Nestled in the serene coastal town of Umm Al Quwain, the Kite Beach Centre is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
For those seeking an escape by the water, the centre provides the ideal spot to relax and soak up the sun. With huts and camping facilities, visitors can also experience the magic of sleeping under the stars, while nature lovers can embark on mangrove tours, birdwatching and island beach walks.
For thrill seekers, the centre offers watersport activities such as kite surfing and kayaking. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or a beginner wanting to learn, there are lessons and equipment rental for all skill levels.
Then there's the Instagram-worthy Tarzan gym, offering a unique workout experience with an ocean view where equipment is handcrafted from wood and stone.
The in-house restaurant, which works closely with local growers, serves everything from burgers to seafood delicacies as well as a host of vegan options. Visitors can dine as they take in the views of the coastline.
The Kite Beach Centre UAQ also has a kitesurfing school, the first of its kind in the emirate.
And for those with four-legged companions, the centre is pet friendly, ensuring that this little corner of the UAE has something for everyone.
The biog
Name: Maitha Qambar
Age: 24
Emirate: Abu Dhabi
Education: Master’s Degree
Favourite hobby: Reading
She says: “Everyone has a purpose in life and everyone learns from their experiences”
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
JAPAN SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Masaaki Higashiguchi, Shuichi Gonda, Daniel Schmidt
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Tomoaki Makino, Maya Yoshida, Sho Sasaki, Hiroki Sakai, Sei Muroya, Genta Miura, Takehiro Tomiyasu
Midfielders: Toshihiro Aoyama, Genki Haraguchi, Gaku Shibasaki, Wataru Endo, Junya Ito, Shoya Nakajima, Takumi Minamino, Hidemasa Morita, Ritsu Doan
Forwards: Yuya Osako, Takuma Asano, Koya Kitagawa
Hurricanes 31-31 Lions
Wellington Hurricanes:
Tries: Gibbins, Laumape, Goosen, Fifita tries, Barrett
Conversions: Barrett (4)
Penalties: Barrett
British & Irish Lions:
Tries: Seymour (2), North
Conversions: Biggar (2)
Penalties: Biggar (4)
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
