A hiker who was injured in a fall from a mountain cliff on the UAE's highest peak was brought to safety after an eight-hour search and rescue operation.
Ras Al Khaimah Civil Defence crews were alerted to the accident on Jebel Jais by two of the man's friends on Sunday morning.
A senior official said the Asian man, whose age and nationality were not disclosed, suffered “broken limbs” in the incident.
No further details on his injuries were released.
“He was with two of his friends when he fell due to the rugged nature of the area and broke his limbs,” said Brig Gen Mohammad Abdullah Al Zaabi, director of Ras Al Khaimah Civil Defence.
“Our operations room received the report of the accident at 11.15am on Sunday.”
Brig Gen Al Zaabi praised the determined efforts of rescue teams, who took the man to a waiting ambulance that took him to hospital.
“Our crews paid double the effort to be able to rescue the man and transfer him to hospital where he can get the necessary medical care he needed,” he said.
He called on the public to be cautious when on outdoor trips and to closely follow safety measures.
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.
It was the second hiking rescue in the space of 24 hours.
On Monday, a man was flown to hospital after he fell and broke his leg in Sharjah.
Officers said the man was injured while hiking in the mountains of Wadi Al Helo, about 28 kilometres south-west of Kalba in the emirate.
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 -
An old fort in Wadi Helo. The whole trail is about 1km long and only takes about an hour, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
A farm in Wadi Helo. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
A sunset view at Wadi Helo. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah is well known among the UAE’s hikers, says Paul Oliver, founder of Absolute Adventure. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
Oliver has discovered an alternative route around Wadi Showka that not many people are aware of. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
The Wadi Showka trail is about a three-hour hike in total. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
History buffs should also make a beeline for Sharjah’s Fossil Rock in Mleiha, says Oliver. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
The hike in Mleiha leads through several caves. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
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 -
Another of Doyle’s favourite trails in RAK begins from Wadi Kub, deep in the Hajar Mountains. Photo: The Adventure Centre -
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 -
An area of what's known as the 'Tomb Raider Trek' in Sharjah. Photo: Absolute Adventure -
For more experienced hikers, Subaey recommends Wadi Dahir in Fujairah for an invigorating five-hour loop through mountains and valleys. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
Wadi Dahir offers one of Subaey's favourite hikes of all time in the UAE. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
Hatta in Dubai is great for beginner hikers, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
A hike around Al Hail in Fujairah is perfect if you’re looking for a bit of culture, says Subaey. Photo: UAE Trekkers -
Al Hail Castle. Photo: UAE Trekkers
