• 1. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak, has been named the best destination for hikers in the country in a new list compiled by UK retailer sportshoes.com. Photo: RAKTDA
    1. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE's highest peak, has been named the best destination for hikers in the country in a new list compiled by UK retailer sportshoes.com. Photo: RAKTDA
  • 2. Fossil Rock in Sharjah is second on the list. Photo: Alamy
    2. Fossil Rock in Sharjah is second on the list. Photo: Alamy
  • 3. Third is Wadi Shawka, also in Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Moadh Bukhash
    3. Third is Wadi Shawka, also in Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Moadh Bukhash
  • 4. Mleiha in Sharjah is third on list. Photo: Hiking Trails
    4. Mleiha in Sharjah is third on list. Photo: Hiking Trails
  • 5. Wadi Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Wikipedia
    5. Wadi Naqab in Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Wikipedia
  • 6. Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain comes in on sixth postition. Pawan Singh / The National
    6. Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain comes in on sixth postition. Pawan Singh / The National
  • 7. Wadi Ghalilah, Ras Al Khaimah. Silvia Razgova / The National
    7. Wadi Ghalilah, Ras Al Khaimah. Silvia Razgova / The National
  • 8. Wadi Tayyibah, Fujairah. Photo: Wikipedia
    8. Wadi Tayyibah, Fujairah. Photo: Wikipedia
  • 9. Hatta trails in Hatta, Dubai. Photo: Dubai Tourism
    9. Hatta trails in Hatta, Dubai. Photo: Dubai Tourism
  • 10. Wadi Madha in Fujairah. Photo: Screengrab
    10. Wadi Madha in Fujairah. Photo: Screengrab

Beginner’s guide to hiking in the UAE: seven things to consider before hitting the trails


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  • Arabic

As the weather cools, hiking season returns.

Nature lovers and outdoorsy types will be hitting the UAE’s many hiking trails over the coming months to enjoy a highly social and fitness-building activity, which people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

“Being in nature can boost your mood and improve mental health,” says Nasar Husain at Greenway Adventures. “Spending quality time in the great outdoors reduces stress, calms anxiety and can lead to a lower risk of depression.”

For anyone new to hiking, here are seven things to factor in before embarking on your new hobby.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the UAE's top hiking spots

1. Evaluate your fitness levels

As with that January 1 trip to the gym when you want to go all out for your New Year’s resolutions, it can be easy to overdo your first walk by picking a hike that’s too long or has too much climbing.

First-time hikers should stick to short trails of 3 to 5 kilometres with minimal slopes and climbs. Also bear in mind that a 5km walk uphill is vastly different to the same distance on the flat.

“Unlike many other sports, hiking doesn’t require a high level of fitness. However, you should first consider trying some outdoor walking to get to understand your body's physical condition,” says Yaseen Tayyab, founder of UAE Backpackers, who has been hiking for more than 15 years.

First-timers can start by going out on strolls in their neighbourhood, gradually increasing the distance and changing up the terrain to build stamina and awareness of their abilities and limitations.

“Decent fitness and good body balance is always an advantage for hiking in the UAE,” says Husain. “Most of the trails are rocky, with a lot of loose rocks which can make for a slippery walk. But with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do.”

2. Join a hiking group

Whether new to hiking or a seasoned pro, joining a group is a great idea to meet like-minded people and benefit from their expertise and experiences.

In the UAE, there are plenty of groups to be found online and on social media, including UAE Trekkers, Dubai Hiking and Adventurati.

“The benefits of hiking are countless,” says Tayyab. “You can get away from city life and spend time in nature surrounded by like-minded people, which allows for social connections, and get involved in physical activities at the same time. You also get a chance to explore the beauty and wild side of the UAE.”

3. Start by going on a guided hike

Through your hiking group, you’ll discover lots of organised walks which are a great way to start with your new hobby.

“We always recommend starting your hikes with an experienced guide at first,” says Husain. “Make sure you always travel in a group. Some new hikers may be slow; some may be fast. But the group should always hike together. Do not get dispersed and no one should leave the trail. Always follow the instructions of the guide and wait for others to catch up.”

“Due to the nature of the terrain, unmarked trail and sometimes harsh weather conditions, guided hikes are strongly recommended," adds Tayyab. "A guide would have expert knowledge of the trail and could manage emergency situations.”

4. Make sure you have the right equipment

“You don’t need a bunch of technical gear as a beginner,” says Husain. “Just a few essential items such as good hiking shoes, sun protection including sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and a top with long sleeves.”

Hikers should carry a small backpack with comfortable straps, containing a first aid kit, food and water in a thermal bottle to keep it cool. Clothes should be made of breathable materials, such as cotton and cotton mix.

“Avoid black coloured clothing,” says Tayyab.

5. Water, water, water

The effects of dehydration can be swift. Feelings of dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and disorientation can occur if you don’t stay hydrated on your hike.

Hikers should avoid alcohol and salty foods the day before their hike and stick to water on the day. Steer clear of beverages such as colas and iced coffee as the caffeine can cause dehydration.

Sports drinks containing carbohydrates or electrolytes can also help retain fluid but should not be the sole source of fluid and should be alternated with water.

Foods such as bananas and citrus fruits are an additional source of hydration on the trail. Remember to drink lots of water after you’ve finished your hike, too.

6. Find trails suitable to your level

“There are plenty of beginner trails in Hatta in Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah,” says Husain. “Beginners can try the green trails in Hatta Wadi Hub, which is a very popular destination for families and kids. There are more than 50 trails with various difficulty levels and all are well marked with signage and maps. You can also download the map online.”

Fujairah’s Al Rabi Towers, which overlooks the beach on one side and Khor Fakkan city on the other, is another great option for beginners. “It’s really photogenic,” adds Husain.

Stick to the more popular trails in the UAE such as in Hatta and Al Ain where they are clearly marked as being for beginners, intermediate or difficult, along with trail length.

In Hatta, there are 17 trails for different levels and you’ll also find easier routes at Al Ain’s Showka Dam. Fujairah’s Wadi Tayyibah has plenty of easy hikes that are perfect for beginners and families.

7. Other things to consider

While we all carry a portable map around on our phone, you never know when you might lose signal or battery power, so don’t rely wholly on your mobile and keep an eye out for familiar landmarks on your walk.

“The terrains of UAE mountains are very unforgiving,” says Husain. “It is easy to get lost and cell phone network coverage is zero on these mountains. Any small mistake can get you hurt or cause injury.”

If you’re hiking alone, tell someone where you’re going and your estimated timings, and recognise that some trails may have steep parts or boulders and rocks to climb over.

“Some of the trails in the UAE are not accessible to saloon cars and need an SUV or crossover to reach the start point,” says Tayyab. “Also factor in any health conditions such as asthma or major injury from the past.”

Hikers should start early in the morning to avoid long exposure to the sun. Late afternoon hikes should be done as part of a guided hikes so walkers don’t get lost at sundown.

German bike shop boss Wolfi on how the UAE caught the cycling bug — in pictures

  • Twenty years ago, cycling enthusiast and Wolfi's founder Wolfgang Hohmann began his journey from selling bicycles from a corner of his brother's car repair shop in Germany to making his name and creating a brand that has become synonymous with cycling in the UAE. Photo: Wolfi's
    Twenty years ago, cycling enthusiast and Wolfi's founder Wolfgang Hohmann began his journey from selling bicycles from a corner of his brother's car repair shop in Germany to making his name and creating a brand that has become synonymous with cycling in the UAE. Photo: Wolfi's
  • The first Wolfi's bicycle shop opened 20 years ago in Dubai and is now one of the most visible sports brands in the emirate. Photo: Wolfi's
    The first Wolfi's bicycle shop opened 20 years ago in Dubai and is now one of the most visible sports brands in the emirate. Photo: Wolfi's
  • Wolfgang Hohmann unloads the container he brought from Germany to stock his first store in Dubai. Photo: Wolfi's
    Wolfgang Hohmann unloads the container he brought from Germany to stock his first store in Dubai. Photo: Wolfi's
  • Cycling has come a long way in the UAE since Wolfi's went into business in 2002. Team Emirates has become a household name in the sport and Tadej Pogacar, left, won two consecutive Tours de France. EPA
    Cycling has come a long way in the UAE since Wolfi's went into business in 2002. Team Emirates has become a household name in the sport and Tadej Pogacar, left, won two consecutive Tours de France. EPA
  • Al Qudra Cycling Track in Dubai is a popular destination for cyclists. AFP
    Al Qudra Cycling Track in Dubai is a popular destination for cyclists. AFP
Match info

Karnataka Tuskers 110-3

J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16

Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs

K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

The Year Earth Changed

Directed by:Tom Beard

Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough

Stars: 4

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
FIGHT%20CARD
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFeatherweight%204%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EYousuf%20Ali%20(2-0-0)%20(win-loss-draw)%20v%20Alex%20Semugenyi%20(0-1-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%206%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBenyamin%20Moradzadeh%20(0-0-0)%20v%20Rohit%20Chaudhary%20(4-0-2)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHeavyweight%204%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EYoussef%20Karrar%20(1-0-0)%20v%20Muhammad%20Muzeei%20(0-0-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%206%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMarwan%20Mohamad%20Madboly%20(2-0-0)%20v%20Sheldon%20Schultz%20(4-4-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESuper%20featherweight%208%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBishara%20Sabbar%20(6-0-0)%20v%20Mohammed%20Azahar%20(8-5-1)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECruiseweight%208%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMohammed%20Bekdash%20(25-0-0)%20v%20Musa%20N%E2%80%99tege%20(8-4-0)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESuper%20flyweight%2010%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESultan%20Al%20Nuaimi%20(9-0-0)%20v%20Jemsi%20Kibazange%20(18-6-2)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELightweight%2010%20rounds%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EBader%20Samreen%20(8-0-0)%20v%20Jose%20Paez%20Gonzales%20(16-2-2-)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Manchester City 1 (Gundogan 56')

Shakhtar Donetsk 1 (Solomon 69')

Grand slam winners since July 2003

Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam

Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)

Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)

Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)

Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)

Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)

Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open) 

Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)

Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)

Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)

Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)

The specs: 2018 Maxus T60

Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder

Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm

Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm

Transmission: Five-speed manual

Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Four-day collections of TOH

Day             Indian Rs (Dh)        

Thursday    500.75 million (25.23m)

Friday         280.25m (14.12m)

Saturday     220.75m (11.21m)

Sunday       170.25m (8.58m)

Total            1.19bn (59.15m)

(Figures in millions, approximate)

Guns N’ Roses’s last gig before Abu Dhabi was in Hong Kong on November 21. We were there – and here’s what they played, and in what order. You were warned.

  • It’s So Easy
  • Mr Brownstone
  • Chinese Democracy
  • Welcome to the Jungle
  • Double Talkin’ Jive
  • Better
  • Estranged
  • Live and Let Die (Wings cover)
  • Slither (Velvet Revolver cover)
  • Rocket Queen
  • You Could Be Mine
  • Shadow of Your Love
  • Attitude (Misfits cover)
  • Civil War
  • Coma
  • Love Theme from The Godfather (movie cover)
  • Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Wichita Lineman (Jimmy Webb cover)
  • Wish You Were Here (instrumental Pink Floyd cover)
  • November Rain
  • Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden cover)
  • Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan cover)
  • Nightrain

Encore:

  • Patience
  • Don’t Cry
  • The Seeker (The Who cover)
  • Paradise City

Russia's Muslim Heartlands

Dominic Rubin, Oxford

South Africa v India schedule

Tests: 1st Test Jan 5-9, Cape Town; 2nd Test Jan 13-17, Centurion; 3rd Test Jan 24-28, Johannesburg

ODIs: 1st ODI Feb 1, Durban; 2nd ODI Feb 4, Centurion; 3rd ODI Feb 7, Cape Town; 4th ODI Feb 10, Johannesburg; 5th ODI Feb 13, Port Elizabeth; 6th ODI Feb 16, Centurion

T20Is: 1st T20I Feb 18, Johannesburg; 2nd T20I Feb 21, Centurion; 3rd T20I Feb 24, Cape Town

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EElmawkaa%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ebrahem%20Anwar%2C%20Mahmoud%20Habib%20and%20Mohamed%20Thabet%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PropTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24400%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500%20Startups%2C%20Flat6Labs%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
South Africa's T20 squad

Duminy (c), Behardien, Dala, De Villiers, Hendricks, Jonker, Klaasen (wkt), Miller, Morris, Paterson, Phangiso, Phehlukwayo, Shamsi, Smuts.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

Washmen Profile

Date Started: May 2015

Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Laundry

Employees: 170

Funding: about $8m

Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures

Updated: October 19, 2022, 3:15 AM