Hiker flown to hospital after falling and breaking leg in Sharjah

Accident took place in Wadi Al Helo on the east coast

Police worked with the National Search and Rescue Centre to help an injured hiker. Photo: National Search and Rescue Centre

A man was flown to hospital after he fell and broke his leg while hiking in Sharjah.

Police in Kalba were alerted of the Lebanese man’s plight on Monday.

Officers said the man was injured while hiking in the mountains of Wadi Al Helo, about 28 kilometres south-west of Kalba in Sharjah.

“A report made to Kalba Police operations room stated that there was a person who had sustained a leg injury after falling in a mountainous area in Wadi Al Helo,” authorities said.

"The location was checked by the operational systems.

With help from the National Search and Rescue Centre, the man — whose age was not disclosed — was winched on board a rescue helicopter and flown to Kalba Hospital for treatment.

Hikers are urged to travel in groups to ensure help is at hand in the event of an accident.

Despite cooler temperatures in the winter, amateur hikers can be affected by the heat and longer than expected journeys. Carrying extra supplies, including plenty of water, is also advised.

Nine secluded hiking trails loved by trekkers: in pictures

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  Wadi Helo is a Unesco Heritage Site in Fujairah recommended by Amy Subaey, managing director of UAE Trekkers. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  An old fort in Wadi Helo. The whole trail is about 1km long and only takes about an hour, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  A farm in Wadi Helo. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  A sunset view at Wadi Helo. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah is well known among the UAE’s hikers, says Paul Oliver, founder of Absolute Adventure. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  Oliver has discovered an alternative route around Wadi Showka that not many people are aware of. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  The Wadi Showka trail is about a three-hour hike in total. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  History buffs should also make a beeline for Sharjah’s Fossil Rock in Mleiha, says Oliver. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  The hike in Mleiha leads through several caves. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  The hike from Wadi Sena to Wadi Kub in Ras Al Khaimah is stunning, says Bryan Doyle, general manager of The Adventure Centre. Photo: The Adventure Centre

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  Another of Doyle’s favourite trails in RAK begins from Wadi Kub, deep in the Hajar Mountains. Photo: The Adventure Centre

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  The 'Tomb Raider Trek' refers to a 4,000-year-old tomb that Oliver stumbled across while hiking up to Kalba Mountain Camp in the Hajar Mountains. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  An area of what's known as the 'Tomb Raider Trek' in Sharjah. Photo: Absolute Adventure

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  For more experienced hikers, Subaey recommends Wadi Dahir in Fujairah for an invigorating five-hour loop through mountains and valleys. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  Wadi Dahir offers one of Subaey's favourite hikes of all time in the UAE. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  Hatta in Dubai is great for beginner hikers, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  A hike around Al Hail in Fujairah is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of culture, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers

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  Al Hail Castle. Photo: UAE Trekkers