Woman flown to safety from mountain in Ras Al Khaimah

The hiker had exhaustion and could not make her descent unaided

The National Search and Rescue Centre carried out the rescue with the air wing department of Ras Al Khaimah Police. The National Search and Rescue Centre

A hiker was flown to safety after suffering from exhaustion in Ras Al Khaimah on Saturday.

The Pakistani woman, 25, was too tired to descend Shawka Mountain.

“The search and rescue team managed to locate and rescue the woman and transfer her to Al Dhaid Hospital for treatment,” said the National Search and Rescue Centre, which carried out the operation with the air wing unit of Ras Al Khaimah police.

The emirate is a tempting prospect for many adventurers seeking weekend breaks.

Its mountainous region is a popular hiking destination, noted for its wadi and dam.

But rescue groups have warned hikers of the dangers of organising trips during the UAE’s searing summer heat.

They say high temperatures can lead to rapid dehydration and even death.

Last week, a woman had to be rescued by a helicopter from another part of Ras Al Khaimah after she lost her way while hiking.

Amy Subaey, ‎director of UAE Trekkers, a hiking company in Dubai, previously said the risk of becoming lost or dehydrated was very high, particularly in the mountains.

“The misconception that people have is that in the mountains, the weather is cooler,” she said.

“But it is only ‎two to three degrees cooler, depending on the altitude. People should know that if it is over 35°C you will dehydrate in less than half an hour.”

Ms Subaey said five litres of water should be considered the minimum requirement for a two-hour hike in hot weather.