Sailing Arabia the Tour 2017

Al Ains ultimate obstacle race - WAR 13

Desert show down

Ultra
EDC running in Nepalto a Close
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 CLIFF WALKING Vol. 7, No. 3

10.00 AED THE GRAND March 2017
10.00 QAR
1.00 OMR
CANYON OF ARABIA
Tried & Tested:
SILVERBACK SLADE SPORT www.OutdoorUAE.com
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

OutdoorUAE Team

Daniel Birkhofer

Who are the people telling

Founder and General Manager
daniel@outdooruae.com

the story of OutdoorUAE

Dan Wright
Staff Writer and Outdoor Guide

Margo Ciruelos
Sales and Marketing Manager
We are asked many times who the people and every account of the same adventure is a very
personal and unique account.
margo@outdooruae.com

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
Everyone can write a story we truly believe in
that statement. Of course, there are people like
Ireneo Jung Francisco
Designer and Photographer
jung@outdooruae.com
our regular contributors who are more professional
in putting their experiences into words, but even
unskilled writers can share their story. The Out-
doorUAE team will help you craft yours tory into an Katherine Caedo Patangui
article suitable for the magazine while we ensure it
Administration
kathy@outdooruae.com
is still your story. So dont 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 Ian Sebeldia
to tell us your story, just drop us an email on Circulation
editor@outdooruae.com.
Daniel Birkhofer
EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS

Jake Lyle
Editor Distributor Diving and Watersport Expert
For editorial content and press releases Al Nisr Distribution LLC
Tel. 04 446 8473 P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE
Mobile: 055 5760322 800 4585/04-4067170
editor@outdooruae.com Helle Bachofen Von Echt
Printed at Elite Women Cyclist
Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries) GN Printing
Tel: 04 446 8473 P.O. Box 6519, Dubai, UAE
Marina Bruce
Mobile: 055 9398915 2017 Outdoor UAE FZE The Desert Diva and
Off-road Expert
margo@outdooruae.com Vol. 7, No. 3, March 2017

Published by
Outdoor UAE FZE www.OutdoorUAE.com David OHara
Ultra Runner and Extreme
P.O. Box 215062 Endurance Junkie
Dubai, U.A.E. Facebook.com/OutdoorUAE
Tel. 04 446 8473
contact@outdooruae.com Twitter.com/OutdoorUAE
Nico de Corato
www.outdooruae.com Diver and Heli Rescue Swimmer
Instagram.com/OutdoorUAE
with Bergamo Scuba Angels

Youtube.com/OutdoorUAE
Cover photo by: Sailing Arabia

Kit Belen
Our Fishing Pro
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 Bandana Jain
Outdoor and Lifestyle Contributor
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. WHEN YOURE
2015 Outdoor UAE FZE DONE READING,
Reg. at Creative City Fujairah PLEASE RECYCLE!
Get to us on Facebook! P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

CONTENTS

09 TEST YOUR METTLE WITH WAR 13

19 CONQUERING HAJAR 26 DARK SKIES CHALLENGE 2017

EVERY ISSUE 18 RED BULL CHALLENGE

06 EVENTS CALENDAR
19 CONQUERING HAJAR
08 BEST SHOTS
20 EFG SAILING ARABIA THE TOUR 2017 RACE OVERVIEW
42 PRODUCTS
24 DUBAI TOUR 2017
63 DIRECTORY
26 DARK SKIES CHALLENGE 2017
27 PHOTO OF THE MONTH

EVENT & ACTIVITY REPORTS 28 WAKESURFING UAE

30 DANA MISKULNIG
09 TEST YOUR METTLE WITH WAR13 32 WINNERS OF SHARJAH LADIES RUN 2017
10 EDITORIAL - AL YOUSUF MOTORS 33 WHY WOMEN BOULDER SMARTER
12 EMIRATES DESERT CHAMPIONSHIP 34 SUMMARY OF THE SECOND SEASEON
16 WADI BIH TALE OF TWO RACES OF AL MARZOUM PROTECTED AREA

4 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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 47 OUTDOOR EDUCATION HAYDON
38 CLIMBING IN OPOLO VALLEY 50 FISHING - KIT
52 CLIFF WALKING THE GRAND CANYON OF ARABIA - BAXTER

LIFESTYLE 54 FATBIKING IN THE RUB AL KHALI, OMAN MARINA

56 DIVING JAKE
40 OFF-ROADERS CORNER 58 CYCLING HELLE
42 CYCLE BISTRO 62 BE HARDCORE, TRAIN YOUR CORE FITNESS FIRST

TRIED & TESTED

45 SILVERBACK SLADE SPORT

OUTDOORUAE 5
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

EVENTS CALENDAR 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

10
M
A
R
C
H

#IGNITEDXB Hatta Hills Running Festival

Spectacular scenery and some cheeky hills. Distances of 2 , 5, 10 & 21km, 7am start. Great race for families, friends and advanced athletes.

When: 10th March

Where: Hatta Fort Hotel
Contact: www.supersportsuae.com

MARCH F4 UAE Championship MARCH 2XU Triathlon

09 17
FIA Formula 4 has been created to offer young racing Join us for an action packed morning of swimming,
drivers around the world the opportunity to take the biking and running at Mamzar. Great for beginners to
first step from karting into the world of single-seater advanced, all ages, abilities & relay teams of 2 or 3
racing. Open to drivers of 15 years and above, F4UAE athletes.
will feature six events, with five of those holding 18
Championship races When: 17th March
Where: Al Mamzar
When: 9th March Contact: www.supersportsuae.com
Where: Yas Marina Circuit
Contact: info@f4uae.com

MARCH Pink Strides MARCH Muscat Paradise Triathlon

13 17
A health walk aiming to promote physical fitness and a Barr Al Jissah is a probably one of the best locations in
healthy lifestyle among people, which is imperative for the Sultanate of Oman that showcases everything that
combating as well as avoiding cancer, Pink Strides will Oman has to offer, beaches and mountains where the
engage participants in a 7km walk at the Khalid Lagoon views are spectacular. The race itself takes place at the
Corniche. wonderful Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa and
surrounding area, which also acts as the transition point
When: 13th March as well.
Where: Majaz Waterfront
Contact: amal@pinkcaravan.ae When: 17th March
Where: Shangri-La Bar Al Jissah Resort
Contact: www.mtc-triathlon.com

MARCH Fazza Championship for Freediving MARCH The Sorbonne Race 2017- 3rd Edition
13 17
In the early days of the emirates history, pearl diving The Sorbonne Race 3rd edition is a mixed team race
was a common way to earn a living. Without the help during two full days, and its not for beginners. You are
of tools or equipment, the divers had only their natural competing in different format of races (by relay team
skills and abilities to descend and retrieve treasures from or individually). This year new route and one more race
the bottom of the sea. Hotel night stay included - BBQ party - Safety Boat - and
crazy prizes.
When: 13th - 18th March
Where: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin When: 17th & 18th March
Rashid Sport Complex Where: Start Location - Abu Dhabi Mina Port
Contact: info@hhc.gov.ae Finish Location - Yas Marina
Contact: sorbonne.race@psuad.ac.ae

6 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

17
M
A
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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 cross-
ing 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: marina@ibexadventuresoman.com

MARCH Wadi Adventure Race 13 MARCH Abu Dhabi Cycling

18
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.
25
Races at Al Wathba
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: 18th March When: 25th March

Where: Wadi Adventure, Al Ain Where: Start & Finish Location - Al Wathba
Contact: info@wadiadventure.ae Contact: events@gulfmultisprt.com

MARCH 5 Star Aquathlon - Race 3 MARCH Earth Hour LOVERUN 2017

24
The 5 Star Aquathlon presented by Damans
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.
When: 24th March
Where: Emirates Palace
Contact: www.urbanultra.com
25
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: dreamit@iloverunning.ae

MARCH Sharbatly Fruit Big Stinker MARCH Muhaisnah Road Run

24
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!
Dont underestimate this challenge ... probably the
toughest solo footrace in the UAE!
31
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: 24th March When: 31th March

Where: Khatt Springs Golden Tulip RAK Where: Muhaisnah 2
Contact: www.urbanultra.com Contact: info@teamsportsuae.com

OUTDOORUAE 7
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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

Greg Falski
Cyclist in the desert sun

Lara Antoinette Tan Olivia B.

Weathering mother natures constant change Catching some rays at the golf

8 OUTDOORUAE
Test your Mettle with WAR13
Be prepared to face
your fears at Al Ains
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 test-
ing obstacles at the foot of Al Ains
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 de-
signed keeping in mind the fitness level of
athletes competing in the chosen category.
Participants can enter for the race by regis-
tering 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 tyre drag, running across turned over rafts enthralled with activities like, Bouncy castle,
chip. and on unforgiving sand, is something you Face Painting etc.,
Speaking about the event, Engineer Saif will never get to experience anywhere else The event will be followed byan awarding
Al Blooshi, Chief Project Officer-Tamouh but Wadi Adventure. The event is an initia- ceremony alongside an inclusive food buffet
Investments Group and General Manager- tive in its own way to promote fitness and for all participants, which will excellently
Wadi Adventure exclaimed, The combina- healthy lifestyle in the city of Al Ain. Our go down well for all the hungry and tired
tion of energy sapping heat, the dreaded event is a great platform for the citys fitness bodies scattered around.
community to spend a day filled with excite- For registration log on to:
ment and test the true athletic ability- all https://www.premieronline.com/event/
under one roof. Wadi_Adventure_Race_13_2470
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

OUTDOORUAE 9
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, work-
shops 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 Presi-
dent Marketing of Al Yousuf Motors clari-
fied: We participated in the Dubai Interna-
tional Boat Show for the 14th year in a row,
not only to emphasis our strategic role in
this region but to signify the UAEs position
as a maritime hub for tourists and a center
10 OUTDOORUAE
of major sporting and sailing events, with
our range of cutting-edge products.
A legend is born
Introducing our newly launched Waverun-
ner 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 com-
bines 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 Mo-
tors 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. Yamahas
new FSH family fishing series represents a
clear departure from the previous models
and indicates Yamahas commitment to in-
novation. The boat is built on a 19-foot,
two-inch hull. The center console layout of-
fers plenty of walk around room for every-
thing 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.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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 Hamma-
di 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 sports-
men like me to work harder and continuous-
ly improve in order to achieve more sporting
excellence for the UAE and encourage oth-
ers 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.
OUTDOORUAE 11
 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. Khalid Al Jafla and his Armada Trophy Truck
Competitors battled against the ele-
ments 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 Fahad Al Musallam chases down Quad Buggy category winner and championship
long enough early on Friday morning for the Championship leader Obaid Al Kitbe leader Ahmed Al Maqoodi
organisers to start the race, and all competi-
tors were keen to score some much needed
points, with only one more round of the ahead of the Dubai International Baja in nalls won his first event of the season with
championship to go. March. I hope to be able to fight for the win a comfortable margin from fellow South
In the Auto category, Emirati Khalid Al alongside the worlds top teams, Al Jafla African Aaron Mare in second place. Mo-
Jafla was a dominant winner in his Armada concluded. hammed Al Balooshi finished in third place,
Trophy Trucks, setting consistently fast times In the Buggy category, Ahmed Al Maqoo- leaving himself and Runnalls effectively in a
and emerging as a clear winner, with Briton di of the Polaris UAE Racing Team recorded two way fight for the title going into the final
Mark Powell second and Qatari Sh. Hamad his third win in succession, and looks to have round.
Al Thani third in a pair of Nissan Patrols. gained control in the championship as he Al Balooshi, who was runner up to Run-
The conditions suited my vehicle which seeks to regain the title he previously won nalls last season, goes into the final round
is significantly lighter than the Nissans, and in 2014-15. Al Maqoodis teammate Omar holding advantage,having finished all four
I was able to glide along on the top of the Sawan was second on the day, with Briton events compared to Runnalls three. He will
wet sand. It was great fun to be honest! Tom Bell in third place. Ryan Trutch, who need to finish ahead of Runnalls at round
said Al Jafla. had been leading the championship going five to ensure that he takes the champion-
While the win is always welcomed, it into the event was forced to retire with me- ship.
was actually more important for me to get chanical problems. Elsewhere among the motorcycles, Al
used to this new vehicle and its capabilities Reigning motorcycle champion Ross Run- Balooshi was first in the Veterans Class,
Shannon OConnor won the Masters Class,
Rider #130 John Malan 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


#31 Aaron Mare finished the race second overall
British rider Sam Smith
South African rider Ricky Petzer
#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 win-
ner 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
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
The Overall Motorcycle podium of Mohammed
Al Balooshi, Ross Runnalls and Aaron Mare
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 com-
petitors and we were lucky that the condi-
tions permitted us to run the race, although The T2 Nissan Patrol of Mark Powell
they deteriorated a bit as we got to the end.
A lot of the competitors are using this cham- held on Friday 17 February 2017, and will be
pionship as training for the Dubai Interna- followed by the Dubai International Baja on
tional Baja and Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge the 9-11 March and the Abu Dhabi Desert
coming in March and April, so I am glad that Challenge from the 30 March - 6 April 2017.
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
UAEs 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 The Overall Auto podium of Sh. Hamada Al Thani
and final round of the championship will be (3rd), Khalid Al Jafla (1st) and Mark Powell (2nd)
OUTDOORUAE 13
 New Champions Crowned as
EDC Season comes to a Close
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
couldnt stop the various competi-
tors fighting to secure their titles.
Riders in the Marathon Class take the start
Emirati rider Khalid Al Falasi
14 OUTDOORUAE
Torsteen Skeen (#158), who suffered
a broken collarbone late in the race
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 cham- Sam Smith (#122)
pion.
After coming second in the last few sea-
sons, and starting this year still recovering
from injuries, I cant 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 Id been looking for in
the past. Id like to thank the ATCUAE and
EMSF for putting on such a great event, not
just today, but all season, he concluded. British rider Torsten Skeen prior to
Balooshis closest challenger, last seasons fracturing his collarbone in a crash
champion Ross Runnalls could only man-
age fourth overall on the day, leaving him includes Sultan Al Balooshi, Mohammed
a close second place in the championship. Jaffar and Shannon OConnor, has finished
Runnalls will be able to comfort himself with the season as winners in the team competi-
the fact that he finished the season as first in tion for the first time, ahead of the Sandy
the 450cc Class, with Al Balooshi first in the Helmets in second and SRG Portable Shade
separate Veterans Class. Additionally, Al Ba- Husqvarna in third.
looshis good fortune continues with the fact Elsewhere, despite an uncharacteristic
that his own team, Balooshi Racing, which mechanical issue that left him in fourth place
A focused Mohammed Al Balooshi (#7) Husqvarna rider Ryan Blair
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Patrick McMurren chases his Sabertooth

Quad class winner Khalifa Al Rasse (#202) 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 team-
mate 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 Kuwaiti Quad rider Fahad Al Musallam
was won by Khalifa Al Rasse, Al Kitbe had to carry
out emergency repairs in the middle of a desert work is never over and we are now full steam ahead
sandstorm in order to continue the race and score organizing the Dubai International Baja, our new FIA
the much needed points. He finished the season only and FIM World Cup event for Dubai that is taking
one point ahead of Kuwaiti rider, Fahad Al Musallam. place in just over three weeks time, and we hope
Finally, in the Car category, Emirati driver Khalid Al everyone will come out to support it, he concluded.
Jafla was one of the few competitors to retain a title The Emirates Desert Championship is the UAEs
from last season, doing so in style by comfortably national baja rally championship for Cars, Buggies,
winning the final race of the year. Briton Mark Powell Motorcycles and Quads, and is organized over five
was third on the day, with compatriot Ian Barker in events by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE
third place. (ATCUAE) and the Emirates Motor Sport Federation
Im delighted for all the winners, and really (EMSF).
impressed that they had the courage to still push The Dubai International Baja takes place from the
themselves today in some horrendous conditions! 9th to the 11th March 2017, with the Abu Dhabi
Between today and the previous event two weeks Desert Challenge held from the 30th March to 6th
ago, we dont seem to have had much luck weather- April 2017.
wise, but it all adds to the challenge, said Moham-
med Ben Sulayem, ATCUAE President and EMSF
Chairman.
Its been a great season, and I would like to thank
everyone who has supported the championship,
especially all the officials and marshals. However, the
Mark Ackerman (#15) dragging some sand

Over 450cc Class Champion Benjamin Melot

For further details about the championship please

contact entry@atcuae.ae or check the website
at www.emiratesdesertchampionship.ae.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

EVENT REPORT

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

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 Fridays
Solo 72km and Saturdays Team
72km Relay. Why? Harry, my boss,
promised hed 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 Id run the 72km relay
with him. Brilliant Idea #1.
The Weather
The day before the event, the organizers
emailed everybody about the weather.
Weather? Cmon, seriously? Ultrarunners
always expect the unexpected, right? Thurs-
day evening it was a balmy 27C and sunny
so I didnt bother reading the details. Oops. I stayed together for the first half to keep disappeared in the darkness. He finished
Brilliant Idea #2. When we gathered for the each other in check. At CP9, we shared with a fantastic time of 8:22, and a great
start at 04:30am, it was dark and quite cold our favourite Salt and Vinegar Pringles. At photo of him covering his face on the moun-
(10C) at sea level. Even though the organiz- the turnaround, Harry smiles and says hes tain: Mikes hands are covering his eyes from
ers warned us and predicted it was going to gonna stretch his legs a little. Apparently flying dirt, sand and debris but he is still
be 10C colder at the top of the climb after that means he wants to blast down every running hard into the wind!
30km, I scoffed at that ridiculous notion and hill with reckless abandon. He crushes it,
wore my Luna sandals Brilliant Idea #3. and I dont see Harry again until I finish and Steve some guy I ran with
Can you see how my brilliant Ideas can com- he has already showered and changed into from 15km to the turnaround
pound exponentially into sticky situations? warm clothes. 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 Im still grateful I scrounged (stole?) a
pair of gloves off him thanks, but they
didnt 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

Harrys Payback for my
Bahrain 70.3 Ironman
Wadi Bih is Harrys first ultramarathon, which
he agreed to run after he coerced me to
try that Half Ironman in Bahrain. Harry and
When you run in the darkness with a head
torch, its easy to sense when youre being
stalked. Mikes 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

16 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
surprised me so we stopped to see what
was going on or if he needed some nutri-
tion. 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!
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.
The Crew
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 pho-
tos. Mostly I thought they were amused by
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
couldnt move. Both runners were fighting
the cold rain and wind for almost ten hours
stopping was a tough decision.
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 fro-
zen 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 Finish-
ers 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
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.
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Team 72km Relay
The Saturday Team 72km Relay crowd is the
polar opposite of the Solo runners, and for-
tunately for everybody, Saturdays 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 Fridays
storm. The course turned at CP4 to up and
over a hill to Zighy Bay, which was a wel-
come 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
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 pain-
ful 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 sweat-
ing in his tank top and short shorts. I cannot
fathom how Jeremy ran that 72km in 5:28
thats 4:33/km pace! How did he sprint up
that mountain? Didnt 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 didnt 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
OUTDOORUAE 17
In the latest Red Bull Challenge:
For two years, Markus Max
Stckl 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
Chiles Atacama desert.
Stckl 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-olds pulse hit the 170 beats per min-
ute mark, the wind whistling past his ears on
a 1,200-metre descent in a place 11,000kms
from his home in Austrias Tyrol Mountains.
Speaking emotionally moments after the
finish and his latest record, he said:
Im back on the mountain without a name
in the middle of the desert. Its tricky because
its 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 Stckl, 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 travel-
ling 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.
Its hard to reach top speed, he ex-
plained. 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.
Stckl 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.
Its a standard mountain bike so theres
no part on the bike that you cannot buy,
he added. Sure, its 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, wasnt fun enough
- it wasnt a real challenge. But in Chile he
claims to have found that.
Its important that it feels like an adven-
ture, he said. We are travelling to an-
other 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
Stckl 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 ex-
tra 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 youre driving at
150 or 160 km/h. This force has an impact on
the bike and the entire body. Even though
Im no weakling, physically it is something
that I have to contend with too!
To follow Markus Max Stckl 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 OHara
In 2016, I quit Urban Ultras
Hajar 100 after getting lost before
Checkpoint 4 (CP4). To make
amends, I joined Coach Lee
Harriss 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 its fun, because its good exercise.
Thats 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. Ive
heard of the loneliness of running, but never
experience it, probably because I run with
my DTR buddies. We run together and chat,
so its never dull on the trail. At the Hajar
checkpoints, we make sure everybody is
feeling good, taking nutrition and hydrating
(thats 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, be-
cause 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 dont understand that pain is temporary
but quitting is worse. The 2016 Hajar 100
has haunted me all year: Why did I quit?
Why didnt I continue? Once you reach CP4,
its all downhill at least thats what you tell
yourself even though you know its not true.
The beast of Hajar is scrambling up and
over rocks and boulders to reach CP4. In
some sections to CP4, there arent even
goat trails, because goats arent 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 cou-
ple DTRs doing the 50km are running down
hard, but Im 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 didnt make it
this far in 2016 and this is when I under-
stand Ill 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 melodra-
matic after running up those two mountains
in the first half should try running the second
half in total darkness. There are many factors
speedsters dont face: headlamp and GPS
watch batteries dont 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 check-
points from DTRs - who crushed it (Kim won
with the womens 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 off from Al Mouj Muscats stunning marina of three-time champion Sidney Gavignet,
secure the upcoming fourth trek to after a tense in-port race, the eight-strong who unfortunately stepped out of this years
Doha, Qatar. fleet started in a familiar spot with three- race due to physical injury.
time winners EFG Bank Monaco strongly in However, the tides soon turned as Omani
Crews got off to a spectacular start and the lead for much of the 105nm leg. A new skipper Fahad Al Hosni led his home team
Omans sailing legacy was on fine display face amongst the race veterans, French skip- to victory by snatching first place from the
during the first leg to Sohar, Oman. Kicking per Theirry Douillard lead the replacement event favorites just before the finish line

20 OUTDOORUAE
in Sohar and allowing fellow Omani crew impressive given the hurdles EFG Bank two legs of EFG Sailing Arabia The Tour.
Team Al Mouj Muscat to move up to second Monaco faced on the leg. At one point, their Stepping off the dock at Emirates Palace
place. Farr 30 racing yacht became entangled in a Marina, in Abu Dhabi, Douillard said: It was
Bouncing back from an initial upset, EFG fishing net, causing them to lose the lead to a very nice run. We had a good start, a great
Bank Monaco returned in fine form for the Team Al Mouj Muscat, but they were able to beginning around old Musandam and the
second leg of the race, determinedly taking recover and overhaul their rivals overnight coast. It was incredible, the view was beauti-
over arch rivals Team Al Mouj Muscat less and take the upper hand going into the last ful and our start was a fast one.
than ten miles from Khasab after more than
130nm of intense racing. Led by skipper
Douillard, the crew crossed the line victori-
ous 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 at-
tacks 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 Omans Musandam Peninsula
to Abu Dhabi. The triumph is all the more
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
22 OUTDOORUAE
third place. We fought hard to get ourselves
in top position by the final gate through
some fast moves with the boat and were
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 Kuwaits 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 Zains hit the podium, after two fourth
places, so were hugely excited. Im so
pleased for the team and all of us, its 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 comfort-
ably 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 posi-
tion 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 Teams 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 Nittos newcomers,
Team Andelasia di Torres, with Swiss boat
Bienne Voile directly behind, and Dutch
Olympic yachtswoman Annemieke Bes DB
Schenker womens 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.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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 rac-
ing, 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 2017 SAILING ARABIA THE TOUR - OVERALL RESULTS
TEAM RANKING SCORING RANKING TEAM SKIPPER SCORING
EFG Bank 1 1,50 1 EFG Bank Monaco Thierry Douillard 5,00 pts
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
Scoring after 3 races
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 partner-
ship with RCS Sport, and was held
for the first time between 5 and 8
February 2014.
The race is a mens competition consist-
ing of four stages. These are mainly flat, with
some hillier parts during the stage lead-
ing the peloton to Hatta, across the Hijar
mountains. In 2015, the second edition of the
race was upgraded to 2.HC, meaning that
more UCI World Tour teams can compete in
the event. The 4th edition of the Dubai Tour
took place in the UAE (starting from Dubai,
but leading also to Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah,
Fujairah and Hatta) between 31 January and
4 February 2017. I had the chance to follow
the tour as media & personal photographer
for Vittorio Brumotti, Italian Former Bike Trial
World Champion, 10-times Guinness World
Record holder, now teamed up with Astana.
Vittorio, also known as 100% Brumotti,
performed his trick - as usual
on a road bike - every day
before the start, along the
path and on the stage after
the award ceremony. Vittorio
was also called by Dubai
Sport Council to realize a
promotional video of the
Dubai Tour, anticipating the
locations of the five stages.
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=PhnauTuM3mw
During the race, the lead- HE Saeed Hareb with
er of the general classifica- Vittorio Brumotti in D3
tion wears a blue jersey, the
leader of points classification is denoted by a
red jersey and best young rider by white. The
race does not award a mountains jersey, but
the best intermediate sprinter is awarded an
Emirati jersey (same colours as Emirati flag).
Dubai Tour is a stage race that builds on
the interest of Western Asia nations hosting
early season bike races, giving bike racers
the opportunity to enjoy a warmer climate.
The overall race winner receives the Circle
of Stars / Dubai Tour Trophy (shown in the
pictures).
For riders looking to ease themselves back
into racing, the Dubai Tour offers everything
they could desire: warm weather (the aver-
age temperature in the city during February
Official Opening of the Dubai Tour with stunt show by Brumotti and friends
is 25 degrees Celsius), terrain that isnt too
challenging, comfortable hotels and straight-
forward infrastructure, with each stage start-
ing from the Dubai International Marine Club
(DIMC).
Marcel Kittel, German racing cyclist who
rides for Quick-Step Floors, won three out of
four stages and took the overall win for the
second year in a row, successfully defending
his 2016 title. He won in 2016.
Kittel made a strong start, winning stage
one of the 2017 Dubai Tour with a powerful
sprint that left Dylan Groenewegen (LottoNL-
Jumbo) and Mark Cavendish
(Dimension Data) unable to come
off his wheel. The German then
won stage two in a very different
fashion, jumping from wheel to
wheel to increase his overall lead.
John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo)
took a close win over Reinardt
Janse van Rensburg (Dimension
Data) on the third stage of the
Dubai Tour, with Bahrain Meridas
Sonny Colbrelli third. Race leader,
Marcel Kittel, who was allegedly
hit by another rider during the
stage, was blocked in and finished
outside of the top ten. It was Degenkolbs
first win of the year, and his first major victory
over his top rivals since a training crash in
January 2016.
The fourth stage was cancelled due to high
winds, before Kittel took his third victory of
the race on stage five to secure the overall ti-
tle. The race had initially been shortened due
to sand storms: the opening sections through
the desert were skipped and the start was
moved to Hatta. Unfortunately, strong winds
in Hatta forced organizers to cancel this stage
due to safety reasons.
Then Kittel won the final stage (his third of
the race) and stamped his authority on the
Dubai Tour by winning the overall title. The
German edged out Elia Viviani (Team Sky)
and Riccardo Minali (Astana Pro Team) in
the finale, with Mark Cavendish (Dimension
Data) suffering a mechanical in the sprint and
fading to fourth. Cavendish (Dimension Data)
hit his handlebars in frustration after his gears
jumped in the final metres of the sprint dur-
ing the last stage of the Dubai Tour.
He had just launched his sprint, coming
from Marcel Kittels rear wheel at the right
moment, when his gears jumped. He was
convinced he could have won but ended up
fourth with the German taking his third stage
of the race and the overall.
Marcel Kittel is the only rider to have won
the Dubai Tour twice and is also the most
successful rider with regard to stage wins in
Dubai. In both 2014 and 2017 he powered
to three victories, and outsprinted the pack
twice in 2016, achieving a whopping eight
stage wins in the Dubai Tour.
See you in 2018, Inshallah...
Nico
Hall of Fame Dubai Tour:
2017: Marcel Kittel (ger)
2016: Marcel Kittel (ger)
2015: Mark Cavendish (gbr)
2014: Taylor Phinney (usa)
Blogger, marathon runner and triathlete,
divemaster and heli rescue swimmer
with Bergamo Scuba Angels.
You can check my website
www.dubaiblognetwork.com, contact
me on social networks or via email at
admin@dubaiblognetwork.com for
information about this article or just to
say hello.
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 Chal-
lenge. 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 participat-
ing 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 years 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 months 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 chal-
lenge 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
the Dark Skies it was a nod to the super-
dark no-light-pollution area we camp in,
approximately 100kms from the nearest
city, but in 2017 we had dark skies during
the day too! The magreb had last seen rain
back in March 2016 and the sand was super-
soft, making the going extremely difficult
for the teams on Friday. On Saturday, the
heavens opened and the area saw huge rain
showers, which made the straight line out of
the campsite much easier for everyone.
Knightriders returned for the third year
fielding two teams headed by Saeed and
Bjorne, and Dubai Offroaders entered three
teams in total: two for the DSC and one for
the Extreme edition, led by club founder,
Ahmad Pervez.
We had two teams from Oasis Offroad this
year, led by Richard and Guillermo, and one
of these teams contained the only driver
to have participated in every DSC - Tatiana
Etinger!
The Goat Whisperers
joined us as a private team Zoe Habrich has a little fun with a
led by Larry and they Jeepers Jeep! Photo by Zoe Habrich
loved the small technical
dunes so much they spent
the night there instead of
the camp! Next morning
they joined us, all smiles
despite enduring the same
sandstorm we experienced
at the main camp.
The only team to with-
draw from the challenge
was the Desert Hawks, who
had a vehicle issue; bad
luck guys, hope you will
return next year!
UAE Offroaders were well represented
Early morning briefing by Phil Burgess (see OutdoorUAE October issue) and an
Desert Raiders checking in at the start gates by Phil Burgess
too not only did they have two teams in
the DSC headed by Anton and Satishand
one in the DSE led by Mohammed, one of
their club founders, Lee Al Romaithi, also
volunteered to be in the sweep team where
he and his co-driver Phil kept tabs on the
teams.
Speaking of our sweep teams, once again
we had top-notch drivers and co-drivers to
watch over our teams; Ian and Danny, Steve
F, Martin, Sarah, Francesco, Shaun, Ameen
and Lee thank you so very much - this
event is only possible with your support!
We had a number of others signed up - you
can never have too many sweepers - howev-
er they had to drop out due to illness, injury
or vehicle issues. Theres always next year!
I had assistance pre-event too, from Chris
who joined me on the reconnaissance trip
and also from Avinash who accompanied
me on an 115km round trip into the desert
to bury the treasure!
There is no prize as
such for the winners,
instead we have photo
competitions which are
held on our Facebook
page - facebook.com/
dsc2016. OutdoorUAE is
providing a copy of Mike
Notts Advanced Off
Road Adventure Routes
UAE & Oman as the first
place prize for each of the
seven categories. Second
place prizes by way of
food vouchers are being
supplied by the Tilal Liwa
Hotel and we also have two prize draws for
participants which include a set of Tred-Pros
overnight stay in the Tilal Liwa Hotel. Ibex
Adventures Oman sponsored our car stick-
ers 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 spe-
cial 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 months Outdoor UAE, we
wanted to share our experience on what
wakesurfing is, how you can ride an end-
less wave, and the equipment youll need.
What is wake surfing?
Wakesurfing is riding the wave that a boat
makes directly behind it. Its done very close
to the back of a boat and the best waves
are made by specialized boats. You can-
not 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 but-
ton. 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, its 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 its gentle
and fun.
The skill is not too difficult to learn. Its
easy for both guys and girls,and youll 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 surfa-
ble wave for 1 4 minutes (or more!).
Its great for flat days when theres no surf
to keep riding, and its just as fun as riding
ocean driven waves.
Its also very social as most boats will carry
passengers and remember: the more pas-
sengers you have, the better the waves so
always bring your mates! Most of the wake-
boats 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 hol-
ler!
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.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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 waters 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.
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
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 its 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, its 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!
OUTDOORUAE 29
 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 in-
troduced to so many different activities out-
side. Thats something I took with me and
have taken every chance to travel and try
out new things. Ive 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 wasnt in the best place
emotionally, I was quite a sad teenager and
when I started learning how to ride it bright- 2010 riding through South Africa
ened up my entire world. Riding taught me
a lot of important values and life lessons
during that time and it still does.
even have girls racing but since there are so What countries have you travelled
few it really pushes me more to get a better with your motorcycle?
ranking amongst the guys. This year I got My first overseas trip with the motorcycle
Have you joined any professional to take part in the Dubai International Rally
motorcycling events? was when I went riding with my parents
(unfortunately as the only girl) and it has by through the Cederburg mountains in South
When I was about 20 I started taking part
far been my favourite race, maybe next year Africa. The following year we decided to
in the local Emirates Desert Champion-
I can look at doing the Abu Dhabi Desert ride from Cape Town, South Africa to Wind-
ship, so Ive just finished my third season of
Challenge. hoek, Namibia and that was probably one of
racing. The way the races work is that you
ride a certain route for about 2 hours (each the most memorable trips I got to do on a
lap would be between 20-25km) out in the
Have you received any recognition motorcycle. Ive been through Sri Lanka by
desert. I race against 2-3 other girls and
or awards in this field? bike, then through seven countries in seven
When it comes to racing motorcycles, its not days in Europe and my most recent trip was
around 80 other guys depending how many
a very lucrative sport unless you are one of through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Its
sign up for each race. Its awesome that we
the top riders in the world. So far Ive been such a liberating feeling to be on the road
happy to receive 15 AED Satwa trophies and trying to find your way. The people you
and the feeling of pride and glory when you meet and the landscapes you get to experi-
finish the race. Other than that Ive been ence as you pass by is so humbling.
approached by a few publications to talk
about being a girl in this sport and while Other than motorcycling, what
thats really awesome I do wish that there other activities does Dana love
were more girls that are riding that can be to do outdoors?
covered in the media, but were working on I grew up learning so many different sports
that bit by bit. and activities; Im sort of a Jack of all trades,
master of none. Ive been wakeboarding
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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! Im 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. Thats 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. Ive
been asked a lot if the guys in the com-
munity are supportive or theyd rather not
have girls there and its so nice to be able to
talk about how supportive they are. Maybe
its just the way the riding community is but
they are always happy to help and its 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 theyve
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 motor-
cycle, fly a paraglider, drive a boat, it makes
me feel in control when I dont have to sit on
the back of the motorcycle or do something
tandem, it makes me feel free. The commu-
nity 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
its nice to be able to connect with others
that way and theres a good chance theyve
got a story worth sharing.
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 theyre doing theres no reason
you shouldnt give it a go. You should also
feel safe when trying out these activities
because if you learn from someone who isnt
teaching in a way that works for you, theres
a good chance you wont enjoy it and that
you wont learn it as easily. Always take
the proper safety precautions and respect
the sport that youre giving a go so that if
you do fall, you dont get injured as eas-
ily. Theres a good chance you wont get it
straight away but the learning curve is so
high that before you know it youve learnt
a new activity and youre flying or youre
riding motorcycles so dont be so hard on
yourself if you dont get it on the first go.
Thats how it is when you learn something
new and youve 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 its the
financial or skill side. Nowadays there are so
many companies where you can learn an ar-
ray 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 dont have to com-
mit to the activity at least give it a go.

OUTDOORUAE 31
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 Verhey-
den 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 member-
ships worth AED 41,000.
This years edition of the Sharjah Ladies
Run saw a tremendous turnout of par-
ticipants. The ladies and girls taking part
showed incredible enthusiasm and engage-
ment with the race, showing great commit-
ment to promote a healthy life style and to
encourage other women and girls to practice
sports and physical activities. We are de-
lighted 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 assess-
ments 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
Caf to participants during the event.
SLC is allocating additional prizes worth
AED 74,000, presented by the event spon-
sors, including health membership, gift
vouchers, beauty and therapeutic sessions.
The activities were sponsored by the Sharjah
Environment Company Beeah (Gold Spon-
sor), 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 through-
out 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 ar-
ray of world-class facilities and offers numer-
ous high-end services, making it one of the
best-of-its-kind facilities in the Middle East.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

ACTIVITY REPORT

Most guys are stronger than
women when they start bouldering.
They tend to apply brute force to
their movements and haul them-
selves up vertical obstacles purely
on arm strength rather than try-
ing 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, tech-
nique 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.
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.
pable of,a 4.5m height wall might be intimi-
dating. 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 womens 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 pleas-
ures, frustrations and camaraderie of working For further information on these sessions,
in a group of like-minded individuals. take a look at our Facebook page. During
Next Course
the course, Rock Republic is also open for
women who are up for a work out session.
Rock Republic holds an Introduction to Boul-
dering for Ladies session, led by a female in- Follow our Facebook page for all activities:
structor on the last Thursday of every month. Rock Republic Dubai

Risk of Falling
Besides strength there are more differ-
ences 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. Its not that women arent daredev-
ils, theyre just more cautious. When women
start bouldering for the first time, not quite
knowing their strength and what they are ca-

OUTDOORUAE 33
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 mid-
November 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 super-
vises the Protected Area-, said that 909 visi-
tors 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 rein-
forcement of the national identity and the
authentic Emirati heritage. Al Marzoum is
recognised as a top destination for falconers
who fancy traditional means of transporta-
tion. The top objectives entail the reinforce-
ment of the historical legacy, the sustain-
ment of species, the support of awareness
about falconry, the protection of the
environment and the safeguarding of herit-
age. 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 rec-
ognition of falconry as a cultural heritage of
humanity.
Al Marzoum has recently hosted a delega-
tion of falconers from the GCC region as
part of a heritage programme for the shar-
ing of expertise, the promotion of environ-
mental awareness about the significance
of natural reserves, and the role of the Al
Marzoum Protected Area in the safeguard-
ing of wildlife.
The Protected Area supports falconry as
a significant cultural legacy, an important
moral value, and an integral part of the
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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 Pro-
grams 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 sig-
nificance 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 preserva-
tion of authentic traditions.
On his part, Ahmed bin Haiaai Al Man-
souri, Director of Al Marzoum Protected
Area, said: The large turnout that was re- Al Marzoum focuses on falconry in the its kind, on the international level.
corded during the first and second seasons first place and is not providing any other The Reserve is located 100 120 kilome-
came to confirm a devotion to cultural herit- form of wildlife tourism for the time being, tres from the capital, Abu Dhabi (about one
age and a keenness to preserve this legacy Al Mansouri said. He noted that accom- hour by car), and is completely delimited by
for future generations. modation would be limited to traditional a fence. The Hunting Area is surrounded by
The 3rd season is expected to begin next camps so as to respect the main objective a vast natural reserve, where one can find
November and our Department welcomes of the project which consists in protecting several high-level sites that can be used to
all visitors, guests and lovers of falconry and the environment. He also stressed that only observe nature and animals. The Reserve is
traditional hunting. We are planning to or- the practice of traditional hunting would be abundant with the Saxaul shrubs that grow
ganise a number of exciting activities for all allowed, without the use of any weapons of exclusively in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
our visitors from the UAE and the different any kind. Al Marzoum provides a unique cultural,
countries of the world, he added. Falconry has long been considered as one and tourist opportunity of traditional hunting
of the most significant heritage aspects in in the UAE, through the development of its
the region. Its practice has been transmit- site, where only the use of traditional means
ted from ancestors to younger generations, of transportation is allowed. Among the ob-
in the form of a deep-rooted heritage that jectives are the sustainment of the different
embodies a spirit of cooperation, good species, the reinforcement of public aware-
companionship, and a sense of adventure ness about falconry, and the safeguard-
and challenge. ing of the environment and heritage. The
Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia, which sprawls Protected Area also seeks to promote the
over a vast area of 923 square kilometres, is significant role of Abu Dhabi in reinforcing
different from all the other wildlife protected the principles of sustainable hunting, and
areas in the world, with a unique focus on developing breeding projects for falcons
falconry, desert physiognomy, and the differ- and Houbara bustards while ensuring the
ent aspects of heritage. All these elements international recognition of falconry as a
make Al Marzoum the first protected area of cultural heritage of humanity.

OUTDOORUAE 35
 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Karibu Kilimanjaro, Hakuna Matata

Words + Photos by: Bishworanjan Das Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Dec. 2016)
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

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 didnt fully remember the experience
as we were so badly struck with mountain
sickness. The body doesnt function prop-
erly 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 sum-
mit 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 walk-
ing 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 hik-
ing 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 mid-
night 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 didnt know where I was and
kept vomiting. I was worried that my guide
might call it off and ask us to return. Return-
ing was not an option for me. I had waited
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
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- Gilmans 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 cant
stay in that zone for long and have to quickly
descend before the sickness causes any per-
manent 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 jour-
ney; 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 wouldnt
have made it without you guys!
OUTDOORUAE 37
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 adven-
tures which I have always loved to
do with old friends.
MIDDLE EASTS 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, Rob-
erto 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.
Its 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 world-
renowned Czech champion Adam Ondra
completed the 9a+ route now called A
Present for the Future. Ondrasroute 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 30C 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, sur-
rounded 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
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
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 invis-
ible inner wounds, for not having reached
your goal.
The rock of these cliffs is a compact Do-
lomite, 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 Dolo-
mites.
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
OUTDOORUAE 39

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?
Ive modified the engine to increase its
power since it is quite old. Ive changed the
gear ratio to 4.56, exhaust, air intake and
tuned the car.
Do you have something
that you consider to be a
special feature of the car?
I consider the stickers on my car to be so
special. Also, theres no roof rack and it has
tube doors, so it has a really unique look
overall and stands out.
THE OFF-ROADERS
What were your other options
before you bought this car?
There were no other options. The Jeep was
the only car I wanted to have.
How often do you use your car, and
what activities do you take part in?
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 OF-
FROADERS Club or participating in some
desert challenges. I also put it in car shows.
corner
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
editor@outdooruae.com 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 routes@outdooruae.com
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Going Organic
Words + Photos by: Richard Thomas
Theres no denying organic food
is the way forward the health
benefits are immense.
But what exactly does organic mean? Or-
ganic refers to the way agricultural products
are grown and processed. They must be
grown without the use of synthetic pesti-
cides, 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 bodys capacity for anti-
oxidants, which are believed to play a role in
the prevention of chronic diseases and con-
ditions such as cancer, heart disease, prema-
ture 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
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
results showing that organic produce is any RECIPE
better than the normal produce that you
find in your grocery stores. But if you take a Crispy quinoa crumbed crab cakes with
step back and see all the harmful pesticides apple and coriander slaw, toasted cashews,
and shortcuts used for conventionally grown avocado, tartare sauce and fresh lemon
produce, I believe you will see the difference Sweet potato Crab Cakes
and the positive impact organic food can 80gm crab meat
have on you and your family. 100gm Cooked and mashed
sweet potato flesh
Key tips when looking for organic food on lemon zested
your supermarket labels 10gm coriander
100% organic: Must contain 100% organi- 5gm chili
cally produced ingredients 100gm cooked quinoa
Organic: Must contain at least 95% organic 100gm arrowroot flour
2eggs
ingredients 10gm spring onion
Made of organic ingredients: Must contain 10gm Aioli
at least 70% organic ingredients
Have some organic ingredients: May con- Method
tain less than 70% organic ingredients Mix all ingredients excluding the quinoa eggs
and arrowroot in bowl with a pinch of salt
The Cycle Bistros produce is locally until just combined.
sourced from Greenheart Organic Farms Then crumb with the quinoa by first
and Organic Food Stuffs. Greenheart does coating in arrowroot, then egg mix and then
the quinoa.
everything from sourcing genuine heirloom Once coated deep fry at 180 degrees until
seeds, to soil building, planning the grow- lightly golden brown.
ing schedule including crop rotation and
companion planting. They do not store the Tartare sauce
produce all their produce is harvested 10gm gherkin
freshly each morning and they only harvest 5gm capers
what is needed each day. 5gm red onion
We are dedicated to producing the best 5gm dill chopped roughly
dishes with the freshest locally sourced and lemon juiced
80gm Base mayonnaise
organic ingredients. Visit us and taste the
difference with organic produce and grass Method
fed meats. Combine all ingredients season and serve
chilled.
Apple and cabbage slaw
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
info@thecyclebistro.com
facebook.com/thecyclebistro
instagram.com/thecyclebistro
The Cycle Bistro
GPS location:
Latitude: N 25 02.792
Longitude: E 055 14.384
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PRODUCTS
A ROUND-UP OF QUALITY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE RIGHT HERE IN THE UAE
GIANT Revel 29er 2
2,399 AED/QAR | 260.8 OMR
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. Its smooth and comfortable on
gravel roads or paths, and can guide you confidently toward
more challenging off-road explorations.
GIANT Rincon
1,999 AED/QAR | 217.3 OMR
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.
ALUXX-grade, butted aluminum tubeset
Quick handling, 26-inch wheel, optimized geometry
for nimble hardtail riding characteristics
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
GIANT Talon 3
2,699 AED/QAR | 293.4 OMR
Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman
The lightweight ALUXX aluminum Talon frame features classic
off-road design thats updated with Giants proven 27.5-inch
wheel technology. The hardtail frame is designed to optimize
the wheel size and its 100mm suspension fork. Its an ideal
choice for aspiring off-road riders looking for a balanced blend
of quickness and control on the trail.
RADIO DICE FS (with Gyro)
1,399 AED/QAR | 152.1 OMR
Available at GO Sport stores in UAE, Qatar and Oman
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 Gyros
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.
OUTDOORUAE 43
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

PRODUCTS
Yamaha Factory Watches Kingii (Floatation Aid) - Made in USA
595 AED | Was: 795 AED 295 AED | Was: 495 AED
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 Specification:
these sporty chronos. High quality sporty chrono wrist watch by Kingii is the new wristband for all those who love water! If you
TW Steel featuring the Yamaha Factory Racing logo. need help to stay afloat, pull the lever and an inflation bag will
pull you to the surface.
Seiko VD54 movement
10 ATM water resistant Includes: Two CO2 cylinders free
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

* Offer is valid until March 2017

Jobe OMNIA board (4 sports in 1) Jobe Logo Series

2,295 AED | Was: 2,995 AED Wakeboard Package
Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE
1,445 AED | Was: 1,895 AED
Available only at Al Yousuf Motors across UAE
Specification:
Not enough storage in your boat to fit all your gear or tired to
Specification:
drag those hefty skis in and out every single day? The Omnia
Angled with a flat spot in the centre. A wakeboard with a
is your all-in-one solution! Ready to be used as a kneeboard,
3-stage rocker features three distinct planes on the bottom of
ski, wakeskate/board AND wakesurfer, this lightweight board
the board. A 3-stage rocker causes your wakeboard to respond
adds a whole new dimension to multifunctionality. Compres-
with more pop (height) when you hit the wake. Boards with a
sion molded out of PU foam and fiberglass, this family focused
3-stage rocker have a flat spot that makes the pop off the wake
board can be used with great variety. Suited for all skill levels.
intense and gives slightly longer hang time before landing.
One thing is for sure, if you love massive air tricks, the 3-stage
4 sports in 1 board:
is for you!
Lay
Stand
Kneel
Surf

44 OUTDOORUAE
 T R&I E D
TESTED
THIS PR
ODUC T IS APPR
OV ED BY OU
TDOO RUAE

Tested by: Christian Henn, German

Cyclist and Triathlete in Dubai

As a Silverback road bike

cyclist, its always interesting to
test other models from the Ger-
man Silverback product range.
Silverback isnt 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, its 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 af-
fordable mountain bike that wont break the bank. Ideal for newcomers to the sport, this The bike handles on tar road and single
bike is nimble, fast and stable. The Slade track dirt just fine and is a great choice if you
features a lightweight, tough alloy frame and want to start mountain biking in the UAE or
a plush Suntour fork for impressive control youre looking for a great bike with a limited
on rough terrain. Reliable Shimano compo- budget. Silverback Slade Sport is exclusively
nents take care of braking and shifting tasks, sold at Go Sport stores in the region.
and parts from Alex, Maxxis and VP handle
the rest. An SBC cockpit finishes the bike
off. Better in class than other manufacturers Available at GO Sport stores in UAE
and cheaper as well 2,299 AED is a superb
price for the Slade. A picture doesnt 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.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
PRODUCTS
Trail Shaker Short Sleeve Shirt
89 AED
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
Shaker Short Sleeve Shirt
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 Sonys 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 Sonys 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.
46 OUTDOORUAE
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Conspiracy Razor Ii
349 AED
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
Ultra light multi-sport trail shoe with webbing and synthetic
overlays for maximum support on the most rugged terrain.
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
710 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 riders 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 1980s, 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. Todays 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.
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 childs 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
studentsuntil 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, doesnt mean they will ever
fully understand how much surface time is
needed after a particular dive.

OUTDOORUAE 47
 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 teach-
ers kick into gear and revise hard to make
sure they not only understand the material,
but also so they dont have to walk the halls
of school each day to the tune of I beat
you Sir or Im smarter than you Miss.
Once we reach the stage where every-
body is putting together their scuba units,
nervous excitement turns to delight as all
take breathes in the swimming pool for the
first time. Its 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 on some occasions teachers and students get into the salty open water! Typically we
becomes proficient in all skills required work together to practice various skills. It is dive off the east coast at Dibba. There are
to take the next step into the open water. fascinating watching on as one becomes the plenty of amazing sites for all levels of diver
Buddy pairs are normally formed in the provider of emergency air for another during and most have an abundance of aquatic
pool and often remain for the duration of simulations. life. Resident green turtles and black tip
the full course until qualification. Students After practicing all skills like putting scuba reef sharks are scattered across many of the
inevitably decide to buddy pair with one gear together, tired diver tows, recovering dive sites and a highlight for anybody lucky
of their friends, as do the teachers. But regulators and clearing masks, its time to enough to encounter them.

48 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Its normally at this point in the dive

course that I like to explain a few conser-
vation issues and share some of my own
points of view. Exposing students to wild-
life and sharing the same immediate envi-
ronment 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 last-
ing connections with the marine environ-
ment.
Students achieving a qualification in
diving can use their experience to also log
hours required as part of their CAS (Crea-
tivity, Action & Service) activities. CAS is a
major part of IB (International Baccalaure-
ate) schools around the world. Scuba diving
activities have lead students into many pro-
jects including marine clean up initiatives,
aquatic rescue efforts, underwater photog- tales of their latest dives with their friends UAE waters. The experiences gained during
raphy and even surveying techniques. and family from all parts of the world. Par- the course are enduring and lots of fun! As a
With some students going beyond entry ents also come in to explain how happy they teacher, there is no greater satisfaction than
level scuba qualifications and on to Ad- are that their child has found an activity they knowing that the skills and knowledge you
vanced Open Water or Rescue Diver, there really love, and a hobby the whole family impart will be useful to your students. See-
are even more opportunities that arise for can enjoy together. ing them in action after a dive course, and
getting involved not only at different dive So as our Deira International School Scu- appreciating the marine environment with
sites in the UAE but further abroad. Stu- ba Club grows, there will be more and more friends & family on dive boats around the
dents have come back from holidays with teachers and staff being introduced to 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 disci-
plines one can get lost in and there
are constantly more specific meth-
ods 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 tech-
niques that help improve their fishing.
One such innovation is Storms 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 pro-
duced for me when other proven lures have
failed.
On a recent trip with Alghwas Fishing
Charters, after dropping a fast jig sev-
eral times just after sunrise, I went
Koika Black Zebra, the color that catches me a lot of fish
50 OUTDOORUAE
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 prob-
ably 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, Ive 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
Im 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
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
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 nowa-
days, 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
oclock 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 num-
ber 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 unusu-
ally 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 EASTS 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
youre 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!
Its 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 some-
thing 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 everyones
surprise and amazement, it was an amber-
jack! 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
time to experiment and learn new things.
When I arrived in 2006 there were only a
handful of people jigging in the UAE, now,
its 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
When fishing with Abdullah of Al Ghwas I always feel together a system
optimistic, with Roy added to the trip, things are never dull that will not break
the bank and will
a small one especially when you know how catch you fish, all
big they get. thats left is for you
On my second drop, I hooked up again to get out there and
and brought up a very nice Malabar Trevally, fish!
which as the guys that have caught them
will attest, is a fish that you can hardly call a Dreamin of Reels
pushover. Screamin,
There were bigger fish landed that day,
but everyone on the boat agreed that those Kit
two fish I caught were probably the high-
lights of the trip, especially the Amberjack! Our fishing pro who shares
his experiences and
Trying New Things expertise with OutdoorUAE
Now, more than ever, there are a lot of fish- through his regular column.
ing gear methods being imported from all thefishingkit@gmail.com
over the world into the UAE. It is the best

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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 Omans Dakh-
lia 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 stand-
ing 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 can-
yons, Wadi Nakhr and Wadi Ghul, combine
forces to form what is aptly dubbed the
Grand Canyon of Arabia. Its 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 vul-
tures on black and white wings ride the ther-
mals. 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 gaunt-
let 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 fork-
ing 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 Omans most
famous hike, the Balcony Walk. It's a stun-
ning, if not vertigo inducing, stroll along
the rim of this dramatic gorge past hidden
waterfalls and abandoned stone villages. At
a leisurely pace, its 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 EASTS 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, whats the rush?
For our international group of weekend
warriors (mostly expats from the UAE) that
Ive tagged along with, itll 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 (hes 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 oh-
so-tiresome world of opulent brunches, air
kisses and cosmopolitan lifestyle that Dubai
is famous for.
At this altitude, its difficult to swallow that
this was once all covered by a shallow tropi-
cal 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 environ-
ment before it went alpine.
At these alpine elevations, the sun feels
closer because it actually is. Five minutes
into the hike and Im 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
Im here now and not only am I going to
hike the cliffs on the Balcony Walk but will
also, as Ive 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. Its what connecting the
dots is to the art world a mockery of actual
artistic skill that nevertheless leaves the una-
ware 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 moun-
tain, 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
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
around this trickle of a waterfall. Most re-
markable 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. Maintain-
ing 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.
OUTDOORUAE 53
 OUR EXPERTS

FATBIKING IN THE RUB

AL KHALI, OMAN

and Yannis with their bikes. Before leaving and our guests chatted late into the even-
Words by: Marina Bruce
them alone on this 500 square kilometre ex- ing in the majlis tent. The wind continued
Photos by: Ahmed Al Mansoori
panse of salty mud, we equipped them with unabated for a few more hours but we woke
a satphone so they could call for assistance to a lovely sunny morning with just a few
The Rub Al Khali in Oman should they need it. Nikos also had the clouds in a beautiful blue sky so Nikos and
is unbelievably remote, yet to the track to the camp downloaded to his gps, Yannis took the chance to tour around the
particularly useful in an area with little or no huge dunes close to camp. Nikos observed,
properly prepared it is reasonably landmarks, especially during a sandstorm! the dunes are very impressive, all the more
accessible. The area has cast such Nikos said: It really was the closest so following on from the bleak landscape
a spell on me I have felt compelled experience to riding on Mars it was like a of the first days ride; they are both majestic
to cross it every year since 2012. different world. The emptiness, solitude and
even the storm added to the experience.
and spectacular and all the more so when
you explore them by bike
I suggested to my keen fat-biking Once everyone made it to camp we set- When asked if he would recommend rid-
friend, Nikos Koumanoudis, that he tled down for the night in the most sheltered ing in this area Nikos commented, I would
may like to attempt to cross the spot we could find, where we had a bbq definitely recommend riding around 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 wet-
test part of the sabkah/quicksand which is
the Umm As Sameem, we dropped Nikos

54 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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 Khalis dunes are huge sand islands in a
sea of sabkah and the views are amazing.
On crossing the Umm As Sameem by fat-
bike, 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 may prefer to do one or two shorter rides
and Rub Al Khali with Ibex Adventures is near the campsite. There is also an option
scheduled for the weekend of 17-18 March. of dune hiking on the Saturday, or two sce-
Overnight B&B at the Ibri Oasis Hotel for nic self-drive 4x4 drives in the Rub Al Khali.
Thursday 16 March is included to ensure our To reach the campsite a 4x4 is essential. We
guests are rested and ready for an early start can arrange local car hire if required, or can
the next day briefing will be over breakfast arrange for you to be a passenger in one of
at 0630 hours on Friday morning before we our tour guides vehicles.
move off at 0730 hours. To most people this is a once-in-a-lifetime
If you would like to take your fatbike trip to follow in the footsteps of Thesiger,
along, please get in touch and we can to be so far away from civilization yet have
arrange logistics support. On the Friday the safety of experienced desert guides
afternoon, highly experienced long-dis- with satphones, and to gain an insight into
tance cyclists can opt to cross the Umm As desert life in of Oman and the UAE just 50
Sameem or choose to have a long ride out or 60 years ago. For full info, please email:
near the campsite. Less experienced cyclists marina@ibexadventuresoman.com.

OUTDOORUAE 55
 OUR EXPERTS
Aquatic L ife:
Getting Up Close and Personal
Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle
Our ocean is filled with thou-
sands 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
arent much bigger than an average
teaspoon.
The colours, shapes and sizes of these
animals are, and always have been, inter-
esting 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 OUTDOORUAE
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 cer-
tainly 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 es-
pecially, 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 youre 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, whats the best way to go about
it?
The most important aspect of taking pho-
tos 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
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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 youve never seen before thats
double your size came charging toward you
youd 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 swim-
ming along, approach it slowly and eventu-
ally match its speed along side it, and if the
animal is residing below a cavern or in a
cave, make sure that when youre approach-
ing 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
youre not moving your arms or legs around
too much, but instead keep your move-
ments 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
its camera equipment or otherwise, such as
an underwater flashlight make sure you
keep it close and dont 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 arent 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 doesnt pose a danger to the animal at
any time. And finally after youve slowly ap-
proached, limiting your big movements and
keeping control of your equipment once
youve got close enough, its time to take
your picture! Its a wonderful feeling when
youve put the effort in to capture a great
photo and youve 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 its 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 for-
get, 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 try-
ing 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 threat-
ened 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 ef-
fects 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 wal-
let keep your hands to yourself! Similarly,
although television and films may portray
Dolphins and Rays as touch-friendly, theyre
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 suscep-
tible to infection. Ive 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 its 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.
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Another hazard that comes when deal-
ing with larger animals is being struck by
their body, fins or tail. Although its a much
less frequent occurrence, if youreplanning
on getting up close and personal with a
larger animal, make sure youre always
aware of your surroundings and the animals
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 youre not
careful! Similarly, it is much harder for them
to manoeuvre out of the way if youre in front
of them, or in their swimming path so make
sure you dont get in the way if you dont
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 doesnt 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 pec-
toral 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
dont get swallowed
OUTDOORUAE 57
OUR EXPERTS
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 De-
partment and board member of Aj-
man Executive Council. This project
has been a dream of Faisals since
he started cycling one year ago.
Having been through an incredible per-
sonal 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 chil-
dren with special needs, encouraging parents
to take their children out into the communi-
ties and not let them be limited in their abili-
ties 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 fin-
ishing 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 of-
ficial 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 in-
cluding 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 temper-
atures, they were faced with their first chal-
lenge 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.
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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 didnt 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 sta-
tion. 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 na-
tional 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 Develop-
ment 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 flag-
pole 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 com-
plete a distance
Development in Ajman
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 RAB-
DAN 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 destina-
tion, 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 passion-
ate, determined and often wet riders! Each
and every Emirate provided a full police es-
cort 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 Chal-
lenge sponsors making this journey of co-
existence, sport, fun, teamwork
and cultural visits possible, the
team successfully completed
the 365km cycle challenge
with no accidents.
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
The 7 Cyclist Sponsors
Abu Dhabi Tourism
and culture authority
Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development
Department of Tourism and
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 Nrgaard 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 Fly-
wheel Sports Dubai. Helle loves trave-
ling with her bike and you can follow her
adventures and racing in pictures on in-
stagram @thegirlwhocyclesinthedesert
and her blog page www.hellebve.com
OUTDOORUAE 59
 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 dads friend who worked in
the forest department used to invite us for
overnight picnics every weekend to Dak Bun-
galows in forests of Jhadol, Kaya, Barapaal, How often do you trek and where? hometown in Udaipurto Kumbhalgarh Fort,
to name a few. The best pastime for me and I go for weekend hikes during cooler months Neemach Mata Temple, Machla Magrato
my cousins was to trek in nearby hillocks to in UAE, where I have hiked in the areas of name a few. Last year, I took the opportunity
collect colourful pebbles of various shapes Wadi Helo, Hatta pools, Wadi Hayletc in to hike to Mt. Schmittenhohe (1,965m) in
and sizes, catch butterflies with amazing pat- Hajjar mountain range near Oman-Hatta Zell am see, Austria, which was an amazing
terns or simply racing down the hill. border. I have also hiked in Wadi Shab, Wadi experience.
After marriage I moved to UAE only too Bani Khalid and Jebel Shams in Oman. I try
pleased to discover places like Hatta and to go for trekking in Himalayas at least twice Which has been the most
Ras Al Khaimah to trek every weekend. I a year. Ive trekked in Rhododendron forest memorable one and why?
also joined a few hiking groups. Ever since, of Singalila mountain range (3,200m) in Sik- My latest trek to Kedarkanthapeak (3,820m)
I have been hiking to several places in and kim in India. Ive also been hiking to many in Uttarakhand, India was particularly memo-
around UAE. hillocks in Aravali mountain range near my rable. It was rather cold and acclimatizing

60 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

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!
gives me time to introspect, as a result of
which, Ive 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.

How would you like to inspire

to the sub-zero temperatures was proving
challenging and to add to the difficulty, we
encountered snowfall on the last day. How-
ever, 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 climb-
ing to reach the top of Camel rock. I met
lot of like -minded hikers and enjoyed their
company.
others to take up trekking?
The world of trekking has endless benefits
for everyone. Theres 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 differ-
ent perspective to life. My time in mountains

Any memorable trekking moment

During a hike to Wadi Hayl in Fujairah, in
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 resist-
ance training, forgetting about their core.
You use your core in most movements.
Having a strong core will improve your pos-
ture 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 chis-
eled 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.
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.
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.
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 posi-
tion. 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.
Plank on Medicine Ball
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 hav-
ing 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. Heres
to a strong core!

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
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 Nicky Holland
change to do the other side. Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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 Western Marine, P.O. Box 52938, Sheikh
Rahhalah, Shata Tower 27th Floor, Office
No. 2711, Media City, Dubai, +971 44472166,
www.rahhalah.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking,
& Adventure Club, +971 5 04920860,
mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com
Air
Balloon Adventures Emirates, Office 123
Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43884044, www.ballooning.ae
Dubai Paragliders, +971 552120155 or
552250193, www.microaviation.org
Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah,
+971 72446416 or 555531318,
www.jac-uae.net
Seawings, Dubai,+971 48070708,
www.seawings.ae
Skydive Dubai, The Palm: Al Seyahi St,
Dubai Marina, +971 43778888,
www.skydivedubai.ae
Boating & Sailing
Manufacturer
Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com
Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam,
+971 72682333 or 504873185,
www.aljeerport.ae
Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443,
www.alshaalimarine.com
Al Yousuf Industrial, LLC,
+971 4 3474111, www.aym.ae,
yamboats@alyousuf.com
Elite Pearl Charter, P.O. Box 214173,
Saeed Tower 1, office #3102,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43889666,
www.elitepearlcharter.com
Gulf Craft, P.O. Box 666, Sheikh Khalifa Bin
Zayed Street, Ajman, +971 67406060,
www.gulfcraftinc.com
Distributors and Dealers
Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area,
Sheikh Zayed Road, 3rd Interchange
+971 43388955, www.artmarine.ae or
www.artmarinechandlery.com
Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886,
www.azuremarine.net
Luxury Sea Boats, Showroom #8, The Curve
Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com
Macky Marine LLC, Box 37594, Ground
Floor, Marina Yatch Club, Office # 5, Dubai
Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 505518317,
www.mackymarine.com
Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494
or 503419494, www.nautilusyachts.com
The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628,
Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152,
www.theboathouse.ae
UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina,
+971 42932465, 567001801,
www.uaeboats4sale.com
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
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dragon Boat Groups
P.O. Box 32261, Sharjah, UAE, +971 Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating,
65441232; Dibba, Musandam, Oman, Dubai, +971 508795645,
+968 26836550 www.facebook.com/DubaiDawnPatrol
Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
the British Embassy, +971 48145553 pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175,
Bristol Middle East, Marina Heights Tower, www.dubai-diggers.com
Dubai Marina Marina Walk,Dubai, UAE Dragon Boat Association,
+971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com +971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com
Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae
Delma Industrial Supply and Marine
Camping & Hiking
Equipment
Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255,
+971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net
www.blingmytruck.com
Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE,
+971 43282930, 50 3716377,
+971 551222252 or 502550666,
www.edenyachting.com www.gulfcamping.com
Emirates Yatching, P.O. Box 8380, Dubai,
Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall,
+971 42826683 Abu Dhabi,+971 24437802
El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406,
Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink,
www.elmundodubai.com The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801
Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai, Urban Peak, PO Box 9587, Office 502E,
+971 561012599, www.4startravels.com Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Dubai,
4 Yatch Chartering LLC, Toll Free: 800 +971 44548805, www.urbanpeak.com
YACHT (92248), Office #4, Dubai Marina
Yatch Club, Dubai, www.4yachtchartering.ae
Tour Operators
Arabia Outdoors, Dubai,
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com www.adventure.ae
Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi,
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
+971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Dubai, +971 42959428,
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
www.arabiatours.com
+971 48706668, www.happydaysdubai.com Libra Travel & Tourism LLC, +971
LY Catamaran, Bur Dubai, +971 566506683,
43397700, www.facebook.com/
www.lycatamaran.com LibraTravelDubai
Marine Concept, P.O. Box 282586, Office
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
611, Al Barsha Business Centre, Dubai, +971 506595536, www.mountainhighme.com
+971 43958022, 559603030
Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba,
www.marine-charter-concept.com +971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Nautica1992, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort
& Spa, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina,
+971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Caving
Noukhada Adventure Company - P.O. Box Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
73373, C/O Ali & Sons Real Estate LLC, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com
Plot No. 29, Abu Dhabi Al Ain Rd, Um Al
Nar, Abu Dhabi, UAE - +971 25581889 Climbing
www.noukhada.ae Equipment
RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City
Adventure HQ, Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
Hilton Marina, +971 72066410, 504912696, Dubai Times Square Center, toll free:
507682345
800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Street 13A
Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011
1, Al Safa 1, Dubai, +971 43466558,
Smoke Dragon of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi www.barracudadubai.com
International Marine & Sports Club,
Global Climbing Trading LLC,
+971 507011958 or 504546617 Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
+971 42573084 Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
+971 24437802, www.jack-wolfskin.com
www.the-club.com Services
The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk
Absolute Adventure, Dubai,
opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae
Marina, 800892, www.theyellowboats.com
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square
Marinas Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free:
Abu Dhabi International Marine
800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
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
OUTDOORUAE 63
MIDDLE EASTS 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
Micahs 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
Wolfis Bike Shop, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae
Operator
Absolute Adventure, Dubai,
+971 43926463, www.adventure.ae,
info@adventure.ae
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Tri Club,
www.abudhabitriclub.com
Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome
www.cyclechallenge.ae
Dubai Roadsters, +971 43394453,
www.dubairoadsters.com
T&C Apply
64 OUTDOORUAE
Diving
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
+971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Blue Waters Marine, +971 43808616,
Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com
Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com
Premiers for Equipment, Sheikh Zayed
1st. Road, Abu Dhabi, +971 26665226,
www.premiers-uae.com
Dive Shop.ae, Building #123, Street 26,
Area 369, Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, Dubai,
+971 43414940, www.diveshop.ae
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Diving Centres
Al Boom Diving (equipment),
Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993,
www.alboomdiving.com
Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam,
+971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae
Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St.
across from main bus terminal,
+971 26437377, info@divemahara.com,
www.divemahara.com
Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al
Khaimah, +971 72226628 or 502428128
www.arabiandiver.com
Arabian Divers and Sportfishing
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Coastal Technical Divers,
glenn@coastaltechnicaldivers.com,
www.coastaltechnicaldivers.com
Deep Blue Sea Diving, International City,
Dubai, +971 44308246,
www.diveindubai.com
Desert Islands, Sir Bani Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 28015454,
www.divemahara.com
Divers Down, +971 559888687, Dubai;
Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah Hotel Resort & Spa,
+971 92370299, www.diversdownuae.com
Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi,
near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444,
www.edc-ad.ae
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, +971 506130486
contactus@freedivinguae.com,
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
www.freedivinguae.com
Freestyle Divers, Al Corniche Street, Dibba,
Fujairah, +971 504514259,
www.freestyledivers.me
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa - Al Aqah
Beach, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Neptune Diving, +971 504347902,
www.neptunedivingcentre.com
Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment),
Dubai, +971 44068828
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922,
www.scubauae.com
7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan,
+971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 506683430, www.bsac406.com
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
+971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
www.watersportsdubai.com
Clubs
Atlantis Underwater Photography Club,
Dubai, +971 44263000
Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai,
www.desertsportsdivingclub.net
Emirates Diving Association, Diving
Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai,
+971 43939390, www.emiratesdiving.com
Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC),
Dubai, UAE, +971 566952421,
www.facebook.com/FSDCuae
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com,
www.freedivinguae.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 507840830, www.bsac406.com
Fishing & Kayaking
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
General Sports Equipment
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
+971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Rd, +971 43390000, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Arabian Divers and Sportfishing
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai,
Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558,
www.barracudadubai.com
Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43808616 or 553899995,
www.bluewatersmarine.com
Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih -
Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798
or 44538386,
contactus@challengingadventure.com
Global Climbing Trading LLC,
+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 Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175,
www.captaintonys.ae
Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai,
+971 507050433 or 506947764,
www.seaworlddsf.com
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
+971 48706668, 503960202,
www.happydaysdubai.com
Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi
Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Noukhada Adventure Company,
Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25581889, www.noukhada.ae
Ocean Active, +971 504592259,
www.oceanactive.com
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
+971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Soolyman Sport Fishing, Umm Suquiem,
Fishing Port No. 2, Jumeirah Beach, +971
508866227, 508866228 or 503402379,
www.soolymansportfishing.com
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 42573084, www.summertimemarine.com
Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina,
+971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking
Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com
Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers
Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai,
+971 554986280, www.dskc.hu
Distributors
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square
Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free:
800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai
+971 43467751, www.800sport.ae
Flip Flop Arabia, +971 556881793,
501084010, www.flipfloparabia.com
Global Climbing Trading LLC,
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai
+971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
Highbury Trading FZE LLC, P.O. Box
16111, RAK Free Trade Zone Authority, Ras
Al Khaima, +971 526799506,
www.highburytrade.com
Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24437802
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG
Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43951113
Portable Shade UAE, Jebel Ali, Dubai,
UAE, +971 508897125,
www.portable-shade.net
Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar
Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42896001 or 42896002,
info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae
Tresspass, The Dubai Mall
2nd floor above ice rink, +971 43398801
Horse Riding
Equipment
Al Asifa Horse Equestrian Equipment
& Requisites Trading
P.O. Box 77282, AL Khawanij 1st , Dubai,
+971 554733110, www.asifa.ae
Black Horse LLC, Baniyas West,
Near Empost Abu Dhabhi, +971 25866205,
www.blackhorseuae.com
Bonjour Equestrian Supplies,
Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai,
UAE, +971 42896001, +971 42896002,
info@bonjourequestrian.com,
www.bonjourequestrian.com
Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies,
16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi,
+917 22222433, www.cavalosuae.com
Emirta Horse Requirement Centre,
Sheik Zayed Rd., Dubai, +971 43437475,
www.emirtahorse.com
Equestrian Clubs/Centres
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street,
Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +971 42988408,
www.alahliclub.info
Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai
International Endurance City, Dubai,
+971 505995866,
info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com
Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian
Centre, Dubai, +971 44274055,
equestrian.centre@alsahra.com
Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai,
+971 503099770 or 501978888
Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir
Road (going to Hatta-Oman), Dubai,
+971 43238010, www.dubaipoloclub.com
Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai,
+971 508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111,
www.poloclubdubai.com
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai,
+971 505587656,
www.emiratesequestriancentre.com
Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Golden Stables Equestrian Club,
Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri)
+971 555528182
Hoofbeatz, located just inside the Dubai
Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
+971 569424551, www.hoofbeatz.com
Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club,
Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai,
+971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com
Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area,
Abu Dhabi, +971 565066741,
www.rahalranch.com
Riding for the Disabled, Dubai,
lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae,
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club,
Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road,
+971 65311188, www.serc.ae
Racecourses
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu
Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road)
beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai,
+971 43474914
Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse,
Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
+971 43270000, www.meydan.ae
Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road,
Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae
Jet Ski
Dealers
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai,
Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai,
+971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Japan Marine General Trading,
Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai,
+971 44426395, uday@japanmarine.jp,
www.japanmarine.co
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412
or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com
Motocross & ATVs
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 (atvs), Ras Al Khor, Nad al
Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai,
+971 42896100, M4, Sector 13,
10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26441478, www.polarisuae.com
Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1
Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
Equipment
Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental),
Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43395608,
Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area
3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com
Motorcycling
Distributors and Dealers
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Ducati, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24918593, www.ducati.ae
Duseja General Trading Co. LLC,
Warehouse No: B3, Alquoz Ind Area #3, Umm
Suqeim Road next to Max Garage
Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al
Barsha, +971 43476712,
www.dusejamoto.com
Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667,
hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae,
www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange4, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442,
45019412 or 43419341,
www.libertykawasaki.com
Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex,
Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor,
+971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com
Tristar Motorcycles, Al Awir Road,
Nr Oman Transport, +971 43330659,
www.tristaruae.com
Workshops and Services
Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Dubai Autodrome, Dubai,
+971 43678700,www.dubaiautodrome.com
Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain,
+971 67681166
2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi,
800 YAS (927) or +971 26599800,
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Off-Road
Dealers
Bling My Truck,
+971 503634839 or 505548255,
info@blingmytruck.com,
www.blingmytruck.com
4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai,
+971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com
Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789,
www.libertyautos.com
Repairs and Services
AAA Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE,
+971 4 2858989, www.aaadubai.com
Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com
and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427,
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,
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,
suffian.omar@yahoo.com,
www.jk-funclub.com
ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com
Running
Clubs
ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org
Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi,
www.abudhabitriclub.org
Abu Dhabi Striders,
admin@abudhabistriders.com,
www.abudhabistriders.com
Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi,
+971 504188978,
alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk
Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info
Dubai Creek Striders
www.dubaicreekstriders.org
Desert Road Runners
www.desertroadrunners.club
Stand up Paddling, Kite &
Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
+971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach,
Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3
+971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae
Picnico, Al Fairdooni Building, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station
and Mall of Emirates, +971 43951113
Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai,
+971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com
Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1,
Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3,
Dubai, +971 564716180,
www.surfshoparabia.com
Surf School Arabia, +971 556010997,
www.surfschoolarabia.com
UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383,
www.ad-kitesurfing.net
Distributors
Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store,
International City, Dubai,
+971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Operators
Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
www.alforsan.com
Dubai Kite Surf School, Umm Suqeim
Beach, Dubai, +971 504965107,
www.dubaikitesurfschool.com
Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
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
Childrens City, Creek Park Gate No.1,
Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae
Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai,
+971 44262000, www.atlantisthepalm.com
Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate
No. 1, +971 43369773,
www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre,
+971 42316292, www.iflyme.com
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi,
Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www.
sbgolfclub.ae
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club,
Sharjah, +971 65487777,
www.golfandshootingshj.com
SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of the Emirates,
+971 44094000, www.skidxb.com
Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26577601
adcountryclub.com/spacewalk/about-
spacewalk/
Health, Safety & Training
Safety Lessons
Marine Concept Yacht Charter
& Sea School, Rania Business Centre,
Dubai, +971 559603030,
www.marine-charter-concept.com
Sport and Health Centres
Bespoke Wellness, Dubai,
+971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com
OUTDOORUAE 65
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen
Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404;
OMAN DIRECTORY
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Bike and Hike Oman, P.O. Box 833, Ruwi,
Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873,
www.bikeandhikeoman.com
Dolphin Qasab Tours, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 811,
Khasab City, Musandam, Oman,
+968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com
Go Dive Oman, Marina Bander Al Rowdha
Dive Center, +968 9548 3813 or 98194444,
www.godiveoman.com
Khour Shem Tourism, Oman,
+968 91713449, www.khourshemtours.com
Nomad Tours, PO Box 583, Postal Code
100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240,
www.nomadtours.com
Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box 917,
NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441,
http://omantrekkingguides.tumblr.com
Cruise Operators
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
+968 26836551, www.sheesabeach.com
Diving
Equipment
Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box 44, Dibba,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550; UAE: +971
502124100, www.almarsamusandam.com
QATAR DIRECTORY
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Al Mulla Travels, P.O. Box 4147, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44413488,
almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa
Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 13530,
Doha, Qatar, +974 4344499,
info@alphatoursqatar.com
Al QAYED Travel & Tours, PO Box: 158,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44072244,
www.alqayedtravel.com
Arabian Adventures, PO Box 4476, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44361461,
www.arabianadventureqatar.net
Black Pearls Tourism Services,
P.O. Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44357333
E2E Qatar Travel and Tours,
PO Box 23563, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44516688 or 444515995,
www.e2eqatar.com
Falcon Travels, PO Box 22031, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44354777,
www.falcontravelqatar.com
Gulf Adventures Tourism LLC, P.O. Box
18180, 29 Aspire Zone Street, Aspire Zone
Al Ryyan City, State of Qatar
Switchboard: +974 44221888,
www.gulf-adventures.com
Net Tours Qatar, P.O. Box 23080, Doha,
Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa
Regency Travel & Tours, +974 44344444,
www.regencyholidays.com
Qatar Adventure, P.O. Box 13915,
Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561,
www.qataradventure.com
Qatar Inbound Tours, P.O. Box 21153,
+974 77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com
Qatar International Tours, P.O. Box 55733
Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141,
www.qittour.com
Qatar Ventures, Barwa Village Bulding #12
Shop #33, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679,
www.qatar-ventures.com
Add your free listing to the
66 OUTDOORUAE
P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont
Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com
Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box 747,
Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545,
www.alsawadibeach.info
Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com
Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar
Al Rhowda, P.O. Box 940, Muscat, Oman,
+968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box 498,
PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman,
+968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com
Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346,
www.global-scuba.com
Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours,
P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab,
Musandam, Sultanate of Oman,
+968 91713449, info@tourkhasab.com
Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com
Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box 65,
Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman,
+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Nomad Ocean Adventures,
+968 26836069, Dibba, Oman; Fujairah,
+971 508918207, www.discovernomad.com
Diving Centres
Euro-divers Marina Bandar Al Rowdha,
P.O. Box 940, Postal Code 100 Muscat,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 98194444,
www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman,
Musandam, +968 26735555,
www.extradivers.info
Moonlight Dive Center, Near Grand Hyatt
Clubs
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 PearlQatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44953894, www.ronauticame.com
MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Orthosports Medical Centre, 5B Street,
Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO
(67846), www.orthosp.com
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
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite
& Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators
Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach,
P.O. Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968
96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com
Omans Kite Center, +968 94006007,
www.kitesurfing-lessons.com
Camping & Hiking
Tour Operators
Safari Desert Camp,
Horse Riding
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
ONLINE DIRECTORY
The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49,
Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai,
+971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae
P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421,
Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman,
+968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com
Caving
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre,
Oman, +968 24543002,
www.holiday-in-oman.com
Oman World Tourism, Oman,
+968 24565288, www.omanworldtourism.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
AzZaha Tours, +968 99425461,
www.azzahatours.com
Water World Marine Oman,
P.O.Box76,Muscat,113,Sultanate
ofOman, +96824737438,
www.waterworldoman.com
Boating & Sailing
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
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting
Equipment, Souq Waqif, next
to the Falcon Souq, +974 70057489
Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment,
P.O. Box 6449, Old Salata, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44444238, almamzoore@qatar.net.qa
Extreme Adventure, Shop 3,4
Ahmed Bin Ali Steet, Doha,
+974 44877884, www.extreme.qa
Fish World, P.O. Box 1975, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44340754
State of Qatar (QatarSub), Souq Waqif,
next to the Falcon Souq, +974 4431234,
www.stateofqatar.com
Operators
Paddle Qatar, +974 55490895,
www.paddleqatar.com
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite
& Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators
Fly-N-Ride, Ras abu Aboud, Doha,
+974 33117089,
Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha,
+974 33155628, www.flokiteschool.com
Kitesurfing Qatar, +97430179108,
www.kitesurfingqatar.com
QSUP, Qanat Quartier, Costa Malaz,
The Pearl-Qc, Doha, Qatar, +974 66602830,
www.qsup.me
Cycling (Road & Off Road)
Bike Servicing, Equipment
Carbon Wheels Bike Shop,
Al Maha Center 10, Salwa Road, Doha,
+974 44419048,
www.facebook.com/CarbonWheelsQTR
Flash Bike Shop, Mesaeed New Souq,
Shop C.06, +974 6600 9116,
www.flashbikeshop.com
Skate Shack, Salwa Road, South Doha,
+974 44692532, www.skate-shack.com
Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor,
+974 44822194; Villaggio Mall, +974 4456
9143; Ezdan Mall, +974 4492 2827,
www.galaxysportqatar.com
Sportswell, Salwa Road, South Doha,
+974 44151687
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