Tributes for two Emirati hikers killed in Oman flash floods

The men were among a group of 16 exploring Wadi Tanuf area when tragedy struck

Khalid Al Mansouri and Salem Al Jarraf died in the Oman floods over the weekend. Photo: Supplied

UAE residents have paid tribute to Emirati hikers Khalid Al Mansouri and Salem Al Jarraf who were killed in flash floods in Oman at the weekend.

The men were among a group of 16 hikers who were exploring the rugged terrain of Wadi Tanuf area of Nizwa when tragedy struck.

Mr Al Mansouri, a former UAE handball player, and Mr Al Jarraf, a Ras Al Khaimah police officer, were competent hikers. According to local reports, a heavy downpour on Saturday led to flash floods.

Emirati adventurer Khalifa Al Mazrouei, whose friends were part of the hiking group, told The National the experienced adventurers were caught off guard.

"The hikers were at the end of the valley when it started raining heavily. That's when Omani group leader Hussam Al Belooshi decided to divide them into three teams based on their hiking speed. While the first two teams got to safety, the third team got stuck at a narrow path when floodwaters swept them away."

Mr Al Belooshi, who went back to rescue the third team, also died in the incident. Mr Al Mazrouei praised his "courage" for helping others even if it meant putting his life in danger. "When he realised that the last team was late, he went back for them. Unfortunately, he got caught in the strong currents. It's unfortunate what happened. May God have mercy on their souls."

Mr Al Mazrouei added that only experienced hikers should navigate the tough terrains of Wadi Tanuf and urged teams organising such trips to check the weather before going. "Even if there's a remote chance of rain, they should cancel the trip."

Jordanian citizen Hala Ibrahim, who is a resident of the UAE, also died in the incident, Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority confirmed.

They added that four others were being treated for severe injuries.

In their earlier update on social media platform X, Omani police said: “One citizen and three individuals of Arab nationalities died.”

Friends pay tribute

As the funeral prayers were held in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah on Sunday, friends and colleagues took to social media to pay tributes.

In a post on X, Mr Al Jarraf's friend Bu Naser remembered him as "always smiling" and highlighted how he was "known as a good man in Ras Al Khaimah police".

Saeed Al Shamsi, a friend of Mr Al Mansouri, also posted an emotional message for him. “Our dear friend Khaled Youssef Al Mansouri, former player of the UAE national handball team and the country’s champion in javelin, has passed away.

"May Allah have mercy on him, forgive him, and grant him a place in God’s vast paradise. To Allah we belong and to him we shall return."

Authorities in Oman have warned of the dangers of flash floods in the region, especially during the rainy season.

“Climbers and hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and to monitor weather forecasts before embarking on such excursions. They need to register in ‘Nida’ application for emergencies,” added Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.