In 2019, Yas Island introduced another attraction to its already-impressive collection of parks and entertainment destinations. What Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi offers in terms of fun escapism for the family, Clymb Abu Dhabi delivers for adrenalin seekers.
The venue offers an indoor skydiving flight chamber as well as a range of indoor climbing walls, so you can gauge how daring you're feeling on the day. The walls vary in size and difficulty, depending on the guest's experience with the sport.
Recently, Clymb Abu Dhabi was recognised with two Guinness World Records, one for the largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel and one for the world's tallest indoor climbing wall. To celebrate the awards and to mark World Climbing Day on Monday, August 24, The National was invited to try out the wall.
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Clymb Abu Dhabi requires guests to use liquid chalk when climbing one of the venue's indoor walls. Victor Besa /The National -
A look up at the world's tallest indoor climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa /The National -
A climber warms up before going on a vertical wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa /The National -
Bianca Sammut, acting head of Yas Theme Parks, Jason Von Berg of The National and Benjamin Robbins of Clymb after trying out the walls at Clymb Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. Victor Besa /The National -
Pre-climb preparations underway at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa /The National -
Junior guests take on a wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa /The National -
Clymb Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is officially recognised with two Guinness World Records. Courtesy Clymb -
Clymb Abu Dhabi has reopened with strict health and safety measures in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Victor Besa /The National -
An exterior view of Clymb Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Victor Besa /The National
Climbing the world's tallest indoor wall seems easy enough, but once the harness is on and the instructor tells you to get going, the nerves are likely to kick in.
It's very much a psychological game. You are strapped in and there's a solid rope attached to you, which is controlled by the instructor – so falling is unlikely. Once you get around that, it should be easier. Slipping off the holds is possible, but the irony is that when you do you, your confidence will return.
Here are a few tips to consider:
1. Stretch and warm up beforehand. Your muscles will strain if you aren't used to the sport. Stretch afterwards, too.
2. When you're on the wall, focus on your leg strength and not your arms.
3. Listen to the instructor's guidance. It will help.
4. If you slip off the wall, take a minute to gather yourself and then try again. The second attempt is much better.
PPE and social distancing to keep guests safe
Like many other locations around the UAE, the venue was forced to shut its doors temporarily due to the coronavirus pandemic, but fans of Clymb will be happy to know that the venue has reopened its doors (and walls).
Acting head of Yas Theme Parks, Bianca Sammut, says the venue is keeping the wellness of guests a top priority.
"We have a lot of safety measures in place. One of those is that it is mandatory to book in advance before you come. We have sanitisation and we have social distancing so that everybody has enough space."
Capacity has been reduced in order to limit the spread of the virus. In order to access the facilities, guests need to book slots ahead of time. Upon arrival, there is thermal screening and hand sanitiser is available throughout the venue. Additionally, the premises undergo extensive cleaning and are regularly sterilised throughout the day. Guests will also need to wash their hands after traversing the indoor walls, as liquid chalk is required for climbing.
"We're finding in the first few weeks it has been great," says Sammut. "We have had great guest feedback and it's great to be able to share the facility with everyone who has been at home or on lockdown."
As things begin to return to normal once again, the venue is another location in the UAE capital that is hoping to draw in visitors and tourists alike.
"Being a completely indoor venue, Clymb Abu Dhabi offers an entirely new dimension for visitors and tourists, as it means they can get their fill of adventure any time of the year," says Sammut.
"Experiential travel is on the rise in the UAE, and we can see Clymb adding to that appeal in a big way."
