Outdoor gear sales heat up as UAE weather cools down

DUBAI // Sales of outdoor gear are soaring as the cooler temperatures tempt people to head for the hills or out on the water. Surfing and camping stores are among those experiencing a surge in demand.

Anna Roberts, 25, a radio producer from New Zealand, has revamped her wardrobe for the winter sports season and bought a new surfboard. "From now on, I'll either be at the beach or at my sister's pool at weekends," she said.

For Scott Chambers, of Surf Dubai, his core business of surfing lessons and fitness classes have been outstripped by sales of boards. "I'm really surprised how much our numbers are in comparison with last year," he said.

Sam Whittam, the general manager of Adventure HQ, said that after the traditionally sluggish summer months, twice as many tents were sold in the past two weeks.

"Once the clock turns, people say, 'I'm buying a bike or a car-full of camping gear'," said Mr Whittam. "The watersports equipment has also been popular. "People are saying they want to take up cycling, stand-up paddle boarding or going camping. They are getting up off the sofa and getting out there."