Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Wakesurfing UAE
how you can ride an endless wave
Aquatic life
Jake is getting up close
Plenty of
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TO CHECK OUT
OutdoorUAE Team
Daniel Birkhofer
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
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.
CONTENTS
4 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
36 KARIBU KILIMANJARO, HAKUNA MATATA 56 AQUATIC LIFE: GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
OUTDOORUAE 5
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
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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
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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
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 waverunner is easy to control in turns and
quick to speed from zero to 70 miles.
Among the collection of Al Yousuf Mo-
Unveiled its first-class products at DIBS 2017 tors products, they represented the latest
wave runners such as FX Cruiser HO FX
For the 14th year in a row, of major sporting and sailing events, with Cruiser SVHO VXR -Super Jet. They also
our range of cutting-edge products. showcased their numeric boats such as 242
Al Yousuf Motors returned to Limited S 242 E-series 190 FSH Sport.
the Dubai International Boat Show A legend is born The 190 FSH Sport is a top-of-the-line
with a collection of astonishing Introducing our newly launched Waverun- family fishing boat with a T-Top. Yamahas
ner GP 1800 that has hit the records being new FSH family fishing series represents a
wave runners and sports boats. the best waverunner in its category. The clear departure from the previous models
For more than 50 years, Al Yousuf Motors latest and the most powerful waverunner and indicates Yamahas commitment to in-
has distributed YAMAHA products ranging equipped with supercharged 4-cylinder novation. The boat is built on a 19-foot,
from motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, golf engine with four strokes, which offers the two-inch hull. The center console layout of-
cars, outboard engines, boats and personal maximum torque. fers plenty of walk around room for every-
watercrafts across the UAE. The company A high-performance waverunner that com- thing from fishing to family fun. FSH Sport
has over 30 different sales outlets, work- bines the best hull with the best high-speed has plenty of storage options including a
shops and spare parts centres for YAMAHA Yamaha engine, the GP1800 also features a lockable glove-box as well as a 12V outlet,
customers. high quality control system. The lightweight USB and auxiliary plug-in.
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
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
What else? pionship in October in America, won two Al Yousuf Motors and YAMAHA for their
The sponsored racing team also was there silver medals and competed in a number of support with not only the world-class water
at the Yamaha stand during the event and different European tournaments. vehicles but also their full technical team.
shared their experience using the Yamaha Salman Younus and Sultan Esa Al Hamma- This support has offered me the opportunity
waverunner GP1800. It was used in the di are the young champions in the Juniors to participate in international championships
UAE Water Bikes Championship 2017 by Category. Salman and Sultan, who are also and excel. This is an incentive for all sports-
the Champion Ali Lanjawi and the Yamaha supported by Al Yousuf Motors-Yamaha, men like me to work harder and continuous-
Superjets that were used by Salman Younus have been training with Al Lanjawi since ly improve in order to achieve more sporting
and Sultan Al Hammadi. 2010 and have won international Jet Ski excellence for the UAE and encourage oth-
Ali Lanjawi, the World Champion with the championships. Salman had earlier won a ers on a wider scale. The success of Salman
Yamaha bike, took first place in 2016 in the championship in the USA, while Sultan won Younus and Sultan Esa Al Hammadi, who
professional category in Sweden, and the in Europe. have trained with me over the last six years,
Pacific Championships in Estonia. Al Najawi Thanking Al Yousuf Motors and YAMAHA, is testimony of the bright future this sport
also participated in the last World Cham- Ali Al Lanjawi said: We are thankful to entails for the UAE and the region.
OUTDOORUAE 11
at Challenging Penultimate Emirates Desert Championship Event
Photos By: Tim Ansell and Greg Falski
Finally, in the quads, Kuwaiti Fahad Al 100kms of racing. Khalifa Al Rasse finished
Musallam won a tightly fought battle over the podium off with third place. Al Kitbe will
two-time Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge win- be hoping for a strong result in round five as
ner Obaid Al Kitbe, with the Al Musallam he aims to become the fourth Emirati to win
beating his Emirati rival by a margin of just the quad title in four seasons.
eight-tenths of a second after two hours and Today was a real challenge for the com-
petitors and we were lucky that the condi-
Kuwaiti rider Fahad Al Musallam won the Quad Class 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,
Dark skies loom large over British rider Torsten Skeen 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 In the motorcycle category, after coming
second in the previous two seasons, Emirati
Mohammed Al Balooshi finally put those
The fifth and final round demons to rest by taking the win on the day
of the 2016-17 Emirates Desert and confirming himself as the new cham- Sam Smith (#122)
Championship season took place pion.
After coming second in the last few sea-
in stormy conditions on Friday sons, and starting this year still recovering
morning, but the wind and rain from injuries, I cant describe how important
couldnt stop the various competi- this win is to me! It will definitely take a few
days to settle in, said Al Balooshi.
tors fighting to secure their titles. The conditions today were really hard
but I knew I had to fight through it and
Riders in the Marathon Class take the start
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
Emirati rider Khalid Al Falasi A focused Mohammed Al Balooshi (#7) Husqvarna rider Ryan Blair
14 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
AUTO winner Khalid Al Jafla Khalid Al Jafla and his menacing Armada Trophy Truck
EVENT REPORT
Solo 72km Hurricane and Relay 72km Fun Run in the Sun
Words + Photos by: David OHara
16 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
surprised me so we stopped to see what how nasty the weather was and how the
was going on or if he needed some nutri- runners embraced it. When it started to
tion. Chris said he was cramped up and snow, I asked Ramzi to get out of the car
was struggling. After the turnaround, I was to confirm whether it was snowing or I was
relieved when I saw how Chris was running hallucinating. Ramzi stepped out, and when
better. About 10km later, I heard somebody he stopped laughing at me for running in
blasting down the trail behind me: it was sandals in a hurricane, he confirmed that I
Chris! As Chris sailed by, he said he caught was running in sandals in a hurricane while it
his second wind I assume that was a little was snowing!
British irony, but he crushed it!
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 Team 72km Relay
the cold rain and wind for almost ten hours The Saturday Team 72km Relay crowd is the
stopping was a tough decision. 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
Sam in Training for MdS between runs. For me, the best decision I
Sam is preparing for Marathon des Sables, made was to ditch the sandals and wear my
so he wore his full MdS kit at Wadi Bih. Sam running shoes!
started out ahead, and we ran together on
and off after CP9. After 50km, Sam and I Relay Running
were out there essentially by ourselves in The Relay team runs the first leg all together,
the nasty rain. We ran and walked past each Finishing then Ramzi and Olga ran the next two legs
other throughout the last few hours both The last six hours were quite painful for me, through the village and over the dam. Zaid
of us pushing each other to keep each other as my feet and ankles felt every step in my and I took the next leg ouch! After running
going to finish virtually together. sandals. When it started to snow at 65km, I 72km on Friday, I found that the first 100
was suffering a bit from numb feet and fro- meters of each relay leg was extremely pain-
zen hands but managed to pick up the pace ful before I was able to find some rhythm
when I heard the organizers correctly! and run. We switched around on the legs,
were pulling runners off the course because but somehow I had the honours of running
of the risk of hypothermia. I eventually finish back-to-back legs, and running to and from
in 10:06 and before they gave me my Finish- Zighy Bay with Ramzi. The hill was a bit
ers medal, somebody put a hot, hot towel tough but we were rewarded with a stunning
on my head, because my face was a deep view of the Indian Ocean on a sunny day!
blue. Twenty runners were plucked off the
mountain during the storm. Jeremy Curran
Jeremy Curran is a beast and set a course
The Aftermath record. I saw Jeremy twice at Wadi Bih. First,
When I finished, the area behind the hotel when he took off at the Start as if he was
looked like it was hit by a hurricane. Why? racing 5km. Then when I was putting on the
Because the area behind the hotel was hit gloves I nicked from Steve around 27km,
by a freaking hurricane! Chairs and tables Jeremy is flying back at his 45km! I was
were knocked around. Tents were scattered frozen and numb, but Jeremy was sweat-
around the hotel grounds, with two floating ing in his tank top and short shorts. I cannot
in the Indian Ocean! We stayed overnight in fathom how Jeremy ran that 72km in 5:28
the hotel, because Saturday morning, Ramzi, thats 4:33/km pace! How did he sprint up
Olga and I were running the Team 72km that mountain? Didnt he notice the wind?
Relay with another guy from work (Zaid), He was so fast that he finished in time to
along with two other teams of five runners have breakfast at the hotel with my crew!
The Crew from our office. Unfortunately for Jeremy, he ran so fast that
My running buddy, Ramzi, and my wife, he didnt take full advantage of the Wadi
Olga, were crewing which meant they Bih experience: Sam and I ran the last 7km
were driving the Solo72km route ensuring in snow! Jeremy, next year if you train better
everybody was ok and taking some pho- maybe you can run Wadi Bih with me and
tos. Mostly I thought they were amused by Sam in snow
OUTDOORUAE 17
In the latest Red Bull Challenge:
Conquering Hajar
The Toughest Ultramarathon in the Middle East
Words + Photos by: David OHara
Thrill of Hajar
Getting to CP5 was a thrill - I didnt make it
EVENT REPORT
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 third place. We fought hard to get ourselves their spinnakers hoisted if they are to seal
almost all of the shifts [in tide], which put us in top position by the final gate through overall victory.
in a solid lead before the official race gate. some fast moves with the boat and were Omani crews Renaissance and Al Mouj
We did have a small issue with a rather large just very pleased with the job of the boys on Muscat rank second and third, respectively,
fishing net, sadly, we were caught for a while the crew here and looking forward to keep as the battle for an overall podium posi-
and it did scare us for a few minutes, but the momentum up to Dubai. tion heats up. British title contenders Team
finally we got free and back on course in Returning for its third year, Zain Team Averda had hoped to claw back some points
of Kuwaits team manager Michael Miller on EFG Bank Monaco during the final stage,
said his crew was in high spirits from the the longest of the event but currently hold
podium finish and looking forward to more steady on a bitter seventh in the rankings.
wins. This is the first time in the 2017 tour Zain Teams colleague-friendly voyage
that Zains hit the podium, after two fourth stays strong as a potential Renaissance
places, so were hugely excited. Im so upset, earning a fourth ranking with their
pleased for the team and all of us, its been podium finish on the last leg. Ranked
hard work and we really deserve it. directly behind the Kuwait team is Sardinian
The EFG Bank Monaco team, who lifted yachtswoman Caterina Nittos newcomers,
the EFG Sailing Arabia The Tour trophy Team Andelasia di Torres, with Swiss boat
in 2014, 2015 and 2016, now sits comfort- Bienne Voile directly behind, and Dutch
ably with four points clear at the top of the Olympic yachtswoman Annemieke Bes DB
overall standings with two offshore legs Schenker womens team sit in eighth.
and two in-port race series remaining. They The fleet departed Emirates Palace marina
have proved almost unbeatable in upwind last Wednesday, heading to the open shore
conditions but with turbulent seas still ahead for the penultimate sprint in a fresh 10-knot
for the final 365nm leg remaining until the wind, the identical Farr 30s made good
podium in Dubai. Douillard said, his team headway towards their next port of call at
must now outperform their challengers with The-Pearl-Qatar in Doha.
22 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
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
How do you do it? on the board with the board just floating on Where do you do it?
The boards used for wakesurfing are like the waters surface. There are other ways to The best places are the ones with the best
tiny surfboards as standard surfboards are start like standing and sinking the board and boats and an area with no other boats.
too big and bulky. Boards range from 4ft jumping off the back of the boat but these The best boats make a really good clean
to 5ft in length and tend to have smaller are more advanced and the easiest is as wake and its best to either go early in the
and limited fins too. Some are surfboard mentioned. morning when its very flat and still or avoid
shapes and others are like skimboard styles. The boat then takes off and pulls the rider high traffic areas like Marina and Palm where
There are hybrids which are a combination up, and after around 20 seconds the wave there are big bumps and lots of other boats.
of the two, and even rounder longer boards starts to form as the boat reaches its peak Our picks of companies and locations are:
intended to have a similar feel to longboard speed.
surfboards. Board choice is up to the rider You can ride with the rope if you want or Fahrenheit Beachsports in Jumeirah we
on what style you like. when you get to know where the sweet have a really good boat and private bay
The ride starts in the water with a rope spot is then you can throw the rope back in and are at a licensed venue
like a wakeboard and you place your feet the boat and ride without it. www.fahrenheitbeachsports.com
OUTDOORUAE 29
Morocco Trip Eid 2016
Age: 23
Nationality: Austrian
Occupation: Entrepreneur www.elevaete.com
Photos by: Supplied
and wake surfing since I was a kid. When ting into the sport and it seems to be more
I was studying in Austria I picked up long normal when a girl does these activities. Ive
boarding and most recently I dabbled in been asked a lot if the guys in the com-
paragliding, which I would love to do more munity are supportive or theyd rather not
of! Im useless every time I go out but when have girls there and its so nice to be able to
there are waves here I try to catch one or talk about how supportive they are. Maybe What is your advice to the ladies out
two. its just the way the riding community is but there who are interested in doing
they are always happy to help and its nice extreme activities and adventures
Do some people find it strange to be taken seriously, that you can chat with but are a bit skeptical in doing so?
when you tell them you are doing the guys about the sport and that as a girl As long as you have a safe place to learn
extreme activities like motorcycling you feel so included. and you are learning from someone who
or wake surfing? knows what theyre doing theres no reason
I have noticed a change that less people Where do you get the motivation you shouldnt give it a go. You should also
are surprised when I mention that I ride dirt in being involved in these types feel safe when trying out these activities
bikes or get on the track or do anything else of extreme activities? because if you learn from someone who isnt
equally risky. Thats a nice thing because A lot of it comes from my parents theyve teaching in a way that works for you, theres
it shows that there are more people get- always been adventurous and I always think a good chance you wont enjoy it and that
if they can do it so can I. There is also this you wont learn it as easily. Always take
part of me that likes to feel capable, when I the proper safety precautions and respect
can actually do these activities, ride a motor- the sport that youre giving a go so that if
cycle, fly a paraglider, drive a boat, it makes you do fall, you dont get injured as eas-
me feel in control when I dont have to sit on ily. Theres a good chance you wont get it
the back of the motorcycle or do something straight away but the learning curve is so
tandem, it makes me feel free. The commu- high that before you know it youve learnt
nity that comes with these activities is also a new activity and youre flying or youre
a big factor. No matter where you go, if you riding motorcycles so dont be so hard on
ride a motorcycle and I ride a motorcycle yourself if you dont get it on the first go.
you already have a friend in each other and Thats how it is when you learn something
its nice to be able to connect with others new and youve already learned something
that way and theres a good chance theyve new by simply showing up.
got a story worth sharing.
OUTDOORUAE 31
EVENT REPORT
ACTIVITY REPORT
Most guys are stronger than pable of,a 4.5m height wall might be intimi-
women when they start bouldering. dating. Small steps are required combined
with patience and encouragement in order to
They tend to apply brute force to overcome these barriers at their own pace.
their movements and haul them-
selves up vertical obstacles purely Introduction to Bouldering for Ladies
on arm strength rather than try- To counter these differences, Rock Republic
has started a womens only bouldering class.
ing to be efficient. Many women We leave out the testosterone and macho
come to Rock Republic with a competitiveness and have a group of women
relatively weak upper body but this working together to improve their climbing
skills. A male-free environment also means
an advantage in the long run. A local women can join us and enjoy the pleas-
weaker climber is forced to work ures, frustrations and camaraderie of working For further information on these sessions,
on technique and use good body in a group of like-minded individuals. take a look at our Facebook page. During
positioning and footwork to make Next Course
the course, Rock Republic is also open for
women who are up for a work out session.
it to the top. In the long run, tech- Rock Republic holds an Introduction to Boul-
nique will take you much further dering for Ladies session, led by a female in- Follow our Facebook page for all activities:
than a strong back and a vice grip. structor on the last Thursday of every month. Rock Republic Dubai
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.
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
OUTDOORUAE 35
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
we walked for 5-6 hours through the Forest for this opportunity for a very long time. I
Zone and gained altitude gradually. The rain said to the Guide that,I am fine and kept
washed the forest several times a day and on going. I hate to admit that it was so hard
everything smelled so fresh however walk- but I almost gave up a few times.
ing in the Forest during rainfall has its own The sun came up and we reached the
challenges! By the end of Day 2, we were first point before the summit- Gilmans Point
already above 3,700m and the altitude had (5,685m) and here our spirits were up again.
started rearing its ugly head. There was no going back now but I was still
I met many climbers back at the hotel From day 3 onwards it was a push towards worried about the return journey. You cant
after the summit, who asked me, Do you the Arctic Zone and getting closer to the stay in that zone for long and have to quickly
remember the experience at the top. We summit. The body was already tired of hik- descend before the sickness causes any per-
all just laughed at that, but in reality a lot ing in the rain and snowfall, at times for 3-4 manent damage or the weather gets too bad.
of us didnt fully remember the experience hours straight and to make matters worse, Soon enough we made it to the Summit.
as we were so badly struck with mountain people kept coming down on stretchers... The whole experience has been a bit
sickness. The body doesnt function prop- On the final day we woke up at 12 mid- emotional and I find it hard to remember...I
erly above 5,000m and minus 30 degrees night for the summit attempt, which was 6 have very little memory of the return jour-
temperatures. hours away from the last camp. After 1-2 ney; sickness and exhaustion had taken
This trip was challenging, both at physical hours of hiking, altitude hit me hard. I had over me completely. It was mostly my guide
and mental levels. From Day 1 of the hike, I serious nausea and a headache that felt pushing me down to get to a lower altitude
started seeing medical rescues and people like I was very ill. Well, I know the feeling of as soon as possible. In the end though, it
being brought down on stretchers by their being very ill but this was something else! was done The Summit was scaled and the
porters. Our confidence levels were already Many times I didnt know where I was and Flag was hoisted.
very low so we just had to focus on the sum- kept vomiting. I was worried that my guide My thanks have to go though to my team
mit and keep walking. might call it off and ask us to return. Return- of 1 Guide, 2 Porters & a Cook. We wouldnt
Day 1 & Day 2 were relatively easy and ing was not an option for me. I had waited have made it without you guys!
OUTDOORUAE 37
in Opolo Valley
Words + Photos by: Massimo Ziino
Last summer I went climbing in the a maximum length of about 40 metres and me back to a human dimension, where time
Opolo valley (Brescia province in Lombardy, difficulty grades up to 7c. and dynamics flow naturally.
Northern Italy) together with my friend Rock climbing began here between the A rope, a pair of climbing shoes, a helmet
Francesco Bosio, an excellent climber from late 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s, and a few quickdraws, nothing more! The
Brescia, and with the mountain guide, Rob- when the first bolts were set in place. simplicity of the equipment reflects the
erto Parolari. The valleystretches from the Every year, new and increasingly difficult freedom that we enjoy when climbing. Man
Monte Guglielmo area down to the Eastern routes are opened up. In 2010 the world- and the Wall - a duel with your own ability,
shores of Lake Iseo. The Opolo Valley takes renowned Czech champion Adam Ondra an internal battle to overcome obstacles.
its name from the creek that runs through completed the 9a+ route now called A It takes determination anda good choice
it, flowing into the lake near the village of Present for the Future. Ondrasroute is so of holds. You pay for your mistakes, but due
Marone. difficult that it has not been repeated since. to the equipment, the consequences are not
Its a charming place in itself, but even The rock faces are mostly oriented physical. You pay with those small and invis-
more special when you can enjoy the artistic towards the south and south-west, and ible inner wounds, for not having reached
installation of contemporary artist Christo therefore can get pretty hot. Temperatures your goal.
(an American of Bulgarian origin), while you were around 30C when I went, so I would The rock of these cliffs is a compact Do-
climb.His temporary work;The Floating advise anyone who wants to climb in these lomite, and could not be better. It belongs
Piers, is a three kilometre floating walkway exceptional places to do it in the Winter, or to the Main Dolomite rock formation, which,
on Lake Iseo, which links some local villages in the Spring or Autumn. from a geological point of view, is the same
with the islands on the lake. I love to spend my time in this place, sur- that constitutes the famous Italian Dolo-
Art and climbing - probably a totally rounded by nature and far from the chaos mites.
unique situation! It guarantees an exciting of the city and in the company of friends I recommend all climbers who pass
day immersed in the Falesiadel Ginetto with whom I share the same passions and through this area to stop and spend some
comprising of 25 west-facing routes, with lifestyle. These places and activities bring 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
THE OFF-ROADERS
corner
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 MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Going Organic
Words + Photos by: Richard Thomas
Method
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and dress
with lemon dressing and salt.
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bike is also great for cruising the bike paths and some light dirt
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Quick handling, 26-inch wheel, optimized geometry
for nimble hardtail riding characteristics
OUTDOORUAE 43
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
PRODUCTS
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44 OUTDOORUAE
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46 OUTDOORUAE
OUR EXPERTS
Educat ion
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
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
50 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
longer rod will make you feel as if you are time to experiment and learn new things.
getting yanked off the floor of the boat, so When I arrived in 2006 there were only a
you always have to be conscious on where handful of people jigging in the UAE, now,
youre standing and when the fish runs, be its commonplace. Fishing evolves, and as
very prepared to stand your ground more anglers have to keep an open mind and try
importantly, if you go with what I did and new things that might work for us. I know
use PE 0.8, make sure you are ready to lose there are costs involved and that it takes a
your jig, your rod (breaking it) and the fish lot of time and patience to learn something
all the time. If you are not prepared for all new, however, as I mentioned above, there
of what I mentioned above, you might just are a lot of options now, more than we had
want to stick to a slightly heavier line. The in the early part of this last decade. There
truth of the matter with really thin lines is are now Gomoku rods which are proven in
that you will almost always lose! Asia to catch big fish, the suggested retail
prices of these rods are under 500AED,
Its Go Time! together with lures that work really well, like
Right when the jig hit the bottom, I went the Storm Gomoku
through the motions and on my second lift, I Koika, you can put
felt a tug, I set the hook and found some- When fishing with Abdullah of Al Ghwas I always feel together a system
thing heavy pull back, with the length of the optimistic, with Roy added to the trip, things are never dull that will not break
rod in mind, I immediately started working, the bank and will
pulling as much as I could and relentlessly a small one especially when you know how catch you fish, all
putting pressure on the fish as much as big they get. thats left is for you
my line can give. At such a thin diameter On my second drop, I hooked up again to get out there and
and strength, I had to squeeze as much and brought up a very nice Malabar Trevally, fish!
as I could to get the fish as far away from which as the guys that have caught them
whatever piece of structure it was living in. A will attest, is a fish that you can hardly call a Dreamin of Reels
few more runs and a hurting shoulder later, pushover. Screamin,
I got the fish to the surface to everyones There were bigger fish landed that day,
surprise and amazement, it was an amber-
jack! And although this fish was not big (for
but everyone on the boat agreed that those Kit
two fish I caught were probably the high-
sure not more than 6 kilos) the fact that I lights of the trip, especially the Amberjack! Our fishing pro who shares
was able to pull it off the structure on such his experiences and
thin line was quite a feat and it was equally Trying New Things expertise with OutdoorUAE
satisfying to release the fish after a few quick Now, more than ever, there are a lot of fish- through his regular column.
photographs. Amberjacks can grow up to 50 ing gear methods being imported from all thefishingkit@gmail.com
Kilos and it would be such a shame to take over the world into the UAE. It is the best
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1/2 hours (an hour and 15 minutes one way) around this trickle of a waterfall. Most re-
but with scenery redolent of the American markable of all are the rope like vines - thick,
Badlands on steroids, whats the rush? sturdy and reaching all the way to the top
For our international group of weekend - the O.G. Omani version of the via ferrata
warriors (mostly expats from the UAE) that used not for adventure but utility. Maintain-
Ive tagged along with, itll be an hour and a ing the ancient system of irrigation channels
half hike on the canyon trail and 30 minutes known locally as felaj sometimes required
out by via ferrata, reckons Joe Daniels, one dexterity and speed when repairs were
of our guides on this outing arranged by needed, these vines were the link between
Muscat Diving & Adventure Center (hes the the source and the lives that depended on
one with the ginger mohawk). This popular them.
excursion, easily combined with camping Right now my life depends on the two
on Jebel Akhdar or at the nearby resort, is clips on my harness being attached to the
a rugged weekend getaway from the oh- cable (at least one should be on at all times).
so-tiresome world of opulent brunches, air 75 meters above the Balcony Walk, 1,900
kisses and cosmopolitan lifestyle that Dubai meters above the floor of the wadi, I can
is famous for. feel the blood rushing through my temples,
At this altitude, its difficult to swallow that palms sweating. Despite clear instruction
this was once all covered by a shallow tropi- from our guides to not ever remove both
cal sea called Tethys, as our other dashingly clips at the same time while passing a spike
English climbing guide Justin Halls explains. Im here now and not only am I going to (what keeps the cable in place), I do so - the
Waiting for Joe to finish up helping the hike the cliffs on the Balcony Walk but will adrenaline or the altitude (or a combination
others to step into their climbing harnesses, also, as Ive just been informed, lead the of both) causing me to make a mistake that
Justin points out that the corals, gastropods group ascent on the via ferrata on the way could have cost me my life.
and shells found all around on the ground, out as well. Having survived the first pitch of the
bear witness to the fact that this mountain In Italian, via ferrata means' the iron way. 150-metervia ferrata, nature grants me a
of the sun (the English translation for Jebel Although it sounds tough now, when I first small respite, a rock shelf to catch my breath
Shams) was once indeed an aquatic environ- heard about it, it seemed like a sissy version and gather my wits before the final ascent.
ment before it went alpine. of rock climbing. Its what connecting the All alone on the edge of that cliff while
At these alpine elevations, the sun feels dots is to the art world a mockery of actual the others inch their way up, I pause and
closer because it actually is. Five minutes artistic skill that nevertheless leaves the una- reflect, grateful to be alive - nothing quite
into the hike and Im sweating already ware with a feeling of false accomplishment. like a whiff of death to make you appreciate
Jebel Shams indeed. Pausing briefly in the What I would discover, however, was that life. Gazing into the abyss before me, my
shadow of a thorny sidr tree, I wonder how I despite the 'training wheels' of steel cables heart rate returns to normal as the others
could have lived in Nizwa, just 57 kilometres and spikes set up on the side of the moun- scramble their way up to my place of quiet
away, for three years and never explored tain, the pounding in my chest couldn't tell reflection with high fives and exhilaration.
what was literally right in my own backyard. the difference. My moment alone with Jebel Shams may be
Blaming proximity, procrastination and a Rounding a curve along the rim of the gone for now but the feeling will remain with
bad shisha habit, (there was little to do in canyon, the abandoned village of As Sab me forever.
Nizwa before the LuLu Hypermarket came reveals itself, tucked away under a large
to town), I decide what matters most is that 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
OUTDOORUAE 53
OUR EXPERTS
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
OUTDOORUAE 55
OUR EXPERTS
Aquatic L ife:
Getting Up Close and Personal
Words + Photos by: Jake Lyle staring and wondering: where was this? How or on a boat or beach above, most often the
was this photo captured? Was it a dangerous first instinct is to grab a camera or phone
situation? And that is the wonderful power and take a picture whether to share it with
Our ocean is filled with thou- of photographs - but how are these photos family and friends or simply to prove you saw
sands and thousands of different taken? And how do photographers approach it! And we all want the best photos to show
species of animals, each one wildly the animals to take them? around so when dealing with wild animals
Not every section of our oceans is filled underwater, whats the best way to go about
different from the last. Some of with an abundance of marine life, but the it?
these species grow larger than ones surrounding the UAE and Oman cer- The most important aspect of taking pho-
double-decker buses, whilst others tainly are. In addition to the millions of fish tos of animals up close is the approach, and
arent much bigger than an average and smaller animals that inhabit the coral
reefs that line the ocean floor, are a whole
the most important aspect of the approach is
the speed at which you do it which must be
teaspoon. range of larger marine animals that spend slow. The saying that they are more scared
The colours, shapes and sizes of these their time above these reefs. In the UAE es- of you than you are of them, often used by
animals are, and always have been, inter- pecially, Turtles make frequent appearances people to help others overcome their fear
esting and intriguing to us as a population near both popular beaches and popular dive of certain animals, is on the most part very
which has prompted us to want to capture sites. Further afield are even larger animals true. To animals, especially underwater, we
this intrigue in the form of pictures. So often like Eagle Rays, Sharks and even Whale humans are big, weird-looking and scary so
we come across great pictures of animals, Sharks. When animals such as these make most animals will do their best to avoid us if
taken up close and personal, that leave you an appearance, whether youre in the water they can, and the ones that do hang around
56 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
pole doesnt pose a danger to the animal at Another hazard that comes when deal-
any time. And finally after youve slowly ap- ing with larger animals is being struck by
proached, limiting your big movements and their body, fins or tail. Although its a much
keeping control of your equipment once less frequent occurrence, if youreplanning
youve got close enough, its time to take on getting up close and personal with a
your picture! Its a wonderful feeling when larger animal, make sure youre always
youve put the effort in to capture a great aware of your surroundings and the animals
photo and youve finally got it. Not only will movements, because when the animals
you be able to share your experience with get bigger, like Whales and Whale Sharks,
others visually, but it enables you to capture they are less aware of their movements and
a special moment for yourself, ensuring you surroundings, at their tail end for example
never forget it, because its experiences like which could end up hitting you if youre not
these that make life so amazing so why not careful! Similarly, it is much harder for them
long enough for us to see them will certainly try to remember all of them! In my opinion I to manoeuvre out of the way if youre in front
not stay for long if you swim up to them too think underwater cameras should be labelled of them, or in their swimming path so make
fast. If you were walking down the street and as required diving equipment because you sure you dont get in the way if you dont
a creature youve never seen before thats never know when that Whale Shark is going want to see what the inside of their mouth
double your size came charging toward you to swim out from the depths and say hello, looks like!
youd certainly turn the other way and run or when that group of Turtles will make an
same goes for aquatic animals. To avoid a appearance right beside you - and these are
quick getaway by the animal, move toward the types of memories you never want to for-
it very slowly. If the animal is already swim- get, and what better way to remember them
ming along, approach it slowly and eventu- than to capture a wonderful photograph!
ally match its speed along side it, and if the Just as important as a slow approach is
animal is residing below a cavern or in a knowing how long to stay with an animal
cave, make sure that when youre approach- forand in order to ensure the experience is
ing you do not block their only way out positive for both yourself and the animal,
because if they do feel threatened by your it is important to stay with it for a sensible
presence they will go through you to get amount of time before either it gets irritated
out! I once made that mistake whilst diving with your presence or you get too tired try-
in Fujairah, when I went to film a White Tip ing to follow it!
Reef Shark under a cave, only to then realise Overall however, the most important part
the Shark was female and her two pups were of the experience is the safety and wellbeing
behind her in the cave and I was blocking of the animal. To ensure this, the first thing
the only exit the mothers protection over to do is make sure you have adequate diving
her offspring, prompted the shark to burst experience around animals before trying to
toward me and scare me out of the way! In get close enough for a picture. Although Finally, as I said before, all of these animals
addition to approaching slowly, make sure the majority of marine animals are harmless are wild and can be unpredictable so if the
youre not moving your arms or legs around unless provoked, all members of the ocean situation doesnt feel right, move along. An
too much, but instead keep your move- population are wild animals and can be experienced diver will be able to read the
ments to a minimum, as it can also warn off unpredictable at times, so the wellbeing of situation and identify the signs that warrant
animals who may take it is a threat. Fewer the animal often depends on a divers ability distance between them and the animal. With
bold movements will leave the animals more to read both the behaviour of the animal and Sharks for example, if they arch their back,
comfortable with your presence as they will the situation and whether they felt threat- point their snout upwards and tilt their pec-
perceive you as less dangerous. The same ened or not, allowing you to know when to toral fins downward - it is in an aggressive
goes for any of your equipment, whether go and when to stay. As well, it is crucial that or defensive mode and any divers should
its camera equipment or otherwise, such as you never touch a marine animal. Although therefore keep their distance.
an underwater flashlight make sure you it may seem harmless, a human touch to an Underwater animals are beautiful and
keep it close and dont move it around too animal can have extremely adverse health ef- fascinating, and when you encounter them if
much. As the past few years have shown, the fects and it can even be harmful to yourself you have the opportunity to snap a picture
growth of selfies in photographic circles has if there is poison involved. In places like here you certainly should! It allows you to capture
been exponential, and with it, selfie sticks. in the UAE, there are also fines for touching a great memory, enables you to share the
These selfie sticks with cameras mounted protected animals like Turtles so to avoid experience with otherS and it acts as proof
on the end arent just used to take photos hurting both the animals and your wal- that you saw what you saw! When you do
on the beach or outside the Burj Khalifa, but let keep your hands to yourself! Similarly, move in for your pictures though, its crucial
have moved underwater as well, thanks to although television and films may portray that you have both the animals safety and
cameras like the GoPro. Fantastic photos Dolphins and Rays as touch-friendly, theyre your own in mind, in order to let future divers
can be captured in this way, allowing for truly not. These animals are equipped with a layer have the same experience you did, years into
close up shots of wonderful animals but of mucous above their skin which protects it the future from now, and hopefully forever.
with these great photos, extra caution must from bacterial damage but when a person So jump into the water, camera in hand and
be taken as well, and you must ensure the goes and strokes these animals, they remove start searching for your perfect shot!
this layer of slime, making the animal suscep-
tible to infection. Ive dived with a number
of these animals and have unfortunately Safety:
come across a great many that have 5 lines Only with good diving experience
of infection running along their body which The safety and protection of the animal
are clearly the mark of a person running is the most important
their hands along its body, removing the No touching manta rays and dolphins
slime and causing infection. And needless with marks turtles fines
to say the reasons for keeping your hands to Careful with camera equipment
yourself when it comes to animals like Sharks Big animals still wild animals and
who may not be as friendly as Turtles or when threatened will defend themselves
Dolphins when they are touched. So for the slow/no big movements Whalesharks
safety of both you and the animals, ensure dont get swallowed
you refrain from reaching out and touching.
OUTDOORUAE 57
OUR EXPERTS
Women n Wheels
OUTDOORUAE 59
PEOPLE
Lulua Ahsan
Age: 41
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Homemaker and mother of two children
60 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Aug. 2014, we lost our way. The heat was gives me time to introspect, as a result of
becoming unbearable. So, we divided into which, Ive become stronger physically and
two groups of eight each to find our way mentally, compassionate and overall, a
back to the Fort Hayl. It took almost three better human being. I also refrain from any
hours for us to trace our way back to the unnecessary wastage of food and water.
Fort. I was totally dehydrated and suffered The small joys of daily life and good health
acute headache with not a single tree in have become more important to me. I have
sight, but it was because of support of my resorted to a healthier and more disciplined
team members, particularly Russel, Vijay and lifestyle with regular yoga and exercise,
Hansraj that brought me back to Fort Hayl nutritious food, adequate sleep and keeping
alive! We were all strangers to each other, weight under check so that I can continue
yet the spirit of camaraderie was something trekking for years to come.
which I shall remember for lifetime!
Straight Leg Oblique Kick to squeeze your obliques on the side of your
Lie on your side so you have one elbow on body throughout the movement and brace
the ground and one side of your bum on the your abs. Keeping the abdominals under
floor. Bend both legs together so they come tension will help you get the most out of this
up to your chest. Then extend both legs to a exercise. Do 10-15 reps on one side then Nicky Holland
straight position. This counts as one rep. Try change to do the other side. Fitness Manager, Fitness First Uptown Mirdif
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
UAE DIRECTORY
General Sports Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dragon Boat Groups
P.O. Box 32261, Sharjah, UAE, +971 Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating,
Equipment Megastores 65441232; Dibba, Musandam, Oman, Dubai, +971 508795645,
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center, +968 26836550 www.facebook.com/DubaiDawnPatrol
Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE, Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
+971 43466824; The Beach on JBR, Dubai: the British Embassy, +971 48145553 pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175,
+971 44304419; Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi: Bristol Middle East, Marina Heights Tower, www.dubai-diggers.com
+971 24456995, www.adventurehq.ae Dubai Marina Marina Walk,Dubai, UAE Dragon Boat Association,
Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre, +971 4368 2480, www.bristol-middleeast.com +971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com
+971 42839392, www.decathlon.com Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu
Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +971 43253595;
Abu Dhabi Mall: +971 26454595; Bawabat Al
Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae
Delma Industrial Supply and Marine
Camping & Hiking
Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 25868240; Yas Equipment
Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi, Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255,
Mall: +971 25650812; MOE: +971 4395 8951, +971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net
www.go-sport.com www.blingmytruck.com
Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina, Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE,
Peiniger BMT Est., CBD, Khalifa Street, +971 43282930, 50 3716377,
Yateem Optician Bldg., Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 551222252 or 502550666,
www.edenyachting.com www.gulfcamping.com
+971 26262332, www.peiniger.org Emirates Yatching, P.O. Box 8380, Dubai,
Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall,
+971 42826683 Abu Dhabi,+971 24437802
centres, +971 43599905; Online store: +971 El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406,
43149001; Retail store: +971 43504400, Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink,
www.elmundodubai.com The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801
http://en-ae.sssports.com Four Star Travels and Tourism, Dubai, Urban Peak, PO Box 9587, Office 502E,
+971 561012599, www.4startravels.com Ibn Battuta Gate Offices, Dubai,
Adventure tours 4 Yatch Chartering LLC, Toll Free: 800 +971 44548805, www.urbanpeak.com
YACHT (92248), Office #4, Dubai Marina
and desert safaris Yatch Club, Dubai, www.4yachtchartering.ae
Tour Operators
Alpha Tours, P.O. Box 25718, 27th Floor, Arabia Outdoors, Dubai,
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa, +971 559556209, www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Burlington Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
+971 47019111, www.alphatoursdubai.com Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43926463,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com www.adventure.ae
Dadabhai Travel, SR 1&2, GF, Gulf Towers, Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi,
Oud Metha Rd. Dubai, +971 43885566, Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
+971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com Dubai, +971 42959428,
www.dadabhaitravel.ae Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
Desert Rangers, P.O. Box 33501, Dubai www.arabiatours.com
+971 48706668, www.happydaysdubai.com Libra Travel & Tourism LLC, +971
UAE, +971 44569944 or 507035111 LY Catamaran, Bur Dubai, +971 566506683,
www.desertrangers.com 43397700, www.facebook.com/
www.lycatamaran.com LibraTravelDubai
Desert Road Tourism, Office 503, 5th Flr., yamboats@alyousuf.com Marine Concept, P.O. Box 282586, Office
Al Khor Plaza, Dubai, +971 42959429, Elite Pearl Charter, P.O. Box 214173, Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
611, Al Barsha Business Centre, Dubai, +971 506595536, www.mountainhighme.com
www.desertroadtours.com Saeed Tower 1, office #3102, +971 43958022, 559603030
Dreamdays, First Floor Rm. 107 Ibn Battuta Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43889666, Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba,
www.marine-charter-concept.com +971 50336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Gate (Offices) Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai www.elitepearlcharter.com Nautica1992, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort
+971 44329392 or 44329393, Gulf Craft, P.O. Box 666, Sheikh Khalifa Bin & Spa, Autograph Collection, Dubai Marina,
www.dreamdays.ae Zayed Street, Ajman, +971 67406060, +971 504262415, www.nautica1992.ae Caving
Dream Explorer LLC, JLT, Dubai, www.gulfcraftinc.com Noukhada Adventure Company - P.O. Box Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
P.O. Box 214576, +971 44563390 Distributors and Dealers 73373, C/O Ali & Sons Real Estate LLC, +971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com
www.dreamexplorerdubai.com Art Marine LLC, Al Quoz Industrial Area, Plot No. 29, Abu Dhabi Al Ain Rd, Um Al
Dubai Relax Travel, P.O. Box 37459, Sheikh Zayed Road, 3rd Interchange
National Towers: Churchill Tower Suite #614, +971 43388955, www.artmarine.ae or
Nar, Abu Dhabi, UAE - +971 25581889 Climbing
www.noukhada.ae Equipment
Business Bay, Dubai, +971 528996307, www.artmarinechandlery.com RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City
www.dubairelaxtours.com Azure Marine Dubai, +971 4 3706886, Adventure HQ, Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
Hilton Marina, +971 72066410, 504912696, Dubai Times Square Center, toll free:
Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai, www.azuremarine.net 507682345
+971 42861991, www.explorertours.ae Luxury Sea Boats, Showroom #8, The Curve 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Street 13A
Gulf for Good, P.O. Box 506006, 1/F, Building Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011
4, Dubai International Humanitarian City, +971 4 3284629, www.luxuryseaboats.com 1, Al Safa 1, Dubai, +971 43466558,
Smoke Dragon of London Yacht, Abu Dhabi www.barracudadubai.com
Dubai, +971 43680222, www.gulf4good.org Macky Marine LLC, Box 37594, Ground International Marine & Sports Club,
Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre, Floor, Marina Yatch Club, Office # 5, Dubai Global Climbing Trading LLC,
+971 507011958 or 504546617 Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
+971 44045880, www.gulfventures.com Marina, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 505518317, Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
MMI Travel LLC, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata www.mackymarine.com +971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
+971 42573084 Jack Wolfskin, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
Travel Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 553419494 The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
+971 4 4045999, or 503419494, www.nautilusyachts.com +971 24437802, www.jack-wolfskin.com
www.the-club.com Services
www.theemiratesgroup.com The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk
Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43405152, Absolute Adventure, Dubai,
opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel +971 43926463, www.adventure.ae
+971 26794656, www.netgroupauh.com www.theboathouse.ae Marina, 800892, www.theyellowboats.com
Oasis Palm Dubai, P.O. Box 181258 Dubai, UAEBoats4Sale, Dubai Marina, Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square
Marinas Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free:
Office 404, Royal Plaza Building +971 42932465, 567001801, Abu Dhabi International Marine
Al Rigga Street, +971 42628889 or www.uaeboats4sale.com 800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater,
42686826, www.opdubai.com Western Marine, P.O. Box 52938, Sheikh +971 26815566, www.adimsc.com
Rahhalah, Shata Tower 27th Floor, Office Zayed Road, Knotika Marine Mall, Dubai, Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi,
No. 2711, Media City, Dubai, +971 44472166, +971 44327870 Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300
www.rahhalah.com Equipment Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam
Clubs Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Ground Floor, +971 72682333 or 504873185,
Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking, Tara Hotel Building, Abdul Nasser Square www.aljeerport.ae
& Adventure Club, +971 5 04920860, Street, Dubai, +971 42263220 Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al
mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road, Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE,
Dubai, +971 43468000, +971 42394760 or 42959477,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Air Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
www.cruiseindubai.com
Balloon Adventures Emirates, Office 123 Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai,
The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43801234, www.dubaigolf.com
Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43808616 or 553899995, Dubai International Marine Sports Club,
+971 43884044, www.ballooning.ae
www.bluewatersmarine.com Dubai Marina, +971 43995777, www.dimc.ae
Dubai Paragliders, +971 552120155 or
Extreme Marine, Dubai Marina Branch, Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai,
552250193, www.microaviation.org
+971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com +971 43627900,
Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah,
Japan Marine / D1 Marine, www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
+971 72446416 or 555531318,
WS # 110, Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina,
www.jac-uae.net
+971 4 4426395 or 55 1666035, Dubai, +971 43455545
Seawings, Dubai,+971 48070708,
www.japanmarine.co Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai,
www.seawings.ae
Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Al Quoz, +971 43941669, www.dosc.ae
Skydive Dubai, The Palm: Al Seyahi St,
Dubai, www.rinehemiratesme.com, Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi,
Dubai Marina, +971 43778888,
+971 43391512 +971 26907725
www.skydivedubai.ae
Repairs and Maintenance Fujairah International Marine Club,
Extreme Marine, Jebel Ali Branch, Jebel Ali, Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae
Boating & Sailing Industrial Area, P.O. Box 97705, Dubai, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina,
Manufacturer +971 48830777, www.extrememarine-me.com Al Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz, Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1, +971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com
+971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com Al Quoz, +971 43391512, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina,
Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam, SNS Marine, Dubai Creek & Yacht Club, Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555
+971 72682333 or 504873185, Dubai, +971 501405058, www.snsmarine.ae www.jebelali-international.com
www.aljeerport.ae The Boat House, P.O. Box 71628, Al Quoz, Pavilion Marina, Dubai,
Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443, Dubai, +971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800
www.alshaalimarine.com Cruise Operators Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club,
Al Yousuf Industrial, LLC, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644,
+971 4 3474111, www.aym.ae, +971 26665491 www.uaqmarineclub.com
OUTDOORUAE 63
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
64 OUTDOORUAE
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, www.heartlanduae.com Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111, Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744, and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi,
www.poloclubdubai.com www.icon-auto.com +971 505441494, www.kitepro.ae
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
+971 505587656, Dubai, UAE, +971 4 3469600, www.nautica1992.ae
www.emiratesequestriancentre.com www.mebarauto.com Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim
Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399, Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Dubai, +971 507689226,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, Road, Dubai, +971 48321050, www.shamalkitesurfing.com
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060, Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
Al Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) www.yellowhat.ae www.watersportsdubai.com
+971 555528182 Tour Operators
Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach
Hoofbeatz, located just inside the Dubai and Building 1, Al Manara Road (East),
Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai, +971 43034888,
www.arabian-adventures.com Interchange 3, Dubai, +971 43791998,
+971 569424551, www.hoofbeatz.com
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503, www.surfschooluae.com
Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club,
Dubai, +971 42959429, Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and
Mushrif Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai,
www.desertroadtours.com Spa, Dubai, +971 48876771,
+971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com
Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, www.watercooleddubai.com
Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area,
+971 4 2628832 or 4 2686826,
Abu Dhabi, +971 565066741, Water Cooled,
www.opdubai.com
www.rahalranch.com Watercooled Sports Services LLC,
Clubs
Riding for the Disabled, Dubai, Hilton Beach Club,
Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club, www.ad4x4.com
lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae,
ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26395997,
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club,
+971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com www.watercooleduae.com
Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road,
Dubai Offroaders, www.dubaioffroaders.com Clubs
+971 65311188, www.serc.ae
JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club, Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle,
Racecourses
suffian.omar@yahoo.com,
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif, www.abudhabisup.com
www.jk-funclub.com
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500, UAE SUP and Surf Association, +971
ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com
www.adec-web.com 26665588, www.ridersuae.com
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi, Running Water Parks
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae Clubs
ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm
Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu
www.aym.ae/yamaha Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah, +971 44260000, www.
Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road)
Ducati, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabitriclub.org atlantisthepalm.com
beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai,
+971 24918593, www.ducati.ae Abu Dhabi Striders, Dreamland Aqua Park,
+971 43474914
Duseja General Trading Co. LLC, admin@abudhabistriders.com, Umm Al Quwain, Emirates Road,
Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse,
Warehouse No: B3, Alquoz Ind Area #3, Umm www.abudhabistriders.com +971 67681888,
Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
Suqeim Road next to Max Garage Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi, www.dreamlanduae.com
+971 43270000, www.meydan.ae
Diagonally opposite Lulu Hypermarket Al +971 504188978, Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain,
Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road,
Barsha, +971 43476712, alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk +971 37818422,
Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae
www.dusejamoto.com Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info www.wadiadventure.ae
Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Dubai Creek Striders Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai,
Jet Ski Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667, www.dubaicreekstriders.org +971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com
Dealers hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae, Desert Road Runners
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai,
Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000,
www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange4, Sheikh
www.desertroadrunners.club Other leisure activities
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, P.O. Box 51234, Sas
www.masaoodmarine.com
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Dubai,
Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, Stand up Paddling, Kite & Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, +971 28853555,
45019412 or 43419341,
+971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha www.libertykawasaki.com Surfing, Wakeboarding www.adgolfclub.com
Japan Marine General Trading, Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex, Equipment Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah,
Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai, Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor, Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, +971 67431122 or 44370505,
+971 44426395, uday@japanmarine.jp, +971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com +971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com www.tamimistables.com
www.japanmarine.co Tristar Motorcycles, Al Awir Road, Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000, Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Nr Oman Transport, +971 43330659,
www.masaoodmarine.com +971 556101841, www.blokartme.com
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, www.tristaruae.com
Direct: +971 45019442, 45019412 Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach, Childrens City, Creek Park Gate No.1,
Workshops and Services
or 43419341, www.libertykawasaki.com Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3 Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, +971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai,
Picnico, Al Fairdooni Building, Sheikh
Motocross & ATVs www.alforsan.com
Zayed Road, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station
+971 44262000, www.atlantisthepalm.com
Dealers Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park Gate
+971 43678700,www.dubaiautodrome.com and Mall of Emirates, +971 43951113
Al Badayer Rental (Rental), Surf Dubai, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, No. 1, +971 43369773,
Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 68861161 or Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
+971 67681166 +971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com
507842020, www.albadayerrental.com Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1, iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre,
Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor, 2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3, +971 42316292, www.iflyme.com
+971 43200009, www.alshaalimoto.com Dubai, +971 564716180,
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi,
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed www.surfshoparabia.com
Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha 800 YAS (927) or +971 26599800, Saadiyat Island, +971 25578000, www.
www.yasmarinacircuit.com Surf School Arabia, +971 556010997, sbgolfclub.ae
Golden Desert Motorcycles, www.surfschoolarabia.com
P.O. Box 47912, E-44 Hatta road, Al Badayer UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club,
Madam, Sharjah, +971 529484616 Sharjah, +971 65487777,
or 505 033 800 Off-Road www.ad-kitesurfing.net
www.golfandshootingshj.com
Dealers Distributors
Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai, Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store, SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of the Emirates,
UAE, +971 559031664, www.JustGasIt.net Bling My Truck,
+971 503634839 or 505548255, International City, Dubai, +971 44094000, www.skidxb.com
KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42, +971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae
+971 43468999, www.ktm.com info@blingmytruck.com, Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi,
www.blingmytruck.com Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735, +971 26577601
Liberty Kawasaki, Interchange 4, Sheikh www.kitesurfsup.com
Zayed Road, Dubai, Direct: +971 45019442, 4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai, adcountryclub.com/spacewalk/about-
+971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com Operators spacewalk/
45019412 or 43419341, Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
www.libertykawasaki.com Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555,
Motoventure, Hobbies Club, Al Awir, www.libertyautos.com
Repairs and Services www.alforsan.com Health, Safety & Training
Hatta Road, Dubai, +971 555437392, Dubai Kite Surf School, Umm Suqeim Safety Lessons
www.motoventure.net AAA Service Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE,
+971 4 2858989, www.aaadubai.com Beach, Dubai, +971 504965107, Marine Concept Yacht Charter
mxDubai, Al Ain Road Dubai, +971 55 www.dubaikitesurfschool.com & Sea School, Rania Business Centre,
2090832, www.mxdubai.com Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah Dubai, +971 559603030,
Polaris UAE (atvs), Ras Al Khor, Nad al and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427,
Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai, Mebar Auto, Al Quoz, Industrial Area 2, www.marine-charter-concept.com
Dubai, UAE, +971 43469600, www.ducomaritime.com Sport and Health Centres
+971 42896100, M4, Sector 13, Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim,
10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi, www.mebarauto.com Bespoke Wellness, Dubai,
Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz, Dubai,+971 507586992, www.dukite.com
+971 26441478, www.polarisuae.com Kite Fly, Dubai, +971 502547440, +971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com
Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 +971 43392449, www.offroad-zone.com
Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +971 43476939 www.kitesurf.ae
Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
Equipment www.salukimotorsport.com
Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental), Equipment
Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43395608, Advanced Expedition Vehicles,
Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43307152,
3, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com www.aev.ae
2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai, Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road,
+971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Bling My Truck,
Motorcycling +971 503634839 or 505548255,
Distributors and Dealers www.blingmytruck.com
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Rd., Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial,
Dubai, +971 43390621, Abu Dhabi, +971 569796524 or 506472447,
OUTDOORUAE 65
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MARCH 2017 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen P.O. Box 126469, Office 508 The Fairmont Orthosports Medical Centre, 5B Street, The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49,
Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404; Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Jumeira Beach road, Dubai, 800 ORTHO Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai,
+971 43116571 www.originalfitnessco.com (67846), www.orthosp.com +971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae
Muscat, Shati Al Qurum, Oman, P.O. Box 117, Postal Code 421,
OMAN DIRECTORY Al Sawadi Beach Resort, P.O. Box 747,
Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545, +968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman,
Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman,
+968 99310108, www.safaridesert.com
www.alsawadibeach.info
Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com +968 24284240, www.omandivecenter.com
Adventure tours Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar Oman Dive Center Resort, P.O. Box 199, Caving
Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman,
and desert safaris Al Rhowda, P.O. Box 940, Muscat, Oman,
+968 97899094, www.euro-divers.com +968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre,
Bike and Hike Oman, P.O. Box 833, Ruwi, Oman, +968 24543002,
Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box 498, Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, www.holiday-in-oman.com
Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873, Al Kharjiya Street, Al Shati Area,
www.bikeandhikeoman.com PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman, Oman World Tourism, Oman,
+968 99877957, www.musandam-diving.com Muscat, Oman, +968 99777045, +968 24565288, www.omanworldtourism.com
Dolphin Qasab Tours, P.O. Box 123, P.C. 811, www.omantascuba.com
Khasab City, Musandam, Oman, Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346,
www.global-scuba.com Oxygen Diving and Adventures,
+968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com
Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours, P.O. Box 1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat, Fishing & Kayaking
Go Dive Oman, Marina Bander Al Rowdha Oman, +968 92537494 or 9723 2661, Equipment
Dive Center, +968 9548 3813 or 98194444, P.O. Box 786, PC No. 811, Khasab,
Musandam, Sultanate of Oman, www.o2diveoman.com AzZaha Tours, +968 99425461,
www.godiveoman.com Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488, www.azzahatours.com
Khour Shem Tourism, Oman, +968 91713449, info@tourkhasab.com
Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman, www.scubaoman.com Water World Marine Oman,
+968 91713449, www.khourshemtours.com Seaoman, P.O. Box 2394, RUWI PC 112, P.O.Box76,Muscat,113,Sultanate
Nomad Tours, PO Box 583, Postal Code +968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com
Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box 65, Oman, +968 24181400, www.seaoman.com ofOman, +96824737438,
100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240, www.waterworldoman.com
www.nomadtours.com Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman,
+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box 917,
Nomad Ocean Adventures, Stand Up Paddeling, Kite Boating & Sailing
NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441,
http://omantrekkingguides.tumblr.com +968 26836069, Dibba, Oman; Fujairah, & Surfing, Wakeboarding Manufacturer
Cruise Operators +971 508918207, www.discovernomad.com Equipment, Operators Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11,
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam, Diving Centres Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach, Post Code 118, Muscat, Oman,
Euro-divers Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, P.O. Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman, +968 +968 24568887, 24566566, 24561619 or
+968 26836551, www.sheesabeach.com
P.O. Box 940, Postal Code 100 Muscat, 96323524, www.kiteboarding-oman.com 24568881, www.sapphire-marine.com
Sultanate of Oman, +968 98194444, Omans Kite Center, +968 94006007, Marinas
Diving www.euro-divers.com www.kitesurfing-lessons.com Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman,
Equipment Extra Divers Zighy Bay, Oman, +968 24737286 (ext 215),
Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box 44, Dibba, Musandam, +968 26735555,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550; UAE: +971 www.extradivers.info Camping & Hiking www.marinaoman.net
502124100, www.almarsamusandam.com Moonlight Dive Center, Near Grand Hyatt Tour Operators
Safari Desert Camp,
66 OUTDOORUAE
The Coolest
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Come enjoy UAEs largest waterpark with dozens of slides
at the heart of Ras Al Khaimah! Ice Land Waterpark is the
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Info@icelandwaterpark.com
800 WOWRAK (969725)
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