immediately looked at the only other outfit I brought with me that day – a Majorcraft Longfall rod paired with a Saltiga 15H and spooled with PE 0.8. To give you an idea on what the diameter of this fishing line is, it is probably about 8 to 10 strands of hair braided together. A few people would find this to be utter nonsense because, well to tell you honestly, it probably is! I chose an 80g Koika for the job, I felt the smaller profile of the 80g jig would give me a better chance at a bite at a time when the fish were probably looking for a snack, more than a meal. In colder temperatures, I’ve learned to scale everything down because the fish become lethargic and are most often more receptive to lighter lures. With such a thin diameter line, the reel easily held 500 meters of line and although I was taking a huge gamble, from past experience with thin lines, I also knew that with the proper rod and the right drag setting, you might just be able to yank out a structure dwelling fish off a wreck or any type of structure.

My Leader

Although not available on the shelves as I’m writing this, The Suffix Invisiline is worth mentioning because of the simple fact that it has very little or no memory at all (Fluorocarbon lines often retain kinks when you spool them on your reel or when you tie a knot with it). For the line I was using and thinking of the conditions at hand, I chose to go with Koika Black Zebra, the color that catches me a lot of fish

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As a few of you know, Long Fall jigging is a form that has been around for a very long time – the only thing different is that nowadays, they have a dedicated long fall rod. Unlike slow jigging, on long fall, you pretty much only lift your rod and allow your jig to flutter down, as soon as you hit bottom, you just lift your rod, to the highest point (12 o’clock position) and let the jig flutter down. For this type of jigging, I wanted the longest possible rod and this search lead me to the Majorcraft Long Fall Model rods. The first one I bought was the heaviest with a maximum jig weight of 210g. I wanted to go even lighter, so I went with the lightest model - GKJ-B78/3LF. This rod is rated for jigs from 60-150g. I posted the model number because I wanted you to see the B78 in the model number – the B means “baitcast” and the 78 means 7 foot 8 inches, this means this rod is 233.68cm this is an unusually long rod for jigging. So before you run to Barracuda and get yourself one of these, first and foremost, you have to realize that this rod will only give you one advantage – the length of the rod gives you the longest fall compared to shorter rods – after that, it all goes down hill…. fast. You have to set your drag correctly and ensure that you have the length of the rod always in your mind – a

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



MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

longer rod will make you feel as if you are getting yanked off the floor of the boat, so you always have to be conscious on where you’re standing and when the fish runs, be very prepared to stand your ground – more importantly, if you go with what I did and use PE 0.8, make sure you are ready to lose your jig, your rod (breaking it) and the fish… all the time. If you are not prepared for all of what I mentioned above, you might just want to stick to a slightly heavier line. The truth of the matter with really thin lines is that you will almost always lose!

It’s Go Time!

Right when the jig hit the bottom, I went through the motions and on my second lift, I felt a tug, I set the hook and found something heavy pull back, with the length of the rod in mind, I immediately started working, pulling as much as I could and relentlessly putting pressure on the fish as much as my line can give. At such a thin diameter and strength, I had to squeeze as much as I could to get the fish as far away from whatever piece of structure it was living in. A few more runs and a hurting shoulder later, I got the fish to the surface – to everyone’s surprise and amazement, it was an amberjack! And although this fish was not big (for sure not more than 6 kilos) the fact that I was able to pull it off the structure on such thin line was quite a feat and it was equally satisfying to release the fish after a few quick photographs. Amberjacks can grow up to 50 Kilos and it would be such a shame to take

When fishing with Abdullah of Al Ghwas I always feel optimistic, with Roy added to the trip, things are never dull

a small one especially when you know how big they get. On my second drop, I hooked up again and brought up a very nice Malabar Trevally, which as the guys that have caught them will attest, is a fish that you can hardly call a pushover. There were bigger fish landed that day, but everyone on the boat agreed that those two fish I caught were probably the highlights of the trip, especially the Amberjack!

Trying New Things

Now, more than ever, there are a lot of fishing gear methods being imported from all over the world into the UAE. It is the best

time to experiment and learn new things. When I arrived in 2006 there were only a handful of people jigging in the UAE, now, it’s commonplace. Fishing evolves, and as anglers have to keep an open mind and try new things that might work for us. I know there are costs involved and that it takes a lot of time and patience to learn something new, however, as I mentioned above, there are a lot of options now, more than we had in the early part of this last decade. There are now Gomoku rods which are proven in Asia to catch big fish, the suggested retail prices of these rods are under 500AED, together with lures that work really well, like the Storm Gomoku Koika, you can put together a system that will not break the bank and will catch you fish, all that’s left is for you to get out there and fish!

Dreamin’ of Reels Screamin’,

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

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OUR EXPERTS

Cliff Walking the Grand Canyon of Arabia

Words by: Baxter Jackson Photos by: Baxter Jackson, Andries3 and Kim Kash

In the Southeastern corner of the Persian Gulf, in the barren outback of the Sultanate of Oman’s Dakhlia Region, stands Jebel Shams, the pinnacle of the Western Hajar Mountains. At 3,028 metres, this is quite literally the rooftop of the Arabian Peninsula and I'm standing on the edge of it, about 1,000 meters below the northern summit. Spreading out before me is a colossal natural amphitheater where two dry canyons, Wadi Nakhr and Wadi Ghul, combine forces to form what is aptly dubbed the Grand Canyon of Arabia. It’s a dizzying abyss of sedimentary rock - 1,900 meters deep from where I stand and 250 million years in the making.

In the great chasm below, Egyptian vultures on black and white wings ride the thermals. Framing them are the sun bleached colours of the canyon walls, running the gamut from chalky greys and greens in the shale and limestone to muted reds and oranges in the sandstone buttressed in between - eons of life and upheaval compressed and fossilized all the way to the valley floor where the top of the Jurassic Sequence of rock peeks out among the date palms and alfalfa farms. At this vertiginous vista, perches the tiny mountain village of Khateem, hovels of stone and barasti huts where a gauntlet awaits - a gaggle of waddling Bedouin women in burkas, a clutch of Omani girls in curtain like dresses - hawking trinkets, crystals and key chains, red and black rugs of goat hair.

Despite their obvious kinship, the slightly dishevelled girls insist they are not of the same brood nor are they in cahoots but rather in competition with one another. I nod and smile good-naturedly before forking over 2 Omani rials for a woven tassel of a key chain, passing the gauntlet relatively un-fleeced despite their whining that if I buy from one, I must buy from all. For the expat ladies in tank tops and short shorts behind me, they get ceremoniously tsk'ed at the gauntlet just as our mountain guides had warned them for such brazen hussiness. Save the hot pants for JBR and cover those salacious shoulders lest you incur the wrath of the conservative mountain tribes of the Saiq Plateau, known for their fierce localism. Just on the other side of the ‘gauntlet’ of Khateem is the trail head for Oman’s most famous hike, the Balcony Walk. It's a stunning, if not vertigo inducing, stroll along the rim of this dramatic gorge past hidden waterfalls and abandoned stone villages. At a leisurely pace, it’s a four hour round trip trek on W6 (as it's colourfully known in the Omani Ministry of Tourism brochures) and clearly marked with red, white and yellow signage (mini Omani flags) painted on the rock itself at strategic positions. At a brisk clip, this 4 km hike can be done in 2 and a

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

1/2 hours (an hour and 15 minutes one way) but with scenery redolent of the American Badlands on steroids, what’s the rush? For our international group of weekend warriors (mostly expats from the UAE) that I’ve tagged along with, it’ll be an hour and a half hike on the canyon trail and 30 minutes out by via ferrata, reckons Joe Daniels, one of our guides on this outing arranged by Muscat Diving & Adventure Center (he’s the one with the ginger mohawk). This popular excursion, easily combined with camping on Jebel Akhdar or at the nearby resort, is a rugged weekend getaway from the ohso-tiresome world of opulent brunches, air kisses and cosmopolitan lifestyle that Dubai is famous for. At this altitude, it’s difficult to swallow that this was once all covered by a shallow tropical sea called Tethys, as our other dashingly English climbing guide Justin Halls explains. Waiting for Joe to finish up helping the others to step into their climbing harnesses, Justin points out that the corals, gastropods and shells found all around on the ground, bear witness to the fact that this ‘mountain of the sun’ (the English translation for Jebel Shams) was once indeed an aquatic environment before it went alpine. At these alpine elevations, the sun feels closer because it actually is. Five minutes into the hike and I’m sweating already – Jebel Shams indeed. Pausing briefly in the shadow of a thorny sidr tree, I wonder how I could have lived in Nizwa, just 57 kilometres away, for three years and never explored what was literally right in my own backyard. Blaming proximity, procrastination and a bad shisha habit, (there was little to do in Nizwa before the LuLu Hypermarket came to town), I decide what matters most is that



I’m here now and not only am I going to hike the cliffs on the Balcony Walk but will also, as I’ve just been informed, lead the group ascent on the via ferrata on the way out as well. In Italian, via ferrata means' the iron way.’ Although it sounds tough now, when I first heard about it, it seemed like a sissy version of rock climbing. It’s what connecting the dots is to the art world – a mockery of actual artistic skill that nevertheless leaves the unaware with a feeling of false accomplishment. What I would discover, however, was that despite the 'training wheels' of steel cables and spikes set up on the side of the mountain, the pounding in my chest couldn't tell the difference. Rounding a curve along the rim of the canyon, the abandoned village of As Sab reveals itself, tucked away under a large stone outcropping, hiding in the shade. It could easily pass as an Anasazi cliff dwelling much like those scattered over the American Southwest. Just the kiva, the ceremonial meeting hall and a few thousand year time differential separate the two cultures - the Anasazi disappeared around 1300 A.D. - this Omani mountain village was abandoned as recently as 30 years ago. The hidden waterfall, just past the great natural arch that shelves the abandoned village of As Sab, is but a tinkle. Despite its diminutive volume, life has sprung up all around it - ferns, mosses, vines and the ubiquitous sidr tree all cling tenaciously

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around this trickle of a waterfall. Most remarkable of all are the rope like vines - thick, sturdy and reaching all the way to the top - the O.G. Omani version of the via ferrata used not for adventure but utility. Maintaining the ancient system of irrigation channels known locally as felaj sometimes required dexterity and speed when repairs were needed, these vines were the link between the source and the lives that depended on them. Right now my life depends on the two clips on my harness being attached to the cable (at least one should be on at all times). 75 meters above the Balcony Walk, 1,900 meters above the floor of the wadi, I can feel the blood rushing through my temples, palms sweating. Despite clear instruction from our guides to not ever remove both clips at the same time while passing a spike (what keeps the cable in place), I do so - the adrenaline or the altitude (or a combination of both) causing me to make a mistake that could have cost me my life. Having survived the first pitch of the 150-metervia ferrata, nature grants me a small respite, a rock shelf to catch my breath and gather my wits before the final ascent. All alone on the edge of that cliff while the others inch their way up, I pause and reflect, grateful to be alive - nothing quite like a whiff of death to make you appreciate life. Gazing into the abyss before me, my heart rate returns to normal as the others scramble their way up to my place of quiet reflection with high fives and exhilaration. My moment alone with Jebel Shams may be gone for now but the feeling will remain with me forever.

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OUR EXPERTS

FATBIKING IN THE RUB AL KHALI, OMAN

Words by: Marina Bruce Photos by: Ahmed Al Mansoori

The Rub Al Khali in Oman is unbelievably remote, yet to the properly prepared it is reasonably accessible. The area has cast such a spell on me I have felt compelled to cross it every year since 2012. I suggested to my keen fat-biking friend, Nikos Koumanoudis, that he may like to attempt to cross the Umm As Sameem on two wheels and that he may be the first person to achieve this feat. Al Ain-based Nikos, a regular rider with the AA Cycling Club was keen to give it a go, so plans were made and he and his friend Yannis joined our expedition group at the Ibri Oasis Hotel one Thursday evening early in February. During the night we could hear the wind gusting to 30-50kph, but we decided to continue with the trip since there were no safety issues and better weather was forecast for the evening and also for the Saturday. The convoy snaked its way towards the Empty Quarter and upon reaching the wettest part of the sabkah/quicksand which is the Umm As Sameem, we dropped Nikos 54

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and Yannis with their bikes. Before leaving them alone on this 500 square kilometre expanse of salty mud, we equipped them with a satphone so they could call for assistance should they need it. Nikos also had the track to the camp downloaded to his gps, particularly useful in an area with little or no landmarks, especially during a sandstorm! Nikos said: “It really was the closest experience to riding on Mars – it was like a different world. The emptiness, solitude and even the storm added to the experience.” Once everyone made it to camp we settled down for the night in the most sheltered spot we could find, where we had a bbq

and our guests chatted late into the evening in the majlis tent. The wind continued unabated for a few more hours but we woke to a lovely sunny morning with just a few clouds in a beautiful blue sky so Nikos and Yannis took the chance to tour around the huge dunes close to camp. Nikos observed, “the dunes are very impressive, all the more so following on from the bleak landscape of the first day’s ride; they are both majestic and spectacular and all the more so when you explore them by bike” When asked if he would recommend riding in this area Nikos commented, “I would definitely recommend riding around the

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huge dunes near the camp for any fatbiker as this area is truly unique. Unlike most of the desert areas I have seen, the Oman Rub Al Khali’s dunes are huge sand islands in a sea of sabkah and the views are amazing.” On crossing the Umm As Sameem by fatbike, Nikos continued, “it is a mental as well as physical challenge for hardcore riders. The route to camp is around 100kms and you have to be very motivated. Unlike other long distance rides, there are no physical landmarks to tick off mentally. I am glad I did it but it is so remote that I have never felt so attached to my GPS before!” As it turned out, someone else, Maxime Chaya, did fatbike through the Rub Al Khali last year; however he was on a different route and I bet he did not have to contend with a sandstorm and 300 metres visibility! My next trip to the Umm As Sameem and Rub Al Khali with Ibex Adventures is scheduled for the weekend of 17-18 March. Overnight B&B at the Ibri Oasis Hotel for Thursday 16 March is included to ensure our guests are rested and ready for an early start the next day – briefing will be over breakfast at 0630 hours on Friday morning before we move off at 0730 hours. If you would like to take your fatbike along, please get in touch and we can arrange logistics support. On the Friday afternoon, highly experienced long-distance cyclists can opt to cross the Umm As Sameem or choose to have a long ride out near the campsite. Less experienced cyclists



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may prefer to do one or two shorter rides near the campsite. There is also an option of dune hiking on the Saturday, or two scenic self-drive 4x4 drives in the Rub Al Khali. To reach the campsite a 4x4 is essential. We can arrange local car hire if required, or can arrange for you to be a passenger in one of our tour guide’s vehicles. To most people this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip – to follow in the footsteps of Thesiger, to be so far away from civilization yet have the safety of experienced desert guides with satphones, and to gain an insight into desert life in of Oman and the UAE just 50 or 60 years ago. For full info, please email: [email protected].

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OUR EXPERTS

Aquatic L ife:

Getting Up Close and Personal

Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle

Our ocean is filled with thousands and thousands of different species of animals, each one wildly different from the last. Some of these species grow larger than double-decker buses, whilst others aren’t much bigger than an average teaspoon. The colours, shapes and sizes of these animals are, and always have been, interesting and intriguing to us as a population – which has prompted us to want to capture this intrigue in the form of pictures. So often we come across great pictures of animals, taken up close and personal, that leave you 56

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staring and wondering: where was this? How was this photo captured? Was it a dangerous situation? And that is the wonderful power of photographs - but how are these photos taken? And how do photographers approach the animals to take them? Not every section of our oceans is filled with an abundance of marine life, but the ones surrounding the UAE and Oman certainly are. In addition to the millions of fish and smaller animals that inhabit the coral reefs that line the ocean floor, are a whole range of larger marine animals that spend their time above these reefs. In the UAE especially, Turtles make frequent appearances near both popular beaches and popular dive sites. Further afield are even larger animals like Eagle Rays, Sharks and even Whale Sharks. When animals such as these make an appearance, whether you’re in the water

or on a boat or beach above, most often the first instinct is to grab a camera or phone and take a picture – whether to share it with family and friends or simply to prove you saw it! And we all want the best photos to show around – so when dealing with wild animals underwater, what’s the best way to go about it? The most important aspect of taking photos of animals up close is the approach, and the most important aspect of the approach is the speed at which you do it – which must be slow. The saying that ‘they are more scared of you than you are of them’, often used by people to help others overcome their fear of certain animals, is on the most part very true. To animals, especially underwater, we humans are big, weird-looking and scary – so most animals will do their best to avoid us if they can, and the ones that do hang around

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long enough for us to see them will certainly not stay for long if you swim up to them too fast. If you were walking down the street and a creature you’ve never seen before that’s double your size came charging toward you – you’d certainly turn the other way and run – same goes for aquatic animals. To avoid a quick getaway by the animal, move toward it very slowly. If the animal is already swimming along, approach it slowly and eventually match it’s speed along side it, and if the animal is residing below a cavern or in a cave, make sure that when you’re approaching you do not block their only way out – because if they do feel threatened by your presence they will go through you to get out! I once made that mistake whilst diving in Fujairah, when I went to film a White Tip Reef Shark under a cave, only to then realise the Shark was female and her two pups were behind her in the cave and I was blocking the only exit – the mothers protection over her offspring, prompted the shark to burst toward me and scare me out of the way! In addition to approaching slowly, make sure you’re not moving your arms or legs around too much, but instead keep your movements to a minimum, as it can also warn off animals who may take it is a threat. Fewer bold movements will leave the animals more comfortable with your presence as they will perceive you as less dangerous. The same goes for any of your equipment, whether it’s camera equipment or otherwise, such as an underwater flashlight – make sure you keep it close and don’t move it around too much. As the past few years have shown, the growth of ‘selfies’ in photographic circles has been exponential, and with it, selfie sticks. These selfie sticks with cameras mounted on the end aren’t just used to take photos on the beach or outside the Burj Khalifa, but have moved underwater as well, thanks to cameras like the GoPro. Fantastic photos can be captured in this way, allowing for truly close up shots of wonderful animals – but with these great photos, extra caution must be taken as well, and you must ensure the



pole doesn’t pose a danger to the animal at any time. And finally after you’ve slowly approached, limiting your big movements and keeping control of your equipment – once you’ve got close enough, it’s time to take your picture! It’s a wonderful feeling when you’ve put the effort in to capture a great photo and you’ve finally got it. Not only will you be able to share your experience with others visually, but it enables you to capture a special moment for yourself, ensuring you never forget it, because it’s experiences like these that make life so amazing – so why not try to remember all of them! In my opinion I think underwater cameras should be labelled as required diving equipment because you never know when that Whale Shark is going to swim out from the depths and say hello, or when that group of Turtles will make an appearance right beside you - and these are the types of memories you never want to forget, and what better way to remember them than to capture a wonderful photograph! Just as important as a slow approach is knowing how long to stay with an animal forand in order to ensure the experience is positive for both yourself and the animal, it is important to stay with it for a sensible amount of time before either it gets irritated with your presence or you get too tired trying to follow it! Overall however, the most important part of the experience is the safety and wellbeing of the animal. To ensure this, the first thing to do is make sure you have adequate diving experience around animals before trying to get close enough for a picture. Although the majority of marine animals are harmless unless provoked, all members of the ocean population are wild animals and can be unpredictable at times, so the wellbeing of the animal often depends on a divers ability to read both the behaviour of the animal and the situation – and whether they felt threatened or not, allowing you to know when to go and when to stay. As well, it is crucial that you never touch a marine animal. Although it may seem harmless, a human touch to an animal can have extremely adverse health effects – and it can even be harmful to yourself if there is poison involved. In places like here in the UAE, there are also fines for touching protected animals like Turtles – so to avoid hurting both the animals and your wallet – keep your hands to yourself! Similarly, although television and films may portray Dolphins and Rays as touch-friendly, they’re not. These animals are equipped with a layer of mucous above their skin which protects it from bacterial damage – but when a person goes and strokes these animals, they remove this layer of slime, making the animal susceptible to infection. I’ve dived with a number of these animals and have unfortunately come across a great many that have 5 lines of infection running along their body which are clearly the mark of a person running their hands along it’s body, removing the slime and causing infection. And needless to say the reasons for keeping your hands to yourself when it comes to animals like Sharks – who may not be as friendly as Turtles or Dolphins when they are touched. So for the safety of both you and the animals, ensure you refrain from reaching out and touching.

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Another hazard that comes when dealing with larger animals is being struck by their body, fins or tail. Although it’s a much less frequent occurrence, if you’replanning on getting up close and personal with a larger animal, make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings and the animal’s movements, because when the animals get bigger, like Whales and Whale Sharks, they are less aware of their movements and surroundings, at their tail end for example which could end up hitting you if you’re not careful! Similarly, it is much harder for them to manoeuvre out of the way if you’re in front of them, or in their swimming path – so make sure you don’t get in the way if you don’t want to see what the inside of their mouth looks like!

Finally, as I said before, all of these animals are wild and can be unpredictable – so if the situation doesn’t feel right, move along. An experienced diver will be able to read the situation and identify the signs that warrant distance between them and the animal. With Sharks for example, if they arch their back, point their snout upwards and tilt their pectoral fins downward - it is in an aggressive or defensive mode and any divers should therefore keep their distance. Underwater animals are beautiful and fascinating, and when you encounter them if you have the opportunity to snap a picture you certainly should! It allows you to capture a great memory, enables you to share the experience with otherS and it acts as proof that you saw what you saw! When you do move in for your pictures though, its crucial that you have both the animals safety and your own in mind, in order to let future divers have the same experience you did, years into the future from now, and hopefully forever. So jump into the water, camera in hand and start searching for your perfect shot!

Safety:

• Only with good diving experience • The safety and protection of the animal is the most important • No touching – manta rays and dolphins with marks – turtles fines • Careful with camera equipment • Big animals – still wild animals and when threatened will defend themselves – slow/no big movements – Whalesharks – don’t get swallowed

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Women

n Wheels

The 7 Cyclist Challenge – 7 Emirates in 3 Days Words by: Helle Bachofen von Echt Photos by: Omar Ibrahim

The idea of the 7 Cyclist Challenge, in association with the UAE National Sports Day on 16th February, came from the Emirati, Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Director of Ajman Tourism Development Department and board member of Ajman Executive Council. This project has been a dream of Faisal’s since he started cycling one year ago. Having been through an incredible personal transformation through adopting a healthy and active lifestyle himself and now rating cycling as his number one sport, he created this challenge for his country and the community. The purpose of the challenge is to highlight the cohesion between people from different nationalities, cultures, religions and abilities through sport and having fun. In addition, Faisal Al Nuaimi also aims to send an important social message relating to children with special needs, encouraging parents to take their children out into the communities and not let them be limited in their abilities to do sports and daily physical activities. Representing this special case, is Team Angel Wolf, Nick Watson and his 13 year old son Rio, who was born with a rare chromosome disorder. With Rio being unable to complete events individually because of his disability,

Nick completed the challenge with Rio sitting in an adapted seat on a specialised bike.

From flagpole to flagpole

In the three days from 15-17th February, the team of 7 cyclists covered 365km on their bicycles through different terrains from sea to desert and mountain to city reaching a total elevation of 850 meters. The journey went from East to West, starting in Fujairah and finishing in Abu Dhabi, covering all 7 Emirates along the way. As the idea of the challenge was not only to promote cycling and sports through the actual physical challenge, but also to highlight and showcase what each Emirate has on offer in terms of tourism destinations, sports, cultures, institutes and heritage, the route included a visit and an official stop at each of the 7 Emirates flagpoles, rising more than 120m tall as a landmark of the given Emirate. Upon arrival at each flagpole, the 7 Cyclist team was received and greeted by the respective Tourism Authority representatives. The team also delivered a range of presentations by the flagpoles including topics such as ‘why it is important to do sports’ and ‘what sort of support cyclists require from traffic authorities in order to stay safe on the roads’.

Preparing for the challenge

As Faisal Al Nuaimi and his team started planning for the 7 Cyclist challenge, they were very fortunate to receive support from professional sports people, who provided advice on training, nutrition and hydration. Each of the 7 team members prepared for the challenge individually to meet their re-

spective and different work and life schedules and availability. In agreement amongst the cyclists, they decided to prioritise building a higher level of endurance to be able to cover the long distances, with speed being less relevant. The training was geared towards an itinerary of 5-8 hours of riding (also including the flagpole visits) at a maximum average speed of 25km/h per day for 3 continuous days.

The 7 Emirates Challenge

Day 1 Fujairah to Ras Al Khaimah, 145km, 600m elevation, 5hrs 20mins, 27km/h As the team set off in enjoyable cool temperatures, they were faced with their first challenge as they hit the Kalba mountain range with winds approaching from all directions. Despite the challenging conditions, the team still managed to embrace the beauty of the mountainous terrain along with paying visits to other cultural sites on their way. As the 7 Cyclists reached the first flagpole in Fujairah, they were greeted by a Fujairah Tourism representative and the Fujairah Police. As they set off for the bike leg to RAK, they were joined on the roads by cycling enthusiasts from RAK cycling club and RAK Emirate group. By their second flagpole visit, Team Angel Wolf was presented with an award from the CEO of RAK Tourism Development. The team felt honoured as they were joined by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Kayed Al Qaisimi, head of Economic Development RAK, on their final cycling leg to the flagpole on Al Marjan Island in RAK.

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Day 2 Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah to Dubai, 128km, 4hrs 50mins, 26km/h The 7 Cyclists woke up in Marjan Island Resport and Spa to a wet and rainy morning, however it didn’t stop them from continuing their journey as planned with the next stop in Umm Al Quwain, where they were received with smiles at the Umm Al Quwain Police station. After a change of clothing and warming up again, especially for 13 years old Rio of Team Angel Wolf, the team once again hit the wet roads and this time were joined by Arab cycling club, including UAE youth national riders and the former UAE champion. By Umm Al Quwain flagpole members of UAQ Management and Economics awaited the cyclists. The team proceeded to Ajman for their 2nd flagpole visit, being greeted by local schools and media as well as receiving gifts from the Ajman Tourism and Development department. After refuelling on a well-deserved lunch, hot tea and coffee, the team made their way through the Sharjah Emirate to the Sharjah flagpole. From Sharjah to the Dubai flagpole the team were escorted through heavy traffic by both Sharjah and Dubai police, which ensured the 7 cyclists could ridesafely and worry free. In high spirits, despite being drenched in rain and mud, the team finally arrived by the Dubai flagpole in Jumeirah, after a day of passing by a variety of culture and heritage sites of the different Emirates. The team agreed to having noticed more of the various sites from passing through on a bicycle rather than driving a vehicle. Day 3 Ghantoot to Abu Dhabi, 93km, 3hrs 25mins, 27km/h The team set off from Ghantoot Gas Station before dawn at 5:30am, to complete a distance



shorter than originally planned, in order for Team Angel Wolf, Nick and Rio, to arrive in Abu Dhabi in time to also complete the TriYas Olympic Triathlon at Yas Marina Circuit (1.5k Swim, 40k Bike, 10k Run). Setting off once again under drizzly clouds, the team was fortunate to be accompanied by members of the Baniyas Cycling Club, various Abu Dhabi cycling clubs and RABDAN Cycling Team. Escorted by the Abu Dhabi Police, the 7 cyclists enjoyed the journey through Yas Island passing attractions such as Ferrari World and Yas Water World. Along the beautiful Abu Dhabi corniche the wind started picking up strongly but stopped shortly after they reached their final destination, the Abu Dhabi Breakwater Flagpole, where they were received by the General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Public Relations officers of Abu Dhabi and the members of the Media.

Making it possible

The team was incredibly impressed by the hospitality and support of each Emirate who fully welcomed and embraced the 7 passionate, determined and often wet riders! Each and every Emirate provided a full police escort to ensure the highest safety for the riders on the roads of the UAE. The initiative was associated, registered and approved by the UAE National Sports Day and with thanks to The 7 Cyclist Challenge sponsors making this journey of coexistence, sport, fun, teamwork and cultural visits possible, the team successfully completed the 365km cycle challenge with no accidents.

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The 7 Cyclist Sponsors • Abu Dhabi Tourism and culture authority • Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities • Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development • Department of Tourism and Development in Ajman • UAQ Economic Department • UAE Department of Tourism and Trade Promotion in Dubai • National Sports and Abu Dhabi Sports Council • Dubai Sports Council and the Interior Ministry • Leadership Public Police • UAE Cycling Federation • Ministry of Interior • Mr. Abdullah Saeed Al Nuaimi, Ajman The 7 Cyclist Riders: Team Angel Wolf: Nick Watson and his disabled 13 year old son Rio – UK Renette Raynor – South Africa Desmond Myburgh, team bike mechanic of Revolution Cycles – South Africa Ruth Astbury – UK Helle Nørgaard – Denmark Anne HanhKha – France Faisal Al Nuaimi, Creator of the 7 Cyclist Challenge – UAE UAE National Sports Day, 16th February An initiative by his highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This sports day involves; aerobics, sports, recreational, communal, educational and competitive activities bringing together the citizens and residents of the UAE, young, old, male, female, disabled or otherwise. 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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PEOPLE

Lulua Ahsan Age: 41 Nationality: Indian Profession: Homemaker and mother of two children

Interview by: Bandana Jain Photos by: Supplied

From moments of self-reflection to devouring invigorating sights from the summit, Lulua Ahsan, a passionate trekker vouches for the countless, intangible benefits of trekking for the body, mind and soul. What inspired you to start trekking?

Born and brought up in the city of Udaipur, in India, I have grown up running up and down the hills without any hiking shoes or hiking gears. I was always fascinated by mountains and wildlife. My dad’s friend who worked in the forest department used to invite us for overnight picnics every weekend to Dak Bungalows in forests of Jhadol, Kaya, Barapaal, to name a few. The best pastime for me and my cousins was to trek in nearby hillocks to collect colourful pebbles of various shapes and sizes, catch butterflies with amazing patterns or simply racing down the hill. After marriage I moved to UAE only too pleased to discover places like Hatta and Ras Al Khaimah to trek every weekend. I also joined a few hiking groups. Ever since, I have been hiking to several places in and around UAE. 60

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How often do you trek and where?

I go for weekend hikes during cooler months in UAE, where I have hiked in the areas of Wadi Helo, Hatta pools, Wadi Hayletc in Hajjar mountain range near Oman-Hatta border. I have also hiked in Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid and Jebel Shams in Oman. I try to go for trekking in Himalayas at least twice a year. I’ve trekked in Rhododendron forest of Singalila mountain range (3,200m) in Sikkim in India. I’ve also been hiking to many hillocks in Aravali mountain range near my

hometown in Udaipurto Kumbhalgarh Fort, Neemach Mata Temple, Machla Magrato name a few. Last year, I took the opportunity to hike to Mt. Schmittenhohe (1,965m) in Zell am see, Austria, which was an amazing experience.

Which has been the most memorable one and why?

My latest trek to Kedarkanthapeak (3,820m) in Uttarakhand, India was particularly memorable. It was rather cold and acclimatizing

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Aug. 2014, we lost our way. The heat was becoming unbearable. So, we divided into two groups of eight each to find our way back to the Fort Hayl. It took almost three hours for us to trace our way back to the Fort. I was totally dehydrated and suffered acute headache with not a single tree in sight, but it was because of support of my team members, particularly Russel, Vijay and Hansraj that brought me back to Fort Hayl alive! We were all strangers to each other, yet the spirit of camaraderie was something which I shall remember for lifetime!

to the sub-zero temperatures was proving challenging and to add to the difficulty, we encountered snowfall on the last day. However, it was the first time that I experienced snowfall in my life. I can still feel the soft snow falling against my cheeks.

What would you say about trekking in UAE and Oman?

UAE and Oman are trekkers’ paradise, the Hajjar mountain range providing great trekking opportunities for hikers of all age groups. I remember my trek to the Fossil Rock (or the Camel Rock) in Maleiha desert. It was an amazing experience walking in sand for almost an hour and then rock climbing to reach the top of Camel rock. I met lot of like -minded hikers and enjoyed their company.

Any memorable trekking moment… During a hike to Wadi Hayl in Fujairah, in

How would you like to inspire others to take up trekking?

The world of trekking has endless benefits for everyone. There’s a lot of positive energy in trekking that helps one to lead a healthy life. Trekking teaches life lessons of joy, compassion, spirituality, love and sacrifice. If one wants to discover inner self, trekking is the way to go!

How has trekking changed you as a person?

Reaching the summit brings about great sense of self- worth and confidence. The lovely views from the summit give a different perspective to life. My time in mountains

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gives me time to introspect, as a result of which, I’ve become stronger physically and mentally, compassionate and overall, a better human being. I also refrain from any unnecessary wastage of food and water. The small joys of daily life and good health have become more important to me. I have resorted to a healthier and more disciplined lifestyle with regular yoga and exercise, nutritious food, adequate sleep and keeping weight under check so that I can continue trekking for years to come.

Be hardcore, train your core! Words by: Nicky Holland Photos by: Jung Francisco

As we move into the third month of the year, how are you getting on with your training?

Most people focus on cardio and resistance training, forgetting about their core. You use your core in most movements. Having a strong core will improve your posture and also your ability to run, jump, swim and cycle. Being able to transfer force from the upper to the lower body, and vice versa, comes from having good core strength. Training this will give you a tighter and chiseled waistline too. This article will give you some top tips and exercises on how you can strengthen your core. Check out my favourite core exercises below.

Walking Glute Bridge

You should always focus on the back of the body not only the front. The posterior chain can help even out imbalances and improve posture. Lie on the floor, looking up at the ceiling and bend both legs. Lift your hips up and squeeze your bum so there is a muscle contraction on the hamstrings and glutes. From here, keeping the hips raised, walk one leg forward followed by the other leg. Then walk back in one by one. Repeat this for 10 reps or 30 seconds. Aim to keep your hips raised so there is a diagonal line from your knee, to your hip, to your shoulder.

Plank on Medicine Ball

Up, Up, Down, Down Plank

This exercise works your triceps (found on the back of the arm) and also your core. Start on your elbows in the plank position. Then push one elbow into the floor and lift the other hand to extend the arm. Do this for the other side too so that you are in a hover position with arms extended. Then lower one hand to the floor and do this on the other side too. This exercise sounds easy but will test your upper body and core strength. The aim is to keep your hips still and to control the rotation to a minimum as you move up and down with the arms. Do this for 10 reps or as many times as you can in 30 seconds.

Straight Leg Oblique Kick

Lie on your side so you have one elbow on the ground and one side of your bum on the floor. Bend both legs together so they come up to your chest. Then extend both legs to a straight position. This counts as one rep. Try

Raise Pike

An exercise that really targets the centre of the core. Place your feet on top of the rower seat and put both hands either side of the rower so you are in a push up position. From here, keep the legs straight and use your stomach muscles to lift your hips to the ceiling whilst keeping your legs straight. You need to lift from your abdominals so that you feel the muscles working deep inside your core. Lower the hips in a controlled manner and repeat this movement for 10 reps or for 30 seconds.

to squeeze your obliques on the side of your body throughout the movement and brace your abs. Keeping the abdominals under tension will help you get the most out of this exercise. Do 10-15 reps on one side then change to do the other side.

Balance yourself on top of a medicine ball. You have three options for this exercise. Option 1 is to have arms straight and feet balancing on the ball. Option 2 is to have feet on the floor and arms balancing on the ball. Option 3 is the most advanced where you have both hands and feet balancing on the ball. Throughout this movement, brace your core and keep your back straight. Try to hold your balance as best you can and focus on keeping the body as still as possible. Aim to do this for 30 seconds, building up to 45 seconds. By following these five core exercises, I am sure you will start to see and feel the difference. Your stomach muscles will get stronger and you will be well on your way to having better posture, which will reduce back pain and improve flexibility. I would look to incorporate these into your training program 2-3 times a week. Start with Exercise 1 and work your way through to Exercise 5. Here’s to a strong core!

Nicky Holland Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif

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MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

UAE DIRECTORY General Sports Equipment Megastores

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

Adventure tours and desert safaris

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

Air

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

Boating & Sailing

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

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

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

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

Camping & Hiking

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

Caving

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

Climbing

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

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

Mountain Biking & Cycling

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

OUTDOORUAE

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

Diving

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

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General Sports Equipment Distributors

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

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

Horse Riding

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

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

Jet Ski Dealers

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

Motocross & ATV’s

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

Motorcycling

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



MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

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

Off-Road

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

Clubs ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org Abu Dhabi Striders, [email protected], www.abudhabistriders.com Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, +971 504188978, [email protected] Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info Dubai Creek Striders www.dubaicreekstriders.org Desert Road Runners www.desertroadrunners.club

Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

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

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

Water Parks

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

Other leisure activities

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

Health, Safety & Training

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

OUTDOORUAE

65

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



MARCH 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

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

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

Boating & Sailing

Clubs

Horse Riding

Adventure tours and desert safaris

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

Diving

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

QATAR DIRECTORY Adventure tours and desert safaris

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

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

General Sports Equipment Megastores

Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar: +974 44822194; Villagio Mall, Qatar: +974 44569143; Ezdan Mall, Qatar: +974 44922827, The Pearl(Parcel 9) +974 40027513, Souq Jabor +974 44430322. Office: +974 44417935, www.galaxysportqatar.com GO Sport Qatar, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, +974 44631644; Villaggio Mall, +974 44157463, www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar Sun & Sand Sports Qatar, City Centre Mall, +974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall, +974 44510179; Mustafawi Exhibition, +974 44935183, en-ae.sssports.com

Boating & Sailing

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

Add your free listing to the 66

OUTDOORUAE

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

Camping & Hiking

Caving

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

Fishing & Kayaking

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

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

Tour Operators Safari Desert Camp,

Fishing & Kayaking

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

Diving

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

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

Stand Up Paddeling, Kite & Surfing, Wakeboarding

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

Cycling (Road & Off Road)

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

ONLINE DIRECTORY

The Coolest Place in the Desert

Visit

IceWaterpark Land Come enjoy UAE’s largest waterpark with dozens of slides at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah! Ice Land Waterpark is the perfect day out. It has something for everyone including a large beach, Olympic sized pool, big slides and kiddie pools. New features coming soon and overnight camping is now open!

[email protected] 800 WOWRAK (969725) www.icelandwaterpark.com