#48 September 2014

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SUMMIT REFLECTIONS
ADRIAN HAYES K2 2014

Wild travel
ZIMBABWE
TURTLE HATCHING
IN QATAR
GET OUTDOORS IN THE UAE
THE 8,000M-PEAK DREAM
MARINAS LIWA EXPEDITIONS
WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Issue 45, September 2014
MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer

Editor Glaiza Seguia-Godinez
Administration Jane Mesina
Sales & Marketing (advertisement enquiries)
Linda Turcerova
Tel: 04-447 2030
Mobile: 055 9398915
linda@outdooruae.com
Published by
Outdoor UAE FZE
In cooperation with D32 Events
P.O. Box 215062
Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel. 04-447 2030
contact@outdooruae.com
www.outdooruae.com
Distributor
Tawzea, Abu Dhabi Media
Company
P.O. Box 40401,
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Printed at
Galadari Printing & Publishing LLC
P.O. Box: 11243, Dubai, UAE
SEPTEMBER 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM
Ready, Sept, Go!

As I write this editorial, Im still tired after a run outside the park, a proof that I have
done more hypothetical exercises than actual ones. I can enumerate my feeble reasons
for the lapse, but as we all know, there is no excuse not to get active. And like many
guilty people, I will try to overcompensate and take advantage of the now fair weather
to do more, especially this month, when our calendar is marked with events aplenty.
Apart from the run and cycling challenges, there is also the Abu Dhabi International
Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition 2014 and OutdoorUAE is participating once again. The
first Dubai Off-road & Adventure Show is also on full-throttle and we are excited to invite exhibitors and guests to this one of a kind event by the outdoor community for the
outdoor community from November 6th to 8th at the Dubai Autodrome. More details
on dubaiadventureshow.com.

Weve also geared up the pages with some of the best outdoor products and adventure
essentials in the market today. So take your pick and check out our reviews before heading out. I hope that as you are reading this issue, you too are exhausted from a good
workout and already planning your next activity.
Glaiza
2014 Outdoor UAE FZE

Issue 45 September 2014
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BETWEEN THE LINES

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The information contained is for general use only.

While we have made every attempt to ensure that
the information contained in this magazine has been
obtained from reliable sources, however the publisher
is not responsible for any errors. All information in this
magazine is provided as is, with no guarantee of
completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results
obtained from the use of this information. In no event
will the publisher, its related affiliates or anyone else
be responsible for any decision made or action taken
in reliance on the information in this magazine.
Daniel Birkhofer
Founder and Editor in Chief
daniel@outdooruae.com
WHEN YOURE
DONE READING,
PLEASE RECYCLE!
Jane Mesina
Administration
jane@outdooruae.com
Glaiza Seguia-Godinez
Editor
glaiza@outdooruae.com
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EXPERTS & CONTRIBUTORS
All contents are under copyrights and may not be

reproduced in any kind without written permission.
2014 Outdoor UAE FZE
Reg. at Creative City Fujairah
P.O. Box 4422, Fujairah, U.A.E.
Linda Turcerova
Sales and Marketing
linda@outdooruae.com
Kit Belen
Our fishing pro
John Basson
Moto/ATV and
all round adventure
seeker
Tori Leckie
Writer, runner,
blogger
and adventurer
Eulogy van Dyk

Outdoor loving
Qatar explorer
Sean James
Mountaineering
and MTBing
expert
Ian Ganderton
Kayaker, climber, mountainbiker
and snowboarder.
Enthusiastic jack of all trades,
master of none.
Mike Nott
The 4x4 expert
WANT TO CONTRIBUTE? CONTACT US! contact@outdooruae.com
OUTDOORUAE
CONTENTS
14 BALLOONING
42 COOL OUTDOOR GEAR
EVERY ISSUE
22 PAVEL OMAN
48 ZODIAC LIWA
05 BEST SHOTS
06 EVENTS CALENDAR
36 LIFESTYLE
40 PRODUCTS
56 PEOPLE
68 DIRECTORY
EVENT REVIEWS & REPORTS

08 FUJAIRAH OFFSHORE
12 RACING MTB
18 EXPLORING NEW HEIGHTS
20 JORDAN OFFROAD
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
28 NAMIBIA
30 NORTHSIDE OF MADAGASCAR
32 CHASING TIGERS IN BANDPUR
LIFESTYLE
39 HABITUALLY HEALTHY
OUR EXPERTS
50 ADVENTURE RIDING JOHN
52 SUMMERTIME TUNA KIT
TIPS + TRICKS
61 BELAY TECHNIQUES READ
62 TRI CARB DIET TRACE
4
OUTDOORUAE
64 SKYDIVE DUBAI
BEST SHOTS
WINNER!
Here are the best shots sent in by you for the

monthly Want Fame? photography competition!
Thank you for all your entries, they were all great
and it was hard selecting the best photos this month.
Congratulations to the top three winners, who will each
receive Buff headwear, five free copies of the magazine
and the Advance Off-road book: Murad Arslan, Richard
Kennedy and Yann Lavoie. Well done!
To submit your entries, simply email us
at competitions@outdooruae.com
with the subject Best Shots.
Murad Arslan
Lower sandstone gorge at Wadi Hidan, Jordan.
WINNER!
WINNER!
Richard Kennedy
Yann Lavoie
My wife Andree and I took while wreck diving

in Limassol, Cyprus last Eid holiday.
Refusing to let the hot weather

get in the way of my morning SUP. Hot and
humid, but totally worth it!
OUTDOORUAE
+
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EVENTS CALENDAR
Stay up-to-date with the latest events
Featured Event
Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition
ADIHEX_ VisProm_Outdoor UAE_140626.pdf
September 10 to 14, 11:00am to 10:00pm, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, ADIHEX is the only
dedicated consumer and trade event in the Middle East for weaponry, equestrian, outdoor and
marine sports, safari, arts and antiques, and promotion and preservation of culture and heritage
since its launch in 2003. Organised by the Emirates Falconers Club, and supported by Abu Dhabi
Tourism & Cultural Authority and Informa Exhibitions, this years edition will bring together over 600
exhibitors from 40 countries and include exciting features such as the horse show, the camel auction,
and the poetry and photography competitions and more. OutdoorUAE is one of the media partners
of this event. For more information, visit HYPERLINK http://www.adihex.net www.adihex.net.
Aloft Runs for Children ADNEC 2014

September 5, 9:00 am, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Now in its fifth year, this event for a good cause is inviting runners and families to enjoy a sporty
fun day inside ADNEC. The team charity run will take place from 9:00am till 6:00pm (10 hours)
with 6km-10km-20km competition runs at 9:00am and 1:00pm for the experienced runners as well
as special runs for children, fastest lap and some more special runs during the day. Apart from
prizes, runners will enter a grand raffle with a chance to win trips and weekend breaks in one of
the many Starwood hotels around the world.
For more information, visit www.aloftabudhabi.com/en/roadtoawareness.
Spinneys Build Up Ride 1 of 4

September 5, 6:00am, Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park
Following on from the Wednesday Revolution Nights down at the Dubai Autodrome, the Spinneys
Build-up Rides are designed to be the next step to you get ready for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle
Challenge in December. Cycle Safe Dubai has put together a training calendar that will get you
from the couch to 92km in a few months. For more information, visit www.cyclechallenge.ae.
Naish N1SCO SUP Sprint race

September 19, 4:00pm, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
In part of the Splash@Yas event, the N1SCO Sprints Round 1 of 5 of the season is divided into
Mens 100m, Ladies 100m, Juniors 100m and Keiki 100m. All races are on the Naish One inflatable. If you dont have a board organisers can supply you with one.
For more info visit www.facebook.com/N1SCOUAE or email N1SCO@kitesurfsup.com.
Hilton Dubai Tower Race 2014

September 20, 7:30 am, Hilton Dubai The Walk
In cooperation with the Race ME Events, the annual vertical race up 36 floors and 730 stairs at the
Hilton Tower 2014 is back. Proceeds from the event will go to the Dubai Autism Center. For more
information, contact kasper.wigen@hilton.com.
OUTDOORUAE
6/26/14
9:37 AM
EVENTS CALENDAR
Glow & Go! 2
September 26, 8:00pm, Wadi Adventure Al Ain
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The return of the Ignite

Fitness & Wellness Pink
is Punk breast cancer
fundraising event
The funky 5km fun run will set the night alight.
This isnt a timed race and meant for everyone to
enjoy. So more glow sticks, neon clothes and glow
paint, the better! Cool down after the race with a
splash in the surf pool and a DJ party. Registration
will start at 6:00pm. For more information, visit
www.wadiadventure.ae or contact
race@wadiadventure.ae.
Muscat Triathlon Club

Hotel Series Race 2
September 26, 4:00pm, Millennium Hotel and

Resort, Mussanah, Oman
The race takes place at the Millennium Hotel and
Resort that played host to the 2010 Asian Beach
Games. The swim is held in the still waters of the
man-made marina where you will start on one
side of the beach, swim round the jetty point and
towards the beach in front of the hotel where spectators will great you. From the beach, its a short
run to transition onto the bike and out on to the
dual carriageways for an out and back double loop
totaling 20km. After the event, there will be a complimentary BBQ for all race competitors. For more
information, visit www.mtc-triathlon.com/mtc.
Dubai Desert Road Run

10km and 3km
September 27, 7:00am, The Sevens Stadium

This race will feature two distances: 10km race
and 3km fun run and both distances will be timed
and award medals for all finishers. The 10km winners in each age category will receive trophies,
the first three male and female finishers in the
3km will receive awards. For more information,
contact info@dubairunning.com.
4th Emirates Cup

Third series
September 27, 10:00am to 5:00pm,

Hamdan Sports Complex
The last series of the 4th Emirates Cup will take

place in the Hamdan Sports Complex. The 25m
race is designed for junior and senior swimmers
and will see professional swimmers from all over
the world meet in Dubai. This is the final series for
this year. Free admission to spectators. For more
information, contact 04 264 8717.
The Pink is Punk run-swim event is

back bigger and better this year. Ignite
Fitness & Wellness is synonymous to
healthy lifestyle, overall wellness and
community. The company has committed to contributing to the community
with this wonderful event raising funds
in support for the Safe and Sound
Breast Cancer awareness program.
The annual swim-run will be hosted for the
fourth year running and its second year at the
beautiful Anantara The Palm Resort and Spa on
the 10th of October.
Every 30 seconds a woman is diagnosed with
breast cancer. With this alarming statistic in mind
Guillaume Mariole began the vision of a healthy,
active event to encourage across the board wellness whilst contributing to a cause close to his
heart.
Each year the smiles on the faces of the participants and the growing numbers really reinforce
community spirit to get behind such a great
cause, says Guillaume Mariole, founder and
Managing Director of Ignite Fitness & Wellness.
Ignite Fitness & Wellness supports many other
external events and causes and has created this
event as a way to make a bigger impact on contribution to the cause.
The event opens at 6:00am for pack collection
and races start at 7:15, and 100% of the proceeds
go to the Safe & Sound Breast Cancer charity.
Participants will each receive a goody bag on the
day and prizes will be given to the place winners
of each category. Spectators are welcome to join
with an online purchase of ticket.
Facts
To register go to: www.premieronline.com.
Entry fees start at 150 AED for adults, 250 AED
for teams and 50 AED for Juniors. Spectators can
also attend with a 150 AED contribution to the
cause.
Distances:
Open: 600m swim / 3km beach and pavement run
Sprint: 400m swim / 1.6km beach and pavement run
Junior: 200m swim / 800m beach Run
Fun Run: 3km beach and pavement run
OUTDOORUAE
NEWS + COMMUNITY
Fujairah Offshore
Fishing Tournament 2014
October 16th 18th, 2014
Inviting all anglers! Come and
join the most exciting fishing event in

the UAE, the 2014 Fujairah Offshore
Fishing Tournament.
Palma Holding, in conjunction with
the Fujairah International Marine Club,
under the patronage of HH Sheikh Saif Bin
Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah International Marine Club is pleased
to announce the Fujairah Offshore Fishing Tournament 2014 which is an IGFA
Offshore World Championship qualifying
event to be held between the 16th and
18th of October 2014.
Kareem Derbas, CEO and Co-founding
partner of Palma Holding said, As a passionate fishing enthusiast, I decided to
spearhead this initiative under the umbrella
of my company, Palma Holding. There are
some very skilled anglers in the UAE. Also
the waters of the UAE, especially Fujairah
that lies on the Indian Ocean, provide
some world-class fishing opportunities.
Although there is no dominant pattern
to our fishing seasons like in many other
parts of the world, we are blessed with the
opportunity to catch Mahi Mahi (Dorado),
Kingfish, several types of tuna, including
the prized Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish and the

majestic Marlin. Exciting!
The main objective of this event is to
encourage sportsmanship across the UAE,
encourage youth in sport fishing and
ocean ecology while rewarding charity
institutions with fish caught during the
tournament. In this day and age of tablets, smartphones and fast pace of work/
life, there is no better way to disconnect,
relax, have fun and learn about life, than
to take a fishing boat out to the open
ocean. Although getting up at dawn is
always questioned by both experienced
and guest anglers, once you are cruising in
the boat towards the sunrise heading for
open ocean, your mind instantly becomes
tranquil and quickly forgets the struggles
of waking up so early (coffee always helps).
The occasional pod of dolphins that cross
your path, or if luckier, a whale, and the
many sea turtles is always a great experience for all anglers, guests and kids that
are on the boat.
Now once you come across a fish feeding frenzy, get your bait into the water, and
get hooked up to a monster fish that is
bending your rod to the max, the
tranquility goes out the window in a
fraction of a second, and is replaced by

adrenaline, excitement, anxiety, sore muscles and an experience of a lifetime.
I want to encourage all experienced
anglers, novice anglers, lady anglers and
junior anglers (kids) to join this tournament
to allow us to learn fishing techniques from
each other, to raise awareness about conservation of fish, to inspire kids to spend
more time outdoors and engaging in
sports and more importantly to have fun.
We have some wonderful trophies and
gifts for the winners of different categories,
including Best Lady Angler and Best Junior
Angler. We have been very fortunate to
receive gift sponsorship from the leading
outdoor retailers Adventure HQ, leading GPS manufacturer GARMIN AMIT
Trading, leading sports sunglasses COSTA
AMIT Trading, fishing clothing retailer
OHO, the worlds premier trophy sculpture
BODO Muche, specialised fishing tackle
store and charter company Ocean Active
and Fujairahs leading charter company
Soolyman Sportfising. The gifts are going
to be just wonderful for the competing
anglers. In addition, the winning team will
qualify to participate in the world offshore
fishing tournament to be held in 2015 in
Costa Rica, which is the Olympic Event of
the fishing world.
To learn more or to register
for the tournament, please visit
the website www.foft.ae.
dubai
off-road &
adventure
show 2014 OMPETITION
C
The event the outdoor

community is waiting for!
Dubai Off-Road and Adventure Show 6th-8th November 2014
OutdoorUAE together with
its strategic partners and sponsors announced in July the first
Dubai Off-Road and Adventure
Show taking place from the 6th
to 8th November 2014 at the
Dubai Autodrome. The event is
the first of its kind in the region
as it focused on off-road fun and
outdoor adventures. The fee will
be 30 AED at the entrance and
kids below 12 years old are free
of charge.
This is a community-focused affair
showcasing off-road vehicles of all kinds,
as well as introducing and bringing
together outdoor clubs in the region.
SPONSORS
EXHIBITORS
The highlight of the off-road section is

planned to be a custom-built 4x4 course
wherein car brands can provide visitors real and first-hand off-road driving
experience. The organisers and partners
will also be holding a competition for
the best modified off-road vehicles. To
participate and find out more about the
competition, please visit the website.
The adventure section of the event is
dedicated to all other outdoor activities
no matter if on land, on water or in the
sky. There will be a lot of try-out opportunities like wall climbing, pools to test
kayaks and SUPs, a cycling course and
much more. Visitors will find activities
for any taste and age.
To compliment the event, there will
be also an exhibition area for different
industry brands and businesses to showcase and sell their products or services.
This is a perfect platform for enthusiasts
MEDIA PARTNERS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
to learn more about the market and

learn about the local outdoor trends and
ongoings.
Unique for any show, the organisers
are inviting clubs, social groups and
charities to participate in the event free
of charge. To qualify for free participation they only need to prove that there
is no commercial interest, for example
clubscan only promote themselves, recruit for new members and exchange information. This should ensure the close
connection between the industry and
the community and a perfect platform
for information, business and most of all
fun and entertainment.
For more information about the
Dubai Off-Road and Adventure Show,
please visit the event website
www.dubaiadventureshow.com
or call +971 56 36 433 15.
COMMUNITY AND CHARITIES
EVENT REPORT
K2 2014
Words By: Adrian Hayes
Very fortunate. Extremely

lucky. Unprecedented. Some of the
words all of us who were privileged
to summit the worlds second highest
mountain in late July were using with
regard to the overriding reason for
our successes the weather. To be
precise we were all referring to the
warm, low wind, stable and, above all,
extended weather window that lasted
from 22nd July into the beginning of
August exactly the time that all the
teams were gearing up and ready for
the summit push and the consequential excellent snow conditions
resulting.
In 2013, on my first attempt, everything
that could possibly have gone wrong went
wrong teams starting too late, lack of
manpower to fix the lines on the mountain, Sherpas reluctant to go up, unstable
weather and, above all, deep snow being
just some of the catalogue of misfortunes
we faced. The result was not only no summits on K2 for the fourth year in the past
five but the deaths in an avalanche at
Camp 3 of New Zealanders Marty and
Denali Schmidt. Tragically, nine climbers
were killed on neighbouring 8,000m peaks
Gasherbrum 1 and 2 and Broad Peak and
a further 11 killed in the terrorist attack at
Nanga Parbat base camp. With 22 fatalities
it was a catastrophic season, the deadliest
in Karakorum history.
In 2014, conversely, everything that
could go right went right. If it wasnt for
the sad death of Spaniard Miguel Perez on

30th July a highly experienced climber
with eight 8,000m peaks under his belt it
would have been an unprecedentedfatality free season.
At what I calculate was a total of 46
summits from the seven teams attempting
the mountain, the summit total wasnt the
highest ever in a season 51 summited in
2004 but the 35 of us who topped out on
Saturday, 26th July was the highest ever in
one day. This summer also had the greatest number of days in a season that the
mountain has been summitedby different
climbers.
But these stats belie the true picture of
K2. For starters, there was a large number
of climbers attempting the mountain this
year, due to the 60th anniversary of its first
ascent. Secondly, every one of those on K2
this summer were seasoned professionals
highly experienced climbers with many
of the 14 x 8,000m mountains under their
belts. Although Ive been climbing since I
was 17, in 8,000m summit terms with just
Everest behind me I was the least experienced guy on the mountain. And thirdly,
had the temperature been just a few
degrees colder or had there been any wind
then a good number of those who summited on 26th July would have succumbed
to the cold or turned back, due to the time
our summit push took 15 hours on average. The weather and snow conditions
were the catalyst for our success.
For let no one be mistaken, the lack of
any summit successes from the Pakistan
side in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 along
with many other years where there are no
summits tells a truer picture. Our own
failure in 2013 was testimony to this. K2
is a brute of a mountain to summit. This
isnt just a hard snow plod to the top, but a
sustained steep ascent right from ABC all
the way to the top, with countless vertical
rock bands and 80-90 degree ice slopes to
confront. You have to climb this mountain continuously and the hazards that
steepness, the exposure, the constant rock

fall and ever present avalanche dangers
make its reputation justified.
And, as such, I feel incredibly privileged to have stood on its top for the
five minutes I spent up there before, as if
K2 was warning us, the bad weather and
snow closed in. Three years in planning
and preparation all came to fruition in that
incredible and unmatchable five minutes I
witnessed. I only wish I could bottle such
an intense experience, to open up every
few weeks to savor. So many top climbers have repeatedly attempted and failed
to summit the Savage Mountain and
many have lost their lives in doing so. I am,
indeed, incredibly fortunate.
My sincerest thanks to sponsors Thuraya
and their UAE distributors Xtra-Link; Marmot and their UAE distributors ZSI Trading;
MEFITPRO, California Chiropractic Center,
JA Resorts, Dubai Podiatry Centre, website
designers Ten Twenty and the team at
Professional Sports Group who all, along
with a number of individuals, helped make
it happen.
Adrian Hayes will be presenting K2:
The Tragedy and the Triumph in public
events in London on Tuesday, 9th September and Dubai on Wednesday 15th October. Details on www.adrianhayes.com.
ACTIVITY REPORT
Racing your mountain bike

Words By: Sean James
Photos By: Leigh Foreman, Nyi Nyi Doelene
The British Empire Games or

the Commonwealth Games as they
are now known were recently held in
Glasgow, Scotland. Some of the most
exciting events were the mountain
bike races. Here in the UAE we also
have many events and races. Now is
the time to start thinking of filling your
race calendar for the coming season. There are many different styles
of races and they are not all for the
experts. The organisers and sponsors
do a great job and if you havent been
to one yet, they are just as exciting to
watch.
So what are the types of mountain bike
races that you could enter?
Cross-country or XC
Cross-country or XC is normally held on a
short circuit and riders complete a number
of laps. Depending on the race, a lap could
be anywhere from 6-10km with the total
distance being not more than 50km. The
advantage of this type of race is that
spectators can see riders coming through
Looking good in a race
at the completion of each lap and riders

get the opportunity to use technical support at the service area if their equipment
fails. Riders all start together in a massedstart so being in the front group is important if you are thinking of winning or taking
advantage of drafting. The routes are a
mix of terrain and will include technical
and uphill sections to provide riders with
the opportunity to escape the field. This is
the most popular style of race in the UAE
and a number are held at Showka which
is an ideal venue. Both hardtail and full
suspension bikes are suitable for XC style
races. Cross country races are more tests of
endurance and cardio vascular ability than
technical riding ability.
Short Track
Cross-country or STXC
This is very similar to XC but as the name
implies the laps are very short. A typical lap
maybe only 800m in length and last only
about 1 minute 30 seconds. The number
of riders in each heat is less but the fight
for track space provides for a short, sharp
exciting event both to watch and participate in.
Downhill
Downhill (DH) racing is a time trial event.
Riders start at intervals to avoid traffic on
the course. The rider with the fastest time
wins. Downhill races are typically held in
steep, technical, downhill terrain that provides spectacular racing often with jumps
and much higher speed than XC races. The
courses are specially prepared by experts
to test the nerve and skill of the mountain
biker and heavy full suspension, downhill
specific bikes are definitely needed as
these types of races will test bike handling
ability and have no uphill or endurance
sections.
Super D
Super D (SD) is a mixture between crosscountry and downhill and combines ele-
ments of both. Depending on the organiser

the race may be an individual time trial
format or a Le Mans mass start. Where this
style of race differs from XC is that most
of the race is downhill with some sections similar to the downhill segment of a
cross-country race. However there will also
be short uphill sections. Full suspension,
downhill bikes are not suitable for this type
of race.
Freeride
Freeride (FR) competitions are very popular
for the media as they provide spectacular
images and more often than not crashes.
The courses are short, normally less than
8km so spectators can see all the action
and only one rider is on the course at a
time. They can be timed but are more a
test of the riders skill. Natural or manmade
cliffs, drops, obstacles, narrow ridges and
ramps provide the challenge for the riders
and judges score each rider on their choice
of route, the fluidity of riding and tricks
performed.
Dual Slalom
Dual Slalom (DS) is an exciting, contact
sport that places two riders against each
other side by side on the same course.
The course is very short with twists, turns,
bumps and jumps providing spills and
thrills. The first to cross the line wins. Heats
are held and a grand final decides the
overall winner.
Four Cross
Four cross (4X) is a mixture of dual slalom
and BMX racing. A number of heats are
held with winners progressing to a final.
Four riders are in each heat so expect lots
of bumping and pushing. Racing is usually
on BMX style bikes.
Marathon
Marathon (XCM) are the long distance
version of mountain bike racing. Races
normally cover 60-100km in a day on
mountainous and remote terrain. Riders

all start together in a mass start and being
self-sufficient, selecting the correct nutrition
and being able to fix your bike are key skills
for this style of racing. Sometimes
Stage Races
A stage race consists of a number of sections or stages held over several days.
Each day has a different stage. The length,
format and style can vary but is similar to a
marathon mountain bike race. A time trial
section may also be included. Competitors
are timed for all stages and the rider with
the lowest cumulative time is the overall
winner of the General Classification. Other
awards may include individual stage winners. These style races although hard are
becoming very popular. The TransHajar in
Oman and Cape Epic in South Africa are
examples of this type of racing. Full service
options such as accommodation, food, bike
servicing and massage are all part of the
package for competitors.
Enduro
Enduro (ND) is a mountain bike race composed of a number of stages. Each stage is
timed and the winner is the rider with the
lowest cumulative time for all the timed
sections. On the course there are also
link or liaison stages that are not timed
but are to move the competitors between
the more demanding and technical timed
sections. Typically in a one-day Enduro race
there will be between 3-5 timed stages although race can last up to a week. Enduro
race courses are designed to test the allround skill of the riders, including downhill,
uphill, cross country as well as endurance.
Bike Trials
Bike trials are held on man-made and also
natural obstacle courses. Competitors are
timed and there are also penalties if they
put a foot down to balance. The race is
less about speed but more control of the
bike such as balance, jumping and decision
making, with skills known as the track stand,
pedal hop, side hop and front wheel pivot
turn.
Dirt Jumping
Dirt Jumping (DJ) is a very specialised form
of mountain biking. Riders are awarded
Typical entrant in the UAE race scene
There is always a good mixture of people at the races
points for their ability to perform tricks as

they jump off mounds of dirt. The bikes
used for this style of competition are generally smaller than a Freeride bike and the
mounds are much larger producing higher
aerobatics. Courses may be in an arena and
are generally in front of a crowd to provide
a spectacular event.
www.premieronline.com or through your favorite bike shop. New races are continually
being added so keep your calendar free.
Mountain Bike Orienteering

Mountain bike orienteering (MTBO) is a
mountain bike race where the focus is on
route choice and navigation. Competitors
are given a map and have to visit checkpoints in a certain time. Sometimes the
checkpoints have different values so selecting a route whilst riding fast is a key skill.
These types of races are fun and the checkpoints are usually all within a limited area so
that competitors of all abilities continually
cross tracks in their search for checkpoints.
Below is a list of races taking part

in 2014 / 2015 in the UAE:
October 2014 - Jebel Al Jais
Challenge - TT fun ride
November 2014 - Showka Race XC
November 2014 - Lolo Challenge - XC
Race and DH Race
December 2014 - Awafi Race
January 2015 - Hot Six Race
February 2015 - Dante Torres
Enduro Finals
March 2015 - GTR - Get
Together Ride (event)
Wadi Bih hill climb - this is a great race
that has happened in the past and hopefully will do in 2014/15)
Trans Hajar http://transhajar.com/
How to enter
So if you have a mountain bike and a
helmet, races are great to boost your
motivation and to explore new trails here in
the UAE. There will be people of all speeds
and abilities. Whatever your preferred style
make sure you enter a race this season.
The number of events in the UAE is
growing. The race season usually starts
around September when the weather is
slightly less hot. Information about dates,
organisers and how to enter can be
found via the internet, on the mountain
bike group pages on Facebook,
The Trans Hajar Mountain Bike Race in

Oman has a worldwide prominence in the
MTB calendar. It is an annual multi-stage
mountain bike race that takes place in the
Al Hajar Mountains a little over four hours
from Dubai.
The route changes every year and has
world-class competitors, many of whom
use it as preparation for the Cape Epic in
South Africa. From a central camping site,
competitors ride for four days on a route
that features technical rock gardens, wadi
beds, wide dusty graded roads and some
20+ gradient climbs and descents.
Racing is fun
OUTDOORUAE
13
ACTIVITY REPORT
High Miles
Clubbing
Words By: Vanda Turcerova
Hot air balloon ride is one of

those things you have always wanted
to try but never got around to actually doing. It is, so to speak, a touristy
thing to do. We have too little time to
spare in the wee hours of the morning,
so on a clear day you spot a balloon
high up in the sky, all you have time for
is to make a mental note to add it to
your bucket list.
I got the opportunity to hop on a balloon late April. Due to weather and wind
conditions, it is customary to ride out
either early morning or late afternoon
into the evening. Winds are just too
strong up there in cruising altitudes of 1+
kilometres above sea level to control the
machine comfortably, and so I found myself on the road at 4:00am to meet with
the team of Balloon Adventures Emirates
and the rest of travelers at the parking lot
of IKEA in Festival City. Leaving our cars,
we boarded two mini buses with Peter
and Mike, our pilots and the faces and
muscles behind the company.
A short drive and a snooze later, our
buses pulled onto a dirt track off the
main Dubai-Al Ain Road. There, with the
sunlight creeping slowly into our vision,
we could make out two shapes of semiinflated balloons. I think this is when we
actually woke up, spilling out of the bus,
feet landing on the softest desert sand
imaginable. Mild breeze around us, we
have been assigned to pilot Peter, of
Hungarian origin, who is a happy chappy
with visible years under his belt when it
comes to balloons. As we got briefed
on getting into the basket, take off, safe
landing and departure, we left all our
belongings in the buses. One camera
allowed (and keep an eye on anything
that is not tied to you in any way), we
approached the giants with caution and

curiosity. It was mesmerizing to watch
as the fabric fills up with hot air, slowly
rising and forming into its shape. Noise
of escaping fuel was horrendous; in the
middle of silence, it felt like an opening
of a furnace; instant heat took us a step
or two back.
As the balloons filled up and in one
swift movement stood upright above
the basket, upon instruction the human
cargo, meaning us, was loaded into the
basket. Our quarters for the next hour or
so were split into four passenger compartments on the far side, with the central space occupied by Peter, his cargo of
liquid propane and various navigational
and communication apparatuses. The
sun was not yet up, but you could see
the day coming slowly along. Out of the
two balloons, ours was the combined
tourists one. The other one was booked
privately for, I believe, an incentive
group, which I suppose makes it little
bit more enjoyable, being with people
you know. The baskets can hold each
up to 24 passengers, so dont expect a
romantic cruise with your loved one or

an impressive date with picnic basket
and champagne on ice. Although, if you
are after the ultimate private experience,
this is definitely what you should aim for.
Nevertheless, we were in for a beautiful
ride.
As soon as we boarded our air transporter, two things became apparent: first,
silence came to play and apart from the
occasional blast from the propane tank
fueling up our monster roaring above
our heads like Smaug spewing fire from
its mouth at the sign of Bilbo Baggins,
we could be sneaking up on top secret
operation and never be heard. Secondly,
as we were warned by our charming
pilot and tour leader Peter, temperatures
would be higher up there than down
where the mercury was hitting 30s already. Well, for a short hour-long ride, we
kind of accepted each other as sweaty
roommates of the high miles fly basket.
Rising up slowly, it was surprising to
witness how swiftly we were airborne and
rising higher up. The actual rise was not
so much felt as witnessed by comparing
our position with the second balloon.

Our blimp was effortlessly rising above
the glorious break of dawn and the view
was to die for. The horizon became visible and stretching over our peripheral
vision, everything on the ground that was
life-sized minutes ago shrank to ant-like
proportions. I felt our own smallness as
we danced in the peaceful air, pleasantly
warm, turning naturally, registering our
neighbour and waiting to witness the
birth of the sun into our atmosphere.
Peter was constantly updating us on our
altitude and under his skillful navigation
and experience, we docked at about
a kilometre above the ground just as the
sun gloriously entered our vision and in
a moment, we were basking in its rays
through a slight haze around us.
Balloon cruising is neither quick nor a
cheap hobby; by now we were, without
really realising it, 20 minutes into our
one-hour trip, and burned through half
of our fuel just to get up us. At 3.5 AED
or so for a litre, we have spent about 500
AED of pure liquid propane and another
500+ AED to go. You can see how it
becomes quite an expensive excursion,
but quality of materials and experience
of the crew come above all to keep you
entertained and safe up here. As we mar-
veled in barely noticeable 15 k/h cruising

speed, the view was spectacular beneath
us. Earth creatures that we are, bound
to the ground by gravity and ways of
life, we, humans, have always wondered
about the skies pointing out wild desert
gazelles and a camel here and there,
mere dots to us yet still recognisable if
you focused your eyesight. Dune shapes
became instantly recognisable, shrubs
of vegetation here and there in between
golden silky sands of the desert. The
silence was amazing; you dont realise
how much noise we live in until you
switch yourself off and take a trip such as
this one. Weather kept at pleasant 30+
degrees with the occasional trysts of gas
being fed into our giant flying ball disrupting the quiet, yet necessary to keep
the altitude and direction. The reason
why we were so early was apparent; with
changing altitudes, winds speeds change
as well, meaning during the day, the
increased speeds of high air make it impossible to control cruising. Fair enough,
as the day temperatures would not make
for a pleasant trip, and trips after May
and before September are possible, but
very unpleasant.
Forty-five minutes into our adventure,
it was time to start dropping. That is
another element of balloon travel that

cannot be exactly predicted. Because
travel is made possible by winds, and
winds cannot be accurately predicted to
plan for exact landing, it is always a shot
in the sand so to speak in our case. We
started dropping immediately, burning
through propane like its going out of
fashion. We were rapidly approaching
the dunes and as we were nearing the
ground, interestingly our height being
very difficult to guess. We could be well
over 20m above, yet it seemed one
could touch the sand, so clear and near
it seemed. Perception of height was lost
as we glided above, Peter adding hot
gas to manoeuvre us in the direction
of the indicated landing strip allocated
the them. You just cant land a balloon
anywhere you like in secluded desert
reservation. If you miss your spot, better
aim for the next one, because if you land
somewhere in between, you are facing a
fine by the government. You can see now
why it takes skills and years in the basket
to aim a seemingly random flying giant
balloon at the right spot.
As it was, we have diverted from our
originally planned course, which was,
according to our pilot, expected and
a few landing strips were designated
specifically for this purpose. On our way
down and minutes before we touched
down, we managed to scrape against a
shrub, leaving our imaginary mark on the
pristine desert. Just before the actual
touchdown, we assumed brace positions, but the landing was nothing like
we expected. Our basket caressed the
top of smooth sand and a jump later, we
stationed ourselves smack in the middle
of our landing position. The second
balloon followed shortly after us and
we witnessed their descent and landing
a few hundred metres away with intact
crew, passengers and equipment safely
on the ground.
Because we landed a few kilometres
from our original post, we were shuttled
back to our minivans in a few minutes.
It was just before 7:00am, yet we have
opened our eyes not only into a new
day this early, but also to the fantastic
possibilities that a lift-off on a balloon
created in our minds. It is possible to do
the impossible touch the sky and be
greater than yourself.
OUTDOORUAE
15
ACTIVITY REPORT
Rethinking
the adventure
experience
Words By: Sean James
Not all adventure has to be in the

hot desert or the dusty mountains. I
got my first taste of climbing not in an
icy, remote mountain range or sunny
rockface, but on walks home from the
pub in urban Essex.
Twenty years ago climbing to me meant
churches, schools, building sites. Anything
we could get access to at midnight. Our
only intention was to climb and explore.
We didnt take anything or destroy anything. We would simply do it for the thrill
and excitement. Frequently we were slightly merry and would howl with laughter as
we ran home after setting off an alarm or
being spotlighted by security lights. Only
twice did I ever break any bones.
Many years later, I still havent grown up
and continue to get a buzz from this sort
of adventure. Only now I try to pass that
Steel cables need big anchors at the bottom
Dont look down
Abseiling from bridges always stopped the traffic
enjoyment on to others. For many years

I worked closely with a number of large
charity organisations in the UK. In exchange for a shot of adrenaline, their supporters would raise funds for good causes.
Each weekend we would descend upon
a landmark venue; Premiership football
grounds including Old Trafford, The Tyne
Bridge, museums, art galleries, reservoir
walls, castles, cranes. The list was endless.
If we had permission we would abseil,
climb and zip line down anything that
looked fun. In a day we could process
the adventure experience for as many as
400 people, sometimes five clients abseiling simultaneously if we had multiple ropes
and the necessary instructors. Consider
that each adventurer was probably raising
a minimum of 500 AED, the weekend was
profitable for everyone.
It is true Ive probably had more hospital
visits from climbing artificial structures than
real rock but that shouldnt stop you. Many
Multiple abseilers down the castle wall
Climbing buildings can be fun
Abseil from the top of Old Trafford
companies offer highly regulated and controlled adventures and thrills just outside
your doorstep.
The UAE is no exception. Simulated adventure sports are everywhere. Ski Dubai,
Wadi Adventure all offer this now accepted
form of adventure.
Even the authorities here seem to encourage the climbing of buildings, as long
as it is controlled. The Spiderman climber
from France, Alain Robert, made a wellplanned ascent of the Burj Khalifa. Some
of my most exhilarating experiences in the
UAE has been climbing buildings. Dangerous? Yes. Fun? Definitely. Exploration and
unstructured, unrestricted adventures are
important. If you limit this type of play and
discovery within a population and particularly children you have the makings of a
very dull society.
So next time you are walking along the
street, look up and around you at the potential for adventure on your doorstep.
Messing around on high buildings

gives a feeling of calmness
EVENT REPORT
Exploring new heights

Last Part
Words + Photos By: Rhys and Laura Jones
The reality of being on expedition was starting to hit home. If

we wanted to drink, it was down
to us to melt snow. Likewise at
dinner time we lived in our tent
whilst Simon, our guide, lived in
his. It was very much an independent trip and by no means
beginner friendly.
It was a semi polar environment and Id
say it was akin to climbing Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America,
starting at around 14,000ft in terms of
temperature and conditions. It was Lauras
first proper expedition aside from a hike
up Mount Toubkal in Morocco and stacks
of UK hill walking. I knew it would be a
baptism by fire, but at that moment, I was
starting to wonder if wed bitten off more
than we could chew.
We set off from our high camp at around
10:00am for the summit. The beauty of
Arctic summers is that theres never a time
pressure as it never gets dark, so it always
felt like a leisurely start compared to climbs
in the European Alps and other ranges. We
walked into a bitter headwind, and instead
of warming up as we exerted ourselves,
we were grasping for all of our extra layers
until we had nothing more to put on. We
decided to retreat to the tent, continuing
would have been the frostbite express.
We spent the rest of the day in the tent
listening to the wind picking up, but I was
secretly glad of the rest. It didnt get any

better the next day though, or even the
day after. Wed eaten all of our main meals,
and on that fourth morning we knew it was
make or break. Wed either have another
go at the top, or have no choice but to
retreat all the way to Base Camp for food
and supplies. Thankfully, the weather gods
smiled and we could head up.
We skinned for around two hours
on easy angled glacier, dodging a few
crevasses. Then we hit a ridge where we
stashed skis, fitted crampons and walked
to the base of the beautiful summit
pyramid. The vista was amazing, like nothing else on earth apart from Antarctica.
Unclimbed peaks as far as the eye could
see, and not another living soul within
200 miles. The crest of the lower ridge
felt quite alpine but wasnt particularly
exposed, so very enjoyable to actually walk
along. After the first couple of hundred
metres of the summit pyramid, the slope
steepened considerably to around 65
degrees. The snow conditions were pretty
variable too, sometimes breaking through
crust and sinking to the knee, other times
on hard nev. One of the crux sections
traversed about 20m of brittle ice which
had been scoured by the wind. I watched
Laura thrash across it, clearly at the limit of
what shed done on snow and ice before.
The ice shattered like dinner plates as she
swung her ice axe in to it. It rejected the
pick many times, sending it bouncing back
out of the ice like a spring before finally
finding purchase and sinking the front

few teeth in. It was much steeper than Id
expected, and led to a spectacular section
of narrow steep ridge which dropped away
in every direction. It was like walking along
a pyramid, which was just wide enough
for a pair of boots, and a terrifying drop in
every direction. At that moment, a simple
slip would likely have killed all three of
us. With no medical help for hundreds of
miles, it made the whole climb feel more
intense. There was no back up or Plan B.
We had to keep calm and keep climbing.
Shortly afterwards, we took the final steps
across the plateau on to the summit, where
we tried to comprehend the incredible
birds-eye view which lay beneath us. It was
still painfully cold so after a short break and
celebration, it was already time to descend
again. The cruelest part of mountaineering
is surely to spend so much trying to reach a
summit, and having so little time to spend
there and enjoy it.
The descent was tough, and the exposure felt very real once we were facing
out from the slope. Going back down the
steepest section of the ridge, out of the
corner of my eye I saw Laura slip. My heart
stopped momentarily as I waited to see if
she would start to slide. Thoughts raced
through my mind of the best side of the
ridge to jump off to counter-balance the
fall. The ropes came tight, I looked behind
me, and she was stationary. Despite being
very shaken, she quickly got back on to her
feet and turned into the ice to climb down
step by step. It took almost as long to get

down as it did to get to the top. A mixture
of fatigue and knowing that we couldnt
make any mistakes.
We rolled into camp late in the afternoon elated and with jelly legs, so we
decided to spend the night there. Skiing
down with the pulks the next day was
almost as challenging as the way up, and
definitely more frustrating. They constantly push from behind, making it almost
impossible to control speed or direction.
It was like skiing down a blue run, over a
mixture of powder, ice and crust, with heels
unclipped and 30kg pushing you down the
hill. Being lousy skiers as we are, there was
a lot of falls, and even more swearing. As
we skied over the final 6-7km back to Base
Camp, the sky turned an ominous grey and
the light was completely flat. It looked like
weather was on the way, and we were to
be proved 100% correct on that observation.
We spent the next five consecutive
days stormbound in our tents as the wind
and snow took turns hammering us with
tedious regularity. At its worst, we were
taking turns to dig out the tents every
three hours, day and night, to stop them
from collapsing. Sitting in the comfort of
everyday life, its hard to comprehend how
long five days can feel. Days turned to
nights as the spindrift swirled around our
tents, banking on the leeward side before
shifting to bury us from a different angle.
The routine of melting snow, drinking tea
and eating cake, great as it sounds, got
really boring. Wed gone from the extreme
of sled hauling and a significant climb, to
vegetating in our sleeping bags for almost

a week.
On the sixth day of the storm, the
plane was due to collect us, but couldnt
because the weather was so bad. This
almost destroyed our morale, as we were
psychologically ready to leave the glacier
after a long five days cooped up. Another
three days passed until it cleared enough
for the plane to come, and wed been
buried up to the very top of our tents. First
we heard the hum of the Twin Otter, then
we picked out its red fuselage and a wave
of emotions washed over us when we saw
it touchdown. It made four journeys up
and down the runway before coming to a
complete stop, and when we slumped in
to the basic bench seat it was a wonderful feeling. A hot shower and a warm bed
were beckoning.
Some would say that those eight days
must have been the ultimate test for our
relationship, but we came through it with
our marriage and sense of humour in tact.
Laura proved that shes tougher than she
looks (and tougher than she thought),
and despite not getting as much done as
wed hoped, we came home feeling very
satisfied with having climbed the highest mountain in the Arctic, also known as
the Eighth Summit, and living through an
eight-day Arctic storm along the way. Of
a planned 14-day trip, we had 16-days in
Greenland, 11 of which were bad weather.
Hopefully next time were on expedition
together (and therell be a next time), well
have better weather.
Now back in Dubai, we are available to
share our experiences with companies,
networking groups and students, drawing

links from our expeditions to the challenges of business. Rhys has been a professional speaker since becoming the youngest
person to complete the Seven Summits; to
climb the highest peak on each continent.
He summited Mount Everest on his 20th
birthday in 2006 and has worked with
clients across all sectors in Europe, North
America and the Middle East. He now runs
RJ7 Expeditions and is Regional Director of
Camps International, providing
expeditions for school teams and private
groups. For details, please contact us via
rhys@rjseven.com.
OUTDOORUAE
19
ACTIVITY REPORT
Training on a Yas Marina Circuit

Each week cyclists and runners hit the state-of-the-art Formula 1 circuit
Words + Photos By: Nicola de Corato
Did you know that you can run and

cycle on a Formula 1 track, in Abu
Dhabi, the famous Yas Marina Circuit?
On this track, every year we can see the
best F1 pilots of the world: Sebastian
Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Louis Hamilton.
But its not the only moment we can enjoy
the circuit.
Every Tuesday from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
runners, walkers and cyclists are invited
to use the Formula 1 track in Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, to get fit and have fun. Whether youre a serious runner, walker, professional cyclist or simply taking a sunset stroll
with the family, TrainYAS by ActiveLife
welcomes participants of all levels and
speeds to get on the track.
Im not a professional athlete, but Im
fond of sports, marathon and triathlon in
particular, and since I discovered TrainYAS,
I try not to miss a Tuesday there. Mostly
because Im fan of motorsports as well,
and running and biking on the AbuDhabi
F1 track is a great emotion.
Moreover running on a circuit gives you
lots of advantages. Safety, first of all. The
grounds are very well maintained: no cars,
no motorbikes, no traffic, just for cyclists
and runners, going in opposite directions
(ones in the middle of the track, the others
along the border). Medical cars are ready
along the circuit in case of need.
You have plenty of facilities; on the
track you can find two water stations and
there are other two water stations before
entering the circuit, for example. But also
a cafeteria where to relax after the training,
washrooms, a big parking.
There are many things to enjoy along
the ride: the sunset at the Yas Marina for
example, or the amazing architecture of
the Viceroy Hotel with its monocoque steel
and glass bridge and gridshell structure
that both cross above and over the circuit,
a real amazing sight, especially in the
evening with all the light shows on.
20
OUTDOORUAE
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a proud

supporter of healthy living in the Abu
Dhabi community. To encourage participation in healthy living activities, Cleveland
Clinic Abu Dhabi, a world-class multispeciality hospital being built on Al Maryah
Island, provides complimentary bikes for
public use each week at TrainYAS. Most of
them are mountain bikes, but you can also
find some road bikes. So if you dont have
a bike, you can get it there directly. Extra
bikes and helmets are available for hire,
courtesy of Fun Ride Sports and Adventure
HQ.
TrainYas is not the only chance to run on
a circuit all over the world. Formula Run is
a one-lap event taking place at the worldclass facilities of the Circuit of the Americas
track in Austin, Texas a special opportunity to run the track two weeks before the
first annual F1 event, for example. Or at
the Autodromo di Monza a non-competitive race, organised by the Italian League
for the Fight Against Cancer (LILT) that
takes place every year. The circuit of Montmel (in Spain) and the Gilles Villenueve
circuit in Quebc offer bikers the chance to
ride their own bike on same days.
But TrainYas is the only occasion to train
weekly on a F1 circuit, with a full kind of
facilities (rental bikes for free, water stations, and so on). So spend your Tuesday
evenings working out at Yas Marina Circuit
a unique, safe and friendly training
ground!
The weekly TrainYAS by ActiveLife evenings are free entry for all whether clubs,
friends and families. But schedule and track
configurations are subject to last minute
track bookings, so contact the circuit on
the day you wish to attend to ensure you
are not disappointed.
A similar initiative just for women is GoYAS by Activelife. Similar to Train Yas but in
complete privacy every Wednesday. Ladies
are welcome to walk, run and cycle or take

part in group fitness activities including
boot camp, pilates, dance-fit and yoga.
Please note cycling and group classes are
only available for ladies 14 years + and
must have adult supervision.
All activities are supervised by an internationally certified female trainer. GoYAS
by Activelife is a ladies-only initiative and
closed to the general public to ensure the
privacy of participants. All staff are strictly
female. To attend TrainYAS and GoYAS by
Activelife, you need to register for your
membership card for free, entering your
details on www.yasmarinacircuit.com and
collecting the card directly the day of the
training at the registration point.
If you were not in time to register, you
can get a daily pass directly at the registration point.
Blogger, marathon runner and triathlete, diver and heli rescue swimmer
with Bergamo Scuba Angels. You can
read my blog www.dubayblog.com,
contact me on social networks or via
email at admin@dubaiblog.it for information about this article or just
to say hello.
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Two-wheeled
Omani adventure
Jani didnt made it across the swamps
Words + Photos By: Pavel Bafeel
After having such a long

discussion with my friend
regarding Eid holiday, we just
decided to try all our
favourite spots in beautiful
Oman. I planned a route which
was approximately 3,000km
by car and about 500km on
motocross bikes around several
stops. Let me share with you
our adventures.
Magnificent Jebel
Shams views
Clay stalactites close to Hasik
Difficult terrain around Wadi Darbat
Jebel Shamha campsite
Day 1:
famous turtle sports in Oman. The road

to Ras Al Hadd covers several nice hikes
The night before our take off, we loaded
and view on the way between the Muscat
the bikes, camping and motocross gear,
and Sur. You definitely need to see Wadi
necessary spare bike parts, food supply,
Shabb, which offers amazing hike and
and fully-equipped medical box. The next
swimming in the cave. Wadi Tiwi offers
day at sunrise, we left Dubai and through
nice and tight off-road through lots of
Al Ain we reach Wadi Damm.
small Omani villages. There is also a sink
Wadi Damm offers you approximately
hole, which offers adrenaline jumps and a
medium difficulty one-hour hike to a rerefreshing swim. Due to time pressure we
freshing swim under a small waterfall. Afonly got to visit the Wadi Tiwi and the sink
ter the hike, we took off-road shortcut to
hole. After these, we reached Ras Al Hadd
a one of those famous Jebel Shams camp
and set up our campsite in one of those
cliff sites, where we dropped the bikes
empty fisherman houses. After a late dinand took a small ride around the area.
ner, we went to see the nesting turtles.
On a bike, you can only stay on the roads
or goat tracks and try to enjoy all the
magnificent views to the wadi. Keep in
mind that if you camp in Jebel Shams, the Jebel Shams goat
temperature is much cooler in the night,
approximately 22C during the summer
and 10C during the winter. Its wise to
also pack mosquito repellent if you camp
on the south side on the mountain.
Day 2: Road to Ras Al Hadd
After early sunrise awakening, we pack

the entire car and head to the most
Our Assilah gang
Our camping site close to Ash Shuwaymiyah
Day 3 and 4 Assilah playgrounds
Assilah is known as the most favourite

kitesurfing and surfing spot in Oman,
especially during the summer, wind is approximately between 20-40kts and wave
can reach up to 2m. For motocross,
Assilah offers various terrains such
as beaches, sand dunes, mountains,
swamps, or even crazy rides thru cities
like Ashkharah. In Assilah, we met several
of our friends and for two days we were
discovering Assilahs beautiful terrain.
Day 5: Never-ending road to Salalah
The plan was to drive to Salalah on one

shot, but because we left Assilah around
noon, we were forced to split the route to
two parts. After about 700km we camp
close to Ash Shuwaymiyah.
Day 6: Ash Shuwaymiyah to Assilah
After an early bird wake-up call, its 400km

Omani hospitality close to Dhofar
Wadi Damm waterfall
Beautiful Dhofar
to Assilah. On the way to Salalah, we did

several stops around the new coast road
and saw several wadis, clay stalactites
and nice sea views. About 50km before
Assilah was Taqa, where we dropped the
bikes and took a trail to Wadi Darbat. The
terrain was difficult to ride with slippery
mud, rain, fog and high humidity. Due to
the difficulties and several crashed, we
had to ride slow, which caused the bikes
to overheat several times. After a while,
we disregarded our plan and took the
main road back to the car. For camping, I
picked one of my favourite Salalah campsites, called Jebel Shamha.
hitting almost all the cow trails, tourists

sports and enjoyed every breathtaking
view around the coast line. On our bikes,
we entered completely undiscovered
terrains and enjoyed the lush green views.
On several occasions, you could easily
drive from greenery to completely dry
rocky land with no sign of life.
Day 7 and 8: Dhofar Area
Pavel
On the way to Dhofar, we have to stop in

the local fish and meat market to restock
on goat and fish meat. Its a must to visit
and see the various types of fishes they
have. We spent two days around Dhofar,
Day 9: 1,200km back to Dubai
I have to thank all my Omani friends for

guidance, help during critical situations,
food experience, and the unwavering
Omani hospitality! I look forward to
another Oman Eid adventure.
Bimmah Sinkhole
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
The road less travelled

An extraordinary destination
of unspoilt natural beauty, the
off-the-beaten track country of
Zimbabwe has a policy of keeping
adventure seekers on their toes
Words By: Cheryl Mandy

Photos By: Jenny Jobling
When its summer in the

northern hemisphere, its winter in the
southern. At this time Zimbabwe has
crisp sunny days with cool star-flecked
night skies amazingly clear vistas of
the Milky Way and Southern Cross are
common from June to September.
This seasonal reversal works in many UAE
residents favour as they seek destinations
to flee to during the hot summers. Its also
the best time to take a safari in one of the
most spectacularly beautiful countries of
southern Africa, because all camouflaging
leaves from bushes and trees have fallen
to the ground. Wildlife can no longer
hide from photographers during these
dry winter months. Even timid species are
drawn from the dry interior to congregate
at shrinking waterholes, rivers or dams.
Zimbabwe is one of those lesser trod

destinations, a point in its favour for it is
totally unspoiled by mass tourism. No
mini-bus highway congregating around
one animal sighting here. You can drive
for hours without seeing another vehicle in
some parts of this 390,580sqkm land.
The countrys tourism providers have suffered considerably because of undeniably
rocky politics over the years but as every
Zimbabwean knows and says, they make
a plan. The standard of accommodation,
professionalism of guides and tourism
products come as a surprise to first timers,
as does the warm welcome visitors receive
from its people. Dutch traveller Wendy is
among those who discovered this when she

and seven other women toured Zimbabwe
early in July this year.
Hiring a small bus from Nyati Travel and
Tours run by tour operator Goof de Jong
(also Dutch), she said: Crineas was an excellent driver, courteous, friendly and totally
unruffled at having to drive seven women
(and later one guy) around Zimbabwe.
The first bus had difficulty getting up the
escarpment from Kariba (the women and
their luggage?!) but it was quickly replaced
by a brand new bus and we continued
on our trip through several police road
blocks, which didnt phase Crineas at
all, even when at one point they asked if
he could drive! When we expressed our

astonishment at the huge avocado pears,
he stopped off at a market and bought us
eight of them.
She adds: We will be eternally grateful to him too for finding a TV so that the
Orange fans could watch their team play
football and didnt blink an eye at the
strange gear they insisted on wearing to
cheer them on. At no time did we ever feel
unsafe or uncomfortable.
Ranked as a country with the best climate
in the world alongside Malta, Zimbabwe
is not only about safaris, although this is a
major draw-card. It also offers adrenalinepacked extreme adventures as well as
community and wildlife based volunteer
projects.
When I took a different bus journey
around the country, each day something
out-of-the-ordinary was unearthed or seen,
starting off upon arrival in the capital of
Harare in October. At this time of year, the
wide avenues in the city are flanked and
weighed down by hanging clumps of the
purple blossoms of jacaranda trees. Its
quite a sight to behold. Jacarandas also
adorn the streets of most of the bigger
towns.
In retrospect we should have joined
Nyati Travels nine-day country tour via
Masvingo, which although a little longer,
has much more to see than the route we
took including the fabulous literally
Great Zimbabwe Ruins (meaning big house
made of stone) and from which the name
of the country is taken. These ancient ruins,
built between the 12th and 15th centuries,
were once a great dry-stone walled city and
the centre for Arab gold trading.
However, our tour took us from Harare
via Gweru to Bulawayo in Matabeleland
some six hours drive away. The city boasts
a main street so wide you can comfort-
ably turn an ox-wagon in it. About two

years ago the enterprising mayor Thaba
Moyo gained some fame during a very
bad drought for endorsing a big flush
policy. Residents were encouraged to pull
their toilet chains (handles) at 7:30pm on a
Monday night to prevent blockages during
water rationing. Water has always been an
issue in Bulawayo.
After a visit to the impressive Natural
History Museum in the city we drove to Matobo Hills National Park 34km southwards,
consisting of sunset-coloured granite rocks
precariously balanced one upon the other.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site (along
with the Great Zimbabwe Ruins). Blending unobtrusively into the rocks are some
small luxury Flintstone-like lodges such as
Matobo Hills, Camp Amalinda, Matobo
Hills Lodge and Big Cave Camp.
Climb among these boulders and visitors
may well find bushman rock paintings, an
optional activity for guests of some of these
camps. Wildlife of note here includes leopard, black eagle, and rhinoceros.
The Mother Africa Trust supports a number of projects in the Matabeleland province that welcome volunteers, including
a home for abused women, the Dete Old
Age project and a childrens home. Volunteers can also help on wildlife projects such
the Southern Ground Hornbill Research
Project, whose habitat is being destroyed,
the Matobo Rhino Protection Initiative as
well as the Hwange Lion Research Project.
In another part of Matabeleland is an adhoc tour of a working farm by an ox-wagon,
where visitors are pulled by oxen typically
used by the pioneers that first came here in
the 1890s.
Some five hours drive from Bulawayo is
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwes largest game reserve spanning 14,651sqkm.
Certain areas of this park are packed with
OUTDOORUAE
25
the Big Five and others at all times of the

year but are particularly concentrated in the
winter season.
The Painted Dog Conservation Rehabilitation Facility just outside the park near
Hwange Airport tells the whole story about
how this conservation project is protecting,
rehabilitating and re-introducing Painted
Dogs, also known as the African Wild
Dogs, back into the wild, for their numbers
have been reduced considerably over the
years. Not only are injured and endangered
animals rehabilitated but the wire snare that
caught some of them in the first place is remodelled into animal art pieces for sale.
Zimbabwes most famous attraction is of
course one of the seven natural wonders
of the world - the Victoria Falls stretching
1.7km across the Zambezi River and dividing Zimbabwe from Zambia. Victoria Falls
town and surrounds is thriving, upbeat, and
offers many different accommodations from
campsite to the elegant, historic Victoria
Falls Hotel.
The adventure capital of Africa offers
a huge variety of adrenaline stimulating
action. The most mind-blowing of them
all has to be white water rafting on the
Zambezi River, one of the wildest stretches
of white water in the world. From the base
of the famous falls punters in rubber rafts
buck, twist and bounce through 18 swirling
rapids named Gnashing Jaws of Death and
the Devils Toilet Bowl (aka rapid number
four), so described by tour operators the
Zambezi Safari and Travel Company www.
zambezi.com as a short rapid with a
deceptively steep and powerful hole on
entry followed by some nasty boils and
whirlpools.
Its impossible to tame this stretch of river, classified by the British Canoe Union as
Grade 5 meaning extremely difficult, long
and violent rapids, steep gradients, big
drops and pressure areas, says its website.
Low water level is usually between July and
mid-February and the most exciting time to
raft, although the rafting is still good at all
other times apart from the closed season in
April or May.
Bungee jumping, zip wire antics across a
gorge you name it, its out there. At the
same time volunteer projects that include
helping to expand the education of rural
school children, wildlife research or conservation projects and childcare projects in the
community are run by Conservation Travel
Africa.
A charter flight eastward leads one to
man-made Lake Kariba, where discreet
rustic luxury camps such as Musango Safari
Camp hug the shores of the Matusadona

National Park. Built by Steve Edwards in
1990, Musango is a must for all bona fide
Africa lovers seeking tranquility and top
game viewing experiences by boat, vehicle
or on foot.
Poaching of the precious wildlife is a
major problem here and elsewhere in the
country. In fact this August 8th to 13th volunteers are sought by the Zambesi Society
to survey for evidence of wildlife and any
illicit removal of it in the Matusadona National Park. An armed National Parks officer
will accompany each of the volunteering
teams.
On the eastern border with neighbouring Mozambique the lush green Eastern
Highlands of mountains and mist attracts
golfers, bird-watchers, nature lovers and
hikers. The chateau-style Leopard Rock
Hotel with its 18-hole international standard
PGA championship golf course has brought
some of the biggest names in golfing to
this Vumba region.
Overseeing all on a hill just outside the
town of Mutare that serves as a hub for
the province is an enormous (9m high by
1.2m wide) memorial cross known as Cross
Kopje, erected by the settlers here to
honour the memory of African soldiers who
died in the German East African campaign
of the First World War.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year,
this cross must have seen some changes in
its time. No doubt it looks forward to more
positive ones for the years that stretch
ahead.
Conservation Travel Africa

info@conservationtravelafrica.org,
www.conservationtravelafrica.org/
Zambesi Society Frances Morris +263 772
308172, franlovemore@gmail.com
Pete Musto +263 772 249434,
petemusto@gmail.com
Zambezi Safari and Travel Company
www.zambezi.com
Ways, means and useful websites
From Dubai flights include:
Emirates Airline daily flight to Harare
(via Lusaka, about a one-hour stop on the
ground)
Emirates Airline fly daily to Johannesburg
then direct connections on other airlines to
Victoria Falls, Bulawayo or Harare
Ethiopian Airways via Nairobi to Harare
Kenya Airways via Nairobi to Harare
Nyati Travel: www.nyati-travel.com,
263-4-495804
The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company:
www.zambezi.com, +263(0)13 44427
Musango Safari Camp:
www.musangosafaricamp.com
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority:
www.zimbabwetourism.net/
For up-to-date information and
direct contacts, contact Jenny at
tuppy.robertson@gmail.com or
at 971-50-4251656.
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TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Namibia over landing

Words By: William Kelly
Photos By: Barry Kelly
The expedition included Gumpy

and myself, unfortunately other parties were not able to obtain a visa
on time. Our choice of vehicle was a
Hilux but on arrival at Windhoek the
company upgraded us to a 76 series
Land Cruiser non turbo 4.5 V8 diesel
which had the performance of a tank
and handling of a bus, as usual it was
kitted out with all the extras you need
for a 10-day overland trip.
Day 1
Our first point of call was for supplies, we

stocked up on food and water and anything else we thought we would need. By
10:00am the first day, we were on the road
for a 335km journey to Sesriem the worlds
oldest desert with apparently the highest
sand dune as well as 400-year-old deadvlei
(trees not firewood).
For the first 100km of the drive, it was
a tar road, then it hit gravel tracks, we
deflated to 22psi as recommended by
Cooper tyres. The rig had all round Cooper
AT3 great tyres that didnt let us down
once during the entire journey wherein we
covered 3,700km in eight days 90% of
this was off-road. Namibia has 60% paved
and 40% off-road tracks.
Due to the extremely corrugated tracks,
we decided that one hour of driving was
the limit for each driver and we switched
regularly. Concentration levels were high,
maximum speed was 100km at the most.
We reached the national park late afternoon and were surprised to see a tar road
60km long which took us right in to the
centre of the desert. This was a conservation area and you were not allowed to drive
off-road. The dunes were impressive stunning with untouched beauty.
By 5:00pm we were at camp and had a
fire going. Facilities included hot showers
and running water at each pitch site it
doesnt get any better than this!
We both realised that the original itinerary was going to be a push due to the
distances and the terrain. We modified the

itinerary to a maximum of five or six hours
of driving per day with a 300km distance.
Day 2
We set off early just after sunrise with

Walvis Bay as our destination. The route
took us northwest through ever changing landscape that was hard to ignore,
we stopped to take pictures, as well as
Gumpys ritual of having a cuppa tea.
The landscape was vast and in some
places inhospitable. How the animals adapt
to the environment is amazing because it
was dry and very dusty with strong winds
as we got closer to the coast. We were
9km from our destination when we saw
the landscape change from rock to sand,
there was a 34km sand dune belt between
us and Walvis Bay as well as a railway
track. Yes, we could have driven on the tar
but we were itching to see what the Land
Cruiser could do, over the railway tracks
and up into the dune belt, this was what we
wanted, a little bit of action.
The dunes were immaculate large drifts
with sweeping slopes and not a single
tyre track on them. We descended off the
dunes and into a wadi bed where we found
our next camp, an old German outpost
plantation; again very good facilities as well
as a braai pit with grill and electric sockets.
We did notice that the shower was different. We had to make a fire to heat the
water using what they call a donkey boiler.
It was simple and effective, and this was
how we managed for every camp.
Day 3
We explored a few POI on the GPS, there

was sandstone cave system called the Flintstone Caves and the Lunar Landscape.
The route was to take us to Cape Cross
via a crater site along a salt road which later
turns into the skeleton coast. The weather
changed, strong cold winds that blew
against the side of the Land Cruiser making
it difficult to stay on the salt road.
We turned inland searching for the crater

site and the track was awful, very badly corrugated with wash outs. It was slow going
and tedious; darkness was falling and we
knew we would not make it to camp, no
hot shower tonight and we laughed. Bush
camping it was and the first point of call
was a big fire to keep the animals away.
This camp turned out to be great, completely isolated with only the sound of the
African bush.
Day 4
Todays attractions included the seal colony

at Cape Cross and the drive along the
world famous Skeleton Coast. To get to the
seal colony we had to cross some treacherous salt flats, careful not to go off the track
otherwise you can bog down to your axels.
By midday we had reached the Skeleton
Coast National Park a 140km straight track
with only sites of destruction, numerous
ship wrecks, abandoned vehicles and a
very rusty old oil rig. We had planned to
fill up at the end of the track, but the park
ranger informed us that the gas station
was seasonal and not reliable. With half
a tank of gas, the nearest gas was 274km
away, this meant we would have to travel
further north than originally planned, the
Land Cruiser would average about 1,000km
to a tank so we felt comfortable but were
cautious not to visit too many shipwrecks in
the soft beach sand. What was impressive
about this day was the fret that covered

the landscape. Low-lying fog that did not
dissipate until midday, visibility was 10m
max. We headed inland again and this
was where our adventure truly began, we
started to see animals all over the grass
plains and very little human activity.
We pitched camp close to the base of a

mountain with plenty of cover and protection, just in case we got visitors. It was a
beautiful setting and the most memorable
of all the camps due to the difficulty in getting there.
We ventured through some townships and

into a wildlife controlled area, we fuelled up
with 190L leaving the pump empty for the
rest of the day. We stayed at a lodge with
camping facilities where elephants drink
from the pool water. It was a long day and
we retired off to bed.
88km of 4WDing to reach Twyfelfontein,

the worlds largest collection of outdoor
rock painting dating back to 6,000 BC by
the San Tribe.
Along the route, we encountered a
large mine which was big enough to drive
into and a very steep rocky section called
divorce pass. As well as numerous river
crossings, there were plenty of action with
Gumpy letting me handle the more technical parts. The Land Cruiser was equipped
with standard front and rear lockers. We engaged the rear locker for divorce pass and
set the throttle to 1,500rpm. It crawled with
ease, at one point having the driver front
wheel 2ft in the air. We drove endlessly
without seeing another soul. The track had
not been driven in a while as nature was
reclaiming the land.
Gumpy needed his cuppa, so we
stopped close to a sandstone rock formation only to find a family of four giraffes
feeding less than 50m away. We sat for an
hour watching and taking in the beauty
again another memorable moment.
We reached the rock paintings and went
on the guided tour which was a very interesting piece of Namibian history.
13km away was our camp and 6km
through a soft sand river bed with evidence
of elephants. Large holes in the ground as
they search for water, which always seemed
to be right on the tracks, very dangerous if
your vehicle ends up in one!
Got to camp early and did a bit of washing
and vehicle cleaning. The dust was everywhere, each day we had to clean the inside
of the vehicle.
Day 5
Because we had not planned to come to

this area we woke early before sunrise to
check out the wildlife. We had only driven
2km from the lodge when we saw a herd
of zebra, then springbok and kudu, further
along a giraffe grazing on a tree. This was
Africa.
We visited a few waterholes and viewpoints taking in the sights. This is where
we experienced our first problem. A stone
had flicked up and got stuck between the
disc brake cover and caliper. Out comes
the hi-lift jack and the wheel off. Fixed it in
minutes while Gumpy kept watch for lions.
By 12 noon we had exited the park and
were heading to the start of our 4WD only
track. Desolation Valley, thats 91km of pure
off-road driving, corrugated tracks, river
beds, soft sand sections and rock crawling.
This was our toughest day yet, very rarely
getting into third gear. We did not see
any other human for two days. This is how
remote this country is. We reached camp,
had the place all to ourselves, with warning
signs stating camp at your own risk - lions
and elephants.
Day 6
Day 7
A cold morning start at 6C. We gathered

some more wood and lit a fire. After some
time we warmed up and got on with things.
The donkey boiler was broken which meant
a cold shower.
Today we planned to drive 359km to
Brandberg Mountain, Namibias highest
with some side attractions on the way: a
three-stage waterfall and a hyena den,
60km of which was off-road.
Gumpy and I agreed that the country
was vast with ever-changing landscape
that was truly beautiful and picturesque.
As this was our last night we gathered a
ton of firewood and loaded it on the roof.
We were going to have a bonfire. We did
find out that elephant dung is a great fire
lighter when dry, so we collected it when
we could. It keeps a burning ember for a
long time.
We reached camp and settled in for the
night again. Great facilities with running
water that was also potable. We cooked up
the last of our food a fish pie in the pokie,
a cast iron pot that went on the fire. We
looked through the pictures we had taken
and talked about our next expedition.
Day 8
We had completed everything that we

wanted to and were a day ahead of schedule. It was a 400km drive to the capital
Windhoek where we would spend the last
day exploring, before flying out.
Namibia is a fantastic destination for over
landing with plenty to do and see. Great
facilities that cater to the adventure tourist
and a must-see experience.
OUTDOORUAE
29
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Exploring the
beautiful north side of
Lemur in Ankaranana National Park
Madagascar
Words + Photos By: Eulogy van Dyk
The name of this beautiful island

has now become synonymous with the
highly successful movie series, but for
those with an adventurous spirit, it is
still the wild and untamed red island off
the east coast of Africa. And if you are
looking for a wild adventure, you will not
be disappointed by Madagascar.
This quasi-continent has a rich history,
from the local rulers through French colonial history to the vibrant democracy that
exists today. Although largely reminiscent
of East Africa, it is indeed the third largest
island in the world. Immediately upon
arrival in Antananarivo (try saying it three
times fast!) you are reminded that it is still
part of the African continent. The streets
are poorly maintained, animals roam
freely along the main roads and you could
easily be forgiven for looking twice at the
wagon full of geese. But even though
this little island country ranks among
the poorest in the world, the people of
Madagascar are warm and friendly, the
scenery is spectacular and the experience
is unforgettable.
Tsingy Rouge
The beautiful and untamed

north
Diego Suarez
A two-hour flight from the capital brings

you to the north side of this African wonderland. Diego Suarez (also known now
as Antsiranana) was originally a hotspot in
various trade routes, and its history is still
alive in the kaleidoscope of flavours and
cultures that gives it a truly unique feel.
From European taxis to Asian tuk-tuks to
help you get around, there is everything
from fresh fruit to cinnamon and vanilla
available, with the odd French monument
along the road.
The Three Bays
Take a day trip (available from most

hotels) on a 4x4 route to the beautiful and
natural beaches, called the three bays
(Baie des Dunes, Baie des Pigeons and
Sakalava Bay). A kitesurfing and water
sport hotspot, it makes for incredible
views all around (as well as hosting one of
the oldest baobab trees in the country).
Its certainly worth the drive, but make
sure you take some water and snacks (its
off-road and it might be a while until you
get back to your hotel).
nearly 40 different butterfly species and

the pygmy chameleon at a staggering 3.5cm in length you need to keep
your eyes open to spot it! Luckily the
local guides are experts at finding these
creatures, as well as the now famous
lemurs, which you might spot flying from
one tree to another. Home to beautiful
waterfalls and indigenous vegetation, like
the famous jackfruit, it is one of the most
biologically diverse places in Madagascar.
After lunch (we highly recommend
Mama Bes restaurant, fantastic local
cuisine and friendly service!) its about an
hour drive to Tsingy Rouge. Tsingy is a
local word translated as carefully walking
barefoot which has been passed on for
generations. This geological oddity where
soil erosion from the Idodo River has
revealed the red sandstone likely formed
years ago through volcanic activity. It is a
fragile ecological system, but some experts believe even more of this sandstone
formation will be revealed over time.
Spectacular views from the top of canyon
over this geological treasure, and only
accessible by 4x4 vehicles.
The Ankarana National Park should be
the next stop, although be aware that the
roads are poor and the drive from Diego
Suarez can be up to three hours. But
its worth it! A small, partially vegetated
plateau composed of 150-million-year-old
The Amber Mountains,

Tsingy Rouge and Ankaranana
National Park
Not far from Diego lies the beautiful and

majestic Amber Mountain National Park.
At 2,000m above sea level, the landscape
changes and you are invited to take a hike
through an incredible rain forest, hosting
Tsingy Rare in Ankaranana National Park
middle Jurassic period limestone formed

by volcanic acid rain. This has created
the Tsingy Rare. And with an average
annual rainfall of about 2,000mm, it is still
susceptible to erosion that has formed
one of the largest underground cave and
tunnel formations in Africa (a natural 25km
tunnel exists in the middle of the park!).
A bit of lemur spotting is a must, and for
those brave enough, a quick tour through
the bat cave with natural stalactites and
stalagmites.
Island hopping
The most popular of the small satellite

islands in Madagascar is Nosy Be (Big
Island). Situated on the northwest corner
of Madagascar in the Mozambique channel, it is the busiest and largest tourist
resort. Surrounded by smaller little islands
to explore, it is a great place for scuba
diving, snorkelling, fishing or just taking
a breather and relaxing. There are many
excellent resorts to choose from, making
the island a perfect holiday destination
with lots of exploring on the island itself,
including the ylang-ylang (for the production of essential oils) plantations and local
distilleries. Make sure the camera batteries are loaded to capture some breathtaking sunsets and the tranquillity of island
living.
For a trip that includes a bit of adventure, some truly unique natural landscapes
and relaxation, all mixed into one, the
Locals transporting ducks (for dinner?)
A Malagasy 4x4
beautiful Madagascar has it all! You will

not leave disappointed.
Travel tips
How to get there:

There are no direct flights from any of
the GCC countries to Madagascar, so be
prepared for some stops along the way.
Average cost is around 16,000 AED for
return flights per person, although this will
change with the season.
Weather:
Summer rainy season: November to
March
Winter dry season: April to October
Local time:
3 hours + Greenwich Mean Time
Language:
Malagasy is the official language, but
French is widely spoken throughout the
country. An English/French phrase book
will be very useful.
Visas:
Currently visas are not required, and
available on arrival.
Health:
Madagascar is a malaria area. Make
sure to consult your doctor on malaria
prophylaxis before departure.
Only drink bottled water, or use water
purification tablets.
Clothing:
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
are essential. Take a small backpack for
when you are doing the daily excursions.
Local Currency:
Euros are widely accepted, but better
to change it into local currency called
Ariary-Ariary. This can be done on arrival
at the airport. Credit cards are not always
accepted, although most hotels will accept Visa (not Mastercard).
Photo: Quincy Dein Rider: Kai Lenny

Photo: Quincy Dein Rider: Kai Lenny
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Ocean Sports FZE: +971 (0) 55 935 2735 - enquiries@kitesurfsup.com - kitesurfsup.com
Ocean Sports FZE: +971 (0) 55 935 2735 - enquiries@kitesurfsup.com - kitesurfsup.com
The Pivot emerges as a smooth, all-around freeride/wave kite for a wide range of riders and styles.
The Pivot emerges as a smooth, all-around freeride/wave kite for a wide range of riders and styles.
Its overall structure and ability to pivot on a small axis of rotation provides quick and easy turning, intuitive steering
and
predictable
power
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a medium
aspect ratio
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and go feel, easy jumping and great upwind performance. Thanks to its ability to make precision turns on a small
axis with minimum power increase in the turn, the Pivot is also the perfect tool for smooth kiteloops.
Aside from being a fantastic freeride kite, the Pivots characteristics also make it a great wave kite. Its lightweight
design
delivers
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power,freeride
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ABS bridle also helps
decrease the amount of pull on the harness for forgiving strapless riding.
Recommended Control System: FUSION CONTROL SYSTEM
Recommended Control System: FUSION CONTROL SYSTEM
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
Chasing tigers
in Bandipur
Words + Photos By: Simone Caprodossi
Everyone tends to have an

African safari on their bucket
list, but not many people think of
India as a safari destination. Yet
India has some incredible wildlife
and a number of beautiful national parks with unique wildlife
including its iconic top predator,
the elusive Bengal tiger.
Given India is so easy to reach from
Dubai, we planned with few friends to
give a try the India safari experience and
visit Bandipur National Park in the southern state of Karnataka. Bandipur is part of
the Nilgiri biosphere reserve, the biggest
national park in the south of India and
is one of the 15 sanctuaries dedicated
to the protection of tigers under Project
Tiger in 1973. Guidebooks shyly indicate
the rare possibility to actually see tigers,
but we did not really go in with much
hope as normally the lucky ones just get
to see a tiger footprint in the dust.
From Dubai we flew into Kozhikode
(Calicut) served by easy direct flights and
reached Bandipur Safari lodge just a kilometre from the national park boundary
in about four hours of bumpy and messy
Indian roads with several too close shavings of big trucks. As we lazily stepped
into the reception to check in, just happy
to set foot on ground again, we suddenly
got a rush of excitement: the lodge has
a board where the safari crew reports the
sightings of the hottest animal encounters and after several weeks of no tiger
sightings, just in the last three days they
had been seen daily! There was a genuine
chance to see tigers in the wild! We had

two nights booked allowing for five safari
outings and we were given serious hope
that our chances were high.
So we settled in our nice bungalows
and set out for lunch and safari briefing
really eager to get to the first afternoon
drive into the park. Safaris are run in comfortable open top jeeps that are great for
animal spotting and photography. With
a group of four friends we had our own
private jeep and guide.
As you get into the park boundaries
still on tarmac road you start spotting
the first mongoose crossing the road and
catch the glimpse of the common flying
squirrels gliding between tree branches.
Reaching closer to the sanctuary entrance, a few rather tame elephants come
to greet you nosing into the jeep.
Then off we were into the park on a
dusty path through the deciduous forest.
We quickly encountered some of the
most common inhabitants of the park, the
peacocks. These are wild peacocks and
its common to see the beautiful males
in full display for a shy female. The other
rather unexpected encounter was with an
actual chicken! Yes there are wild chicken,
real wild with very pretty colourful roosters. We then completed the wild farm
with small wild boar, basically furry pigs
running around and hiding behind trees.
With eyes out for tigers, we continued
driving into the depth of the park, we
encountered beautiful sambar deer studs,
small groups of small Bambi-looking

chital spotted deer and spent a lot of fun
time watching macaques grey langurs
playing in the trees. Several langur mothers had babies hanging tightly to their
white belly and peeking out curiously
with their small black faces.
The beautiful light of sunset marked
the closure of the first safari day and we
had to retreat with a very nice experience, but no tiger. Back at camp it
looked like none had seen the tigers that
afternoon, so we put all hope into the
next day.
After a good night sleep, we rose early
for the morning drive. While no tiger
was on sight after some driving around
we reached an open plain area and were
rewarded with a different very lucky sighting. Playing in the grassy plain were two
young dholes. The dhole or Indian wild
dog is an endangered predator, relative
to the critically endangered African wild

dog and they are only left in very small
numbers in a few national parks. They
look like playful home puppies but these
smart carnivores can take on big prey like
buffalo in packs. We spent good time following and photographing them playing
and resting until they walked off and our
morning drive had to come to a close.
Still no tiger, but we came back to camp
feeling very lucky.
Getting into the afternoon drive we
were now really keen to see a tiger, our
guide drove around to all the spots where
they had been seen in the past days but
we seemed out of luck. Then another car

called saying they had spotted a tiger
where we had been an hour before so we
rushed back there in full adrenaline, but
it had apparently left just minutes before.
Elephant and monkeys sightings did not
really feel enough to get over the no tiger
frustration especially as it turned out we
had been the only ones to not see them.
We now had just one day left and
started losing hope again to get that
lucky encounter. So the last safari morning, we got in the jeep motivated but
also ready to enjoy the rest of the wildlife
and forget about the tiger. And of course
when you least expect it, things happen.
We were the first car back in the spot
where the tiger had been seen the previous evening and there she was! A big
female was resting along the bank of a
big water pond with the deep orange fur
beautifully glowing in the warm morning
light. We enjoyed a good 20 minutes of
a private encounter until the other jeeps
caught up and eventually the tiger stood
up, gave us a beautiful roar-y yawn with
full teeth display and walked all along the
water to eventually disappear in the bush.
Then as we were about to drive off she
just appeared again out of the bush literally two metres from our jeep, gave us a
quick glance and disappeared in the bush
again. That was a breathtaking encounter
with the most majestic animal I have ever
seen.
This was just the beginning of an

absolutely epic day as we then encountered tigers twice again in the afternoon,
saw again a dholes and enjoyed a long
encounter with a big herd of elephants
in a beautiful spot of grassland crowned
by woodland, as well as seemed to encounter all the available animals as a last
goodbye day. We just missed a leopard
that was also spotted that day. I have
done some great African safaris, but this
India day places well at the top of my
safari experiences.
Saturated with wildlife excitement, it is
worth closing the trip with a stop in the
historical city of Mysore. Mysore is the
second biggest city of Karnataka after
Bangalore and has a proud history having served as the capital city of Mysore
Princely Kingdom for nearly six centuries, from 1399 until 1947. The majestic
Mysore Palace is heritage to this history
and is the highlight of the visit. Mysore
has also a very charming market full of
bright colours, from the long lines of perfect cones of spices to the vibrant saris of
the women actively shopping around.
OUTDOORUAE
33
TRAVEL + ADVENTURE
The Honey Badger

Episode 5: Ethiopias Tourist Loop
Destination: Northern Ethiopa
Ethiopia has a very different
vibe to Kenya. Safety was often our

primary concern in the latter, where
we rarely drove with the windows
down or doors unlocked, especially
in the big cities. In Addis, whilst the
people were very interested and
inquisitive, we rarely felt threatened. In
fact, everywhere we went, no matter how poor, hungry, or curious, we
encountered friendly smiles and people
wanting to offer help and advice.
Nevertheless, Addis was not our favourite experience: we dealt with horrendous
traffic, cold showers every day, non-stop
rain and the onset of a man-flu (clearly
much worse for James than for Mira).
Once the car was fixed, we headed
north to drive the well-trodden loop
including the monolithic churches and
the Simien Mountains. Frikkie and Fiona,
the couple we convoyed with up at Lake
Turkana, were a few days ahead of us,
so we decided to meet at Tim and Kims
Camp on the northern shore of Lake Tana.
It took us two days to get there but the
Diaries
roads where excellent and the views even

better. We drove through the breathtaking Nile Gorge and then stayed one night
in Bahir Dar where we were introduced
to the semi-buoyant papyrus canoes that
people use to cross the lake. These canoes
last for 10 days before they sink and must
be replaced. We were amazed to see one
group of 10 brave people standing in a
canoe to cross part of the lake on their way
back from Church.
Our next stop was Gonder, known as the
Camelot of Africa. One of the many former capitals of Ethiopia, it has its own style
of the Orthodox Christian cross as well as
an array of castles and ancient architecture.
We explored the sights starting with the
Debre Berhan Selassie Church which has
numerous ancient paintings telling stories
from both the Old and New Testaments
of the Bible. Then we visited the Fasiladas
Bath which has an enormous pool where
the bishops baptize hundreds of people
during the Ethiopian New Year. All attendees jump into the pool after this event for
a holy dip.
Next was one of the most breathtaking sights that we have experienced so
far: the Simien Mountains. We stopped in
Debark to pay the National Park entrance
fee and reluctantly made space amongst
our luggage for Dego, our AK47-toting,
non-English speaking scout. The climb up
to an altitude of 4,000m was awe-inspiring.
There were sheer drops on both sides
of the road with panoramic views of the
mountain range as far as the eye could
see. We drove through the clouds to the
farthest campsite and prepared ourselves
for the cold and rain. Before bed we
ventured around surrounding area on foot.

We did not have to go far before meeting
the gelada baboons. Whilst in Kenya we
had quickly learnt that baboons are not the
ideal travellers companion. However, we
were pleasantly surprised to discover that
the geladas are only interested in eating
grass and couldnt really care less about
us. About 100 of them surrounded us and
although the females were not impressed
by Mira they tended to leave her alone as
long as James was close. We spent the
next two days trekking up the surrounding
peaks in search of the very rare Walia Ibex
and listening to the communications of the
gelada baboons and their occasional, and
very noisy, inter-family feuds.
Our trip continued to Aksum, Mekele
and Lalibela the heart of Christian history
in Ethiopia and the birthplace of the Rastafari, now better known in Jamaica. Aksum
was not particularly interesting, other than
its link to Queen Sheba and the legend
of the Ark of the Covenant secretly being
kept in a chapel there (having been nicked
from King Solomon by his bastard son).
We decided to take a detour to Mekele
with the hope that we could see the Danakil Depression, home to an active volcano
and a few rogue bandits. Unfortunately this
was not possible in less than four days and

without government permission due to the
lack of security of the area.
We planned to move on to Lalibela
although a local taxi driver had other ideas
and decided to shred his car door in a
close encounter with our rear bumper.
Luckily no one was hurt and a day later we
had replaced our broken brake light cluster
and Mira had persuaded James that the
massive air horn in the local garage was
not an essential part of the repairs process.
Not wanting to miss out, we took
the 140km detour to see the rock hewn
churches before heading south to Lalibela.
These were an impressive introduction
to Ethiopias extraordinary monolithic
churches and we did not see a single other
tourist Ferengi along the way. Lalibela
was in a different league, however, and
once we had recovered from the jaw-dropping entrance fee we started our tour with
our guide The Deacon who we met at
the 7 Olives hotel. The 11 churches were
carved by hand within a couple of decades
out of one enormous rock in Lalibela. The
site has a similar feel to Petra but with the
added bonus of being able to go inside
the beautifully designed churches and explore the narrow tunnels connecting them.
The churches are still very much in use
and numerous priests and pilgrims were
walking around carrying incense or crosses
whilst doing their prayers. The Deacon,
soon to become a priest himself, effortlessly painted a picture of what it would
have been like during the Zagwe dynasty
which came to power in Lalibela after the
Aksum dynasty ended. It was a fascinating
place and we are already looking forward
to returning someday.
The rush was now on to return to Kenya
and catch the Great Migration in the
Masai Mara. We were in for another delay,
however, as one of our leaf spring shackles
headed off whilst throwing the 3.5 ton
Honey Badger around the rather exciting
mountain roads. Luckily Frikkie, our travel
companion, spotted the problem before
everything fell apart and we limped on to
Dessie with a couple of spuriously placed
but very effective jubilee clips holding it
all together. With yet another delay we
thought that there was no way we were
going to make it in time to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara river. Mario from
the Toyota dealership in Addis very kindly
directed us to a mechanic in Dessie who
specialises in leaf springs. Within 45min
he had cut a leaf spring into the shape of
a shackle and found two newish bolts to
hold it all together. Meanwhile Mira and
Fiona entertained the local children with a
game of football.
We completed the northern circuit in
Addis a day later and continued on to
Kenya through the Moyale-Marsabit route.
Despite numerous stories of bandits and
inter-tribal fighting in the area we survived
without mishap.
A key part of Mira and James trip is fundraising and volunteer work and they are
currently teaching nursery school children

in Zanzibar. If you are interested in helping
them to achieve their target and make
a difference to African communities and
wildlife, please spread the word or donate
using the following links:
To donate: www.gofundme.com/
thehoneybadgerdiaries
If you would like to follow their journey
through Africa and see more photos,
recordings and videos:
Website: www.thehoneybadgerdiaries.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/
pages/Honey-Badger-Diaries
Instagram: @thehoneybadgerdiaries
OUTDOORUAE
35
Bayshore:
The
A different kind of beachfront experience

Words By: Glaiza Seguia-Godinez
Photos By: Jung Francisco and IHG
The InterContinental Abu Dhabi is an
iconic landmark in the capital with its timetested expertise in hospitality, functional
facilities and inspiring panorama. In addition to their luxurious folio, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi launches The Bayshore
Beach Club and Spa, an exclusive beachfront destination stretching across 300m
of pristine sand. The beach will lure you in,
but the experience will make you stay.
Its a destination within a destination,
described Resident Manager Khaled
Ibrahim Zaki. The design and location of
The Bayshore gives us the exclusivity, yet
idyllic comfort. This is an example of our
continuous efforts to offer guests the latest
in terms of beach innovation.
Khaled gives us a peek of Abu Dhabis
latest lifestyle and leisure gem the morning after he and his staff accepted the
Ice Bucket Challenge. Instead of upending ice-cold water onto their heads, they
gamely jumped into The Bayshore pool
in their suits and shorts in support of the
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority water conservation campaign and the
ALS Associations Lou Gehrigs Disease
research. They also pledged to donate
1,000L of water to UNICEF that will go to
the children of Africa.
We heard you had

an interesting morning?
Yes, we participated in the Ice Bucket
Challenge. Reema Baroudi, our Director of
PR & Communications, and I had a chat and
decided to twist the scheme a bit. We have
beautiful pools and a beach down here, so
we have a lot of opportunities to get wet
[laughs]. It was a great start of the day!
Talk about the facilities available

at The Bayshore.
We are very excited and anxiously waiting
for the opening of The Bayshore. The InterContinental Abu Dhabi is a long-standing
hotel in the heart of the capital for the past
34 years and we cater to all guest requirements. We are always about business and
leisure; and the concept of The Bayshore
fits right into this. We call it The Destination because its an all-in-one facility
with an exclusive beachfront, marina area,
infinity pool, splash pool and childrens
pool. We have a Jacuzzi, private cabanas,
multi-treatment day-spa building with a
gym that includes state-of-the-art equipment and amenities.
What is the vision of The Bayshore?
Its in our continued interest to keep
ourselves developing. We like to introduce
what is new and fresh in the eyes of our
guests. We want to offer them the newest
Khaled Ibrahim Zaki,

InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Resident Manager
facilities and the latest edition of what they

want to see. Abu Dhabi is the destination
for whatever purpose guests might require
and the establishment of The Bayshore
adds more to the experience whether for
business, leisure, family affair, dining, fun,
fitness or having fun while getting fit.
The Bayshore is unique and I always
describe it this way Im a man whos married with children. So I come to Bayshore
and I will be working out on the gym, while
my children are in the pool and my wife is
having a quick salad in the restaurant next
door so she can still watch them.. Everything is within proximity, yet you feel the
space. From the parking, you dont need
to walk through the lobby and go to the
lift. Come in your flip-flops, walk through,
pay the access fee and there you go. Its
great for the residence of Abu Dhabi or if
youre coming for a weekend from other
emirates or neighbouring GCC countries.
How do you promote healthy and
active lifestyle at The Bayshore?
We have a very active monthly calendar.
We have a team on board that
ensure guests are directed well and have
programmes to participate in to get fit. We
have amazing stories about guests who
have transformed their lives like drastically lost weight or participated in a triathlon
and it all started here.
The marina area
The hotel has a number of award-winning

restaurants, added Reema Baroudi Director of
PR & Communication. The reputation is that
as far as food and beverage offerings, we are a
world-class dining destination in the capital.
We have a team of personal trainers

and gym instructors, who are qualified and
certified. They do not only stand and wait
for classes, but actively interact and encourage guests. Our menus also reflect the
healthy lifestyle we endorse. We are aware
of the increasing consciousness and interest in gluten-free, lactose-free and other
healthy options. We participate actively in
sporting events in Abu Dhabi for example
the Terry Fox Run, which is for charity. The
InterContinental Hotels Group has the
biggest participation for the second year in
a row among other corporate companies
and we got the award this year as well,
so its a milestone. We are planning to
increase our participation level next year.
Its also in our plans for to design a kind
of triathlon map because we have a 300m
long beach, sea, corridors and we are
located in one of the most prestigious and
well-designed streets in Abu Dhabi. It is a
work in progress. Personally, Im aiming to
participate in a 750m swim too. Ive done
the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival, but that
was 15kg ago [laughs].
What spa treatments
does the Health Club offer?
The well-designed spa line ranges from
aromatherapy massages, enchanting body
treatments and facials that are aimed to destress, relax and rejuvenate. We have very
talented masseuses available. They are certified, can communicate well and have the
best recommendation for all your needs.
What makes InterContinental Abu Dhabi
and specifically The Bayshore a standout
among others in the area?
We are well-established and continuously
evolving. The recent entire renovation was
in 2007 and we kept adding new facilities
almost every year. We are also currently
developing three restaurants. We have the
recently opened The Bayshore restaurant
for delicious creative options. There is
also the Lebanese restaurant Byblos that
is going to open this year. Its going to be
a world-class, authentic Lebanese dining
experience with entertainment and view
of the marina. Its going to be the talk of
the town. Circo, the Italian restaurant all
the way from New York, has decided to
find a home here. Its all about the circus
ambience with an upscale Tuscan dining
option helmed by world-class Italian chef
and management. Its going to be a great
addition to the local cuisine culture.
Its a shore thing! The Bayshore includes health club, day-spa, infinity pool, kids
pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, exclusive beach area, private cabanas and dining options.
I understand that there is a new set of

mandatory beach guidelines for hotels
in Abu Dhabi focused on environmental,
public health and safety management.
All the hotel beachfronts have been
addressed by the Abu Dhabi Tourism &
Culture Authority stating this initiative, and
we are in line with this. On a personal level,
we have been monitoring the water quality of beaches as we have our own brand
standards and guidelines to follow. We
check the water quality in the marina and
the beach to ensure that the environment
we offer is safe.
Corporate responsibility is at the core of
what we do. IHG has a corporate program
called the Green Engage that focuses on
sustainable living as a whole. We have
targets to reach and there are always key
performance indicators to achieve, and we
do it with passion because we understand
the reasons and what is at stake. Its not
only about saving costs, we want to leave
a good impact on the community that
we live in. We are part of Abu Dhabi, we
owe this to the community and the future
generations.
What plans are you working
on to meet the ever-changing
client demands and taste?
2015 will be a very exciting year for us. We
have all those brand new facilities already
The InterContinental Abu Dhabi staff took part in last years Terry Fox
Run to promote active lifestyle and support cancer researcher.
opened and we will continue on leveraging being The Destination. We are also
focused on the services and add more
watersports like Stand Up Paddling and
kayaking. Animation on The Bayshore is
all about bringing fun to the guests with
activities on the beach, like water polo,
aqua aerobics, volleyball, etc. This will
be a very resort-y concept. Its all about
rejuvenation because we lead a fast-paced
life, so we need to stop sometimes and do
something for ourselves.
Whats a day in the life
for a hotel manager?
Its never boring! Whether the occupancy
is high or lower that day, its always busy
because theres always something to do.
The hotel business is all about people,
interacting with guests, connecting with
people from all over the world, interacting
with many minds and backgrounds. Just
in the hotel, we have 32 nationalities all
together.
I do maximum interaction and touch
points on a daily basis with my colleagues
by chatting with them, preparing for an
event and talking about projects. More
importantly, how to make it inspiring and
motivating for them. My main role is to
smoothen hotel operations, that guests
stays are memorable, my colleagues
responsibilities are met. Of course, there is
also the financial and commercial side of
the job. But we never use the word routine
here. It doesnt happen like that and thats
the fun part. You have to have a lot of passion to do it.
For more information and membership
options, visit www.intercontinental.com/
abudhabi, contact +971 2 693 5285 or
e-mail recreation.icabudhabi@ihg.com.
OUTDOORUAE
37
Explore the beauty of Oman

Words By: Neil Murphy
Photos By: Tania Al Khalidi
Sheesa Beach Travel and

Tourism located in Dibba, Oman
and more specifically the
Musandam are the largest tour
operators on the east coast.
The company is divided into
Sheesa Beach Dhow Cruises,
which has been in existence
since 1995, Sheesa Beach Dive
Centre, which was started in
2010 and the Sheesa Beach
Plantation Camp.
Conveniently located an hour and a half
from Dubai, we are unique in the fact that
we can offer our guests everything without
having to go through a third party. This is
due to us owning our own fleet of eight
dhows, speedboats, dive centre and camp.
Our fleet comprises of two triple deck, live
aboard dhows all with air-conditioned cabins and saloon, diving compressor, majlis
Arabic seating, kitchen, kayaks, banana
boats and snorkeling equipment. Five
double deck dhows and a traditional single
deck wooden dhow.
We specialise in private group bookings, but do offer sharing trips as well. The
services that are on offer are our sharing
day trips that we run daily. This trip is a
relaxing fun day out and includes a dhow
cruise to Huffa bay, a traditional Arabic buf-
fet for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, hand

line fishing and a chance to escape Dubai
for a great day out with the family and
friends. The dhows depart at 12:00pm and
return to port between 5:00 to 5:30 in the
evening. The overnight trips are extremely
popular on board our double deck dhows
in the cooler months, sleeping under the
stars, diving, kayaking, banana boating,
fishing, exploring ancient villages and
ruins are all enjoyed with either a catered
for or self-catering option. These trips can
range from one to seven nights away in the
majestic Musandam. The triple deck live
aboards are also popular as we are able to
cater to your needs year round. The option
of sleeping under the stars or being lulled
to sleep by the tide in your cabins is your
choice on board. The live aboards are fully
catered trips with our on board chefs preparing mouthwatering meals for you.
Our PADI dive centre offers dive safaris
on the dhows ranging from a day trip
to seven-day trips. The safaris can be
enjoyed on either the live aboard dhows
or the double decks. Sheesa is synonymous with pushing further north than any
other operator thus allowing our clients
the privilege of diving in areas where the
coral, marine life and scenery are spectacular. The added bonus of having Omani
captains on board allows us the luxury for
pushing the boundries further north on the
trips as the local knowledge they possess
is invaluable. Our guides are nothing short
of entertaining professionals and you will
certainly be entertained above and below
the surface whilst confident that you are in
extremely safe hands. Our motto is Deep
Down We Care and we certainly do. Our
divers also have the choice of diving either
air or enriched air nitrox which we cater for.
Our dive staff are all trained in gas blending and we run regular training exercises
for them in order to guarantee you a safe
and enjoyable experience.
Our sharing two-day two-night trips run
once a month as a means for the divers

to get together for a social weekend. We
recently launched the three-day threenight trip which runs every three months
and showcases the best diving that the
Musandam has to offer. Most of our
courses are conducted on these trips as it
a very affordable and entertaining way to
take your diving to the next level. Courses
range from Open Water to Dive Master
and a wide range of specialties.
We run our speedboats or fast boats as
we like to call them every weekend and
again we strive to dive areas that none of
the other operators go near. A popular
activity is our Camp & Dive package we
run in the cooler months, where guests get
to stay in our plantation camp overnight
and dive the following day. Our plantation
camp has a 180 beds and our kitchen staff
will make sure you are fed delicious meals
during your stay with us. The camp can
also be combined with a day dhow cruise
and a very affordable weekend for a family
or group of friends which would probably
cost less than a night out in Dubai.
The facilities and services we offer are
also a perfect way for companies to conduct team building days or company parties. We also believe that it is all good to
write about who we are but the proof is in
the pudding. Give us a call and come and
experience Sheesas unrivalled hospitality
in the majestic Musandam and right on
your doorstep.
LIFESTYLE
Habitually healthy
Baked Frittata with Farm Fresh
Cherry Tomatoes and Avocado
Words By: Chef Christopher Zerbe
Well ladies and gents, Ramadan

has come and gone. All those amazing iftar dinners filled with beautiful
mezze, rice dishes, meats and cold
salads. Mmmm!
Now for quite a few UAE residents, its
time to get back onto your regular
morning training regimens, complete with
a hearty breakfast. There is always a large
debate whether or not breakfast is the
most important meal of the day. Personally, breakfast is my favourite meal of the
day, however its also the meal I eat the
least. I have always preferred to train on
an empty stomach, but nowadays many
athletes prefer to fuel up before their
workouts. For some, its merely a bulletproof coffee, laced with grass-fed butter
and or coconut milk for that caffeine kick
plus the sustainable energy that comes
from fats. For others, its carbohydrates
coming in the form of grain-based dishes,
and for some its heavily protein based for
those long workouts over 40 minutes. I
have found over the years that no two
Feeds: 6 people
Cook time: 30 minutes approximately
Ingredients
Amount
Preparation
Free range eggs
12
Beaten
Onion
1 small
Minced
Garlic
clove
Veal or turkey bacon
500g
Sea salt
TT
Black pepper
TT
Sunflower oil
As needed
Cherry tomato salsa

Ingredients
Amount
Preparation
Cherry tomatoes
1 dozen
Cut into
halves
Minced
Red onion
1tbl
Minced
Chopped
Sea salt and pepper
TT
Avocado
2 whole
Extra virgin olive oil
As needed
Peeled/
Diced (stone
removed)
The Cycle Bistro

GPS location:
Latitude:
N 25 02.792
Longitude:
E 055 14.384
04 425 6555
Phone:
T R &I E D
TESTED
ODUC
THIS PR
PROV
T IS AP
OUTDOO
ED BY
RUAE
Vivofit
More than a sports band

Words By: Kate Winchester
I am an amateur all-around
athlete and various sports have
been a part of my life since I can
remember. Initially, you just do
it but as you grow to understand your sports and your own
strengths and weaknesses, your
limits and how to push them,
you naturally want to compare
yourself to some decent results,
gather stats over a period of
time and analyse your own
performance to better your next
workout and reach your set
goals.
Enter Vivofit, Garmins answer to fitness bands. I went into the testing phase
with no expectations and open mind.
Having tried other products previously,
I was careful not to jump on the fashion
wagon and judge the band by its design
or colour or the amount of flashing strips
the display has. What consumers must
understand is that it is not in the way the
product looks on your wrist, it is in the results it yields after synching and how that
works for you. This is the most important
aspect of selecting a fitness band and
therefore I went in blind and literally lived
with it for four days without looking into
the computer at its readings. I wanted it
to give me everything at once to see how
easy it is to work my way around it and
I wanted all results fitness activities,
40
OUTDOORUAE
sleep patterns, steps counts. I have set

up only the initial account and downloaded software on my laptop synching
the band with my newly created account
(including gender and vitals) and setting
a daily goal of a random 8,712 steps. An
application from Garmin is available for
smart phones as well. Turning the band
on, its display is fairly basic. A single button on the side switches display readings
from time, date, steps and heart rate
(active if using the heart rate monitor).
Vivofit comes with an ANT+ USB synch
pin which you need every time to synch,
install updates and uploads results. I
have lost and found it twice over my test
period; keep it in a safe place to avoid
bag searches.
Here is what I did:
Day 1 - Thursday morning swim, work
(office), evening light workout
Day 2 Friday 10km Stand Up Paddle,
moderate evening workout
Day 3 Saturday general walking
around, otherwise a rest day
Day 4 Sunday work (office), evening
light workout
Day 5 Monday work (office),

moderate workout and swim
Monday was the day of results and
time to face the facts. I plugged in the
ANT+ synch USB pin and synched the
band to the account.
The results
Garmins Connect Page displays all tabs

on the main page. It gives you a clear
and quick overview, by section, and for
the last day of your upload. From here,
you then click on the particular tab to
view in-depth readings of the particular
section you are interested in. I found
this very convenient because when you
are, for example, looking into how many
steps have you achieved towards your
set goal, a gauge with percentage easily
shows that. The overall look of the page
is easy on the eye and simply displayed,
sections are clear and accessible.
The main sections are Steps, Reports,
Sleep, Connections, Weight, Activities and Challenges. You can also earn
Badges (another section on the main
page) that are awarded automatically
upon reaching your goal and thus keep
you motivated. Out of the main sections, it would seem the Steps are the
main indicator of your movement. I was
surprised at the accuracy of the band
logging in your steps. As I mentioned
previously, some issues I had with other
bands include the inaccurate count of
hand movement that translates into activity logged by a band; for some workouts
such as rock climbing I was barely getting
any reading. With Vivofit, counting was
very accurate and based on your logged
weight, translated into calorie outtake
which was on par with the daily consumptions I am aware of.
Out of the above mentioned main sections, some are automatically calculated
Steps, Reports, Weight. Sleep section
requires you to indicate the standard
sleep times at the set-up stage and is
adjustable by day/night once you work
in the application. A very cool feature is
your movement (hand-movement obviously) during your sleep. It mirrors standard sleeping patterns of five to six deep
sleeps during a sleeping cycle, so again,
reading was spot-on. You can also rate
your sleep with a funky emoticon and
pull results to analyse it later and make
changes if needed to your environment
or timings to increase its quality.
Connections allow you to connect with
other Vivofit users for sharing results,
making Vivo friends and staying on track
with your workouts and fitness levels
along with Challenges, this brings in the
social aspect of working out together
without working out together as is, for

some, a needed motivator to keep going.
Weight is also adjustable; if your
weight fluctuates greatly or you feel this
is a feature you are most interested in
improving, you can update your weight
daily, monitor progress and see how the
different activities impact your kilograms.
I would imagine this can be a main feature for consumers looking at reducing
their weight.
One of the biggest features is the Activities section. It does require a little bit
of fiddling about and setting up beforehand. The page opens into a map with
pre-loaded (by other users) saved typical
paths cycling, running and many others
around Dubai. You can create your own
paths or, if you are out of ideas, simply
scout through the existing ones and
follow other users. This is actually quite
convenient when you get bored with
your tried and tested routes and want to
look at another established path or just
simply see what others are up to around
town. You can select or create your Activity and log it into your day with simple
input on timings, type and category of
fitness and the program will calculate
calories for you. Since the band is waterresistant and not water-proof, athletes
such as swimmers, surfers and paddlers
would use this section frequently to input
their workouts without needing to use
the band.
An add-on into another application
also displayed on main screen is Calorie
In/Out. This requires you to use MyFitnessPal application, a very cool feature if
you want to get an overall picture of your
health. It is downloadable on your smart
phone and PC where you track your food
consumption by inputting (honestly!)
your daily meal intake. MyFitnessPal has
a huge database of edibles so entering
data is relatively easy if you have the app
stored on your phone. In the near future,
I would imagine other applications of
healthy nature to come onboard and link
to Vivofit for further accuracy of users
lifestyle and fitness readings.
Out of all of the above, you can then
pull out reports for literally anything. The
key here, as always, is the consistency
of inputting the required data. Unfortunately nothing is automatic and as a
user, you will be required to adjust and
monitor your vitals and add activities to
get accurate results.
VerdictFrom a product perspective, the
band is minimalistic in design and comes
in basic colours, suitable for most occasions which I loved! Also, you dont have
to charge it on regular basis (battery life
1+ year) as is the case with other similar
products. The band is water resistant
so dont panic when you realise you are
standing in your shower with it still on (or
sweating or washing dishes yes, that is
a fitness activity too). However, the ANT+
synch connector USB pin is guaranteed
waterproof. I know that because I have
accidentally put it through a cycle in my
washing machine and everything worked
as it should.
Overall, Vivofit is more than a sports
band which for me is its main attractive point. With the superb accuracy of
readings, plenty and variety of results,
features such as reports and sharing and
a connection to MyFitnessPal calorie
counter, it is a comprehensive and
sophisticated instrument in keeping your
overall fitness, diet and life in check.
As with any system or application, it
is only as good as the data you upload,
being it your physical activity, log of the
different activities, rating of your quality
of sleep or accurate input of calories
if you choose to. To gain results and
understanding of your overall life quality,
patience and movement is required over
a period of time. Vivofit will help you in
both and improve your life in the right
areas.
OUTDOORUAE
41
PRODUCTS
A round-up of quality products available right here in the UAE
Silverback Spyke 24-inch
1,699 AED
1,699 QAR
184.700 OMR
Available at GO Sport stores at Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall

and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in the UAE; Villagio Mall and City
Centre Doha in Qatar; and Muscat Grand Mall in Oman
24-inch lightweight aluminum frame, with kickstand and
replaceable alloy hanger.
SR Suntour, 50mm short travel suspension fork to help
make the ride smoother and soften impacts.
Shimano Altus rear derailleur which is durable, low maintenance and ensures smooth shifting.
Full length Jagwire gear and brake housing provides
excellent sealing for long term durability and smooth
shifting/braking.
Colour coded to add extra bling to the bike.
Weight is only 11.9kg.
Nolan N104 Evo Helmet
1,500 AED (previously 1,900 AED)

Available at Al Yousuf Motors Across UAE
The N104 EVO is an update of the N104 and combines new technical
solutions with improved level of comfort.
Newly designed ventilation system with air booster technology
The new fully removable and washable liner now comes in more colours
The cheek pad configuration is also new, ensuring maximum comfort
Ultra wide visor allowing to enjoy a wider than average field of vision. It
also comes with a Pinlock anti-fog inner visor
A VPS sunscreen
LifeVenture Stainless Steel Bottle (0.8L)

75 AED
Available at Adventure HQ at Times Square Mall Dubai and Dalma Mall

in Abu Dhabi; GO Sport stores at Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall
and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Baniyas in UAE; Villagio Mall and City
Centre Doha in Qatar; and Muscat Grand Mall in Oman
Tested and endorsed by The Duke of Edinburghs Award, this high
grade stainless steel bottle can withstand a battering. The durable and
colorful matte finish and tough plastic screw-on lid are totally reliable
and watertight.
Single wall, food grade 304 stainless steel design
BPA free
Tough plastic screw-top with finger loop
Available in four different colors (black, white, blue and pink)
Available in two sizes (0.6L and 0.8L)
Weight: 160g
Dimensions: 70 x 70 x 270mm
42
OUTDOORUAE
Leave other watches in the dark

Nite International is a successful British company
based in the South of England that designs, manufactures and distributes its own brand of exceptionally
tough and stylish, collection of sports watches.
All Nite watches are produced to the highest possible standards
using the very best materials, production methods and components,
including Swiss self-powered GTLS illumination, Swiss made movements
and ultra thick sapphire crystal with triple anti-reflective coating.
Instagram: @almekshah
Facebook: www.facebook.com/almekshah
Mobile:+971 50 458 7778
CHRONO
AQUA
MX10
Military Heritage, Timeless Design

1,850 AED with rubber strap;
2,150 AED with metal bracelet
Nite was awarded NATO certification on the
original MX10 over 10 years ago because
of its durability, quality construction and
impressive self powered illumination system.
The MX10 has since evolved and been developed further, surpassing its original specification thanks to developments to a number
of aspects to the watch whilst staying true to
its proud military heritage.
Cool Sporting Elegance

Regardless of whether you are on land or at
sea, the AQUA is built for conquering the
elements and brings a fresh look to the Nite
MBS range. Combining a stainless steel case
- featuring the patented Multiple Bezel System - and gun metal PVD finish, the AQUA
gives our owners even more choice without
compromise.
ICON
Vision
Precision Timing
Inspired by our owners busy lifestyles and
their requirements for an elegant sports
watch to wear for both work and play, the
VISION incorporates our values, features and
creativity into one ultimate investment. The
unique case design that protects the crown
and the sapphire crystal ensure the VISION
is exceptionally stylish and hard wearing.
Elegance Engineered
2,150 AED with leather strap;
The ICON series is a truly handsome timepiece with classic styling that really stands out
from the crowd. In terms of readability, this
series leads the field with its large open face,
bold dial numerals and GTLS illumination that
provides unrivalled visibility at any time of day
or night.
Unquestionable build quality throughout the
solid steel case, screw down crown and Swiss
movement, ensure that this exceptional watch
is certainly a fine piece of engineering that
will stand the test of time.
Inspired by Technology
The Swiss chronograph movement is
designed specifically for start-stop timing
scenarios and mission critical activities. The
CHRONO also features a uniquely designed
and engineered case with the patented Multiple Bezel System, sapphire crystal and fully
self powered GTLS illumination making it our
most technically advanced model.
Ultimate Hand and Dial Illumination - what sets

Nite apart from other brands is our commitment
to producing watches with excellent low-light
visibility and uncompromising night reading
functionality.
Swiss Movements - when it comes to quality
and precision Swiss movements have a solid
reputation for craftsmanship, excellent time
keeping and reliability.
Ultra Tough, Highly Scratch Resistant Sapphire
Crystal - understanding the importance of being
able to clearly read your watch dial after years
of service is why we use the best quality double
thickness sapphire crystal.
Extra Long Battery Life - we know that long battery life is extremely important and this is why
we use Lithium batteries with up to ten years life
to give you peace of mind, long term use and
reliability.
Dive and Swim with Confidence - we have gone
to great lengths to ensure that Nite watches
have excellent water resistance capabilities.
Change the Look of your Watch with Ease change the look and style of your Nite watch
with the patented multiple bezel system.
OUTDOORUAE
43
PRODUCTS
Nite HAWK
Extreme GTLS Illumination
2,000 AED
Available at
Mobile:+971 50 458 7778
The HAWK marks the next generation of manufacturing technology, delivering

our lightest ever watch without sacrificing any of the quality we have built our
reputation upon. Its lightweight reinforced carbon construction and extra large,
super bright GTLS illumination are just two of the reasons its already a Nite
legend.
Nite NATO
Mission Critical Durability

Available at
Mobile:+971 50 458 7778
The NATO model suits our most adventurous owners who push the limits every single day.
Military styling at its best, the NATO features an aviation grade 316 stainless steel case, ultra
thick sapphire crystal and self powered GTLS illumination making it as durable as it looks and
feels.
Powermonkey Discovery
350 AED/QAR; 38 OMR
Available at GO Sport stores at Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in the UAE; Villagio Mall and City Centre
Doha in Qatar; and Muscat Grand Mall in Oman
Featuring a state-of-the-art 3500mAh lithium polymer battery,
the sleek Powermonkey Discovery offers users real power on the
move.
Housed in a stylish full aluminium case with six high bright pin
point LED lights, the Powermonkey Discovery will recharge an
iPhone twice, standard mobile phones 3-4 times, or give iPods/
MP3 players up to an additional 120 hours playtime. It is also
compatible with e-readers, Sat Navs, handheld games consoles,
portable GPS systems and more! Please note, iPhones and iPads
will require the USB sync/charge cable supplied by Apple.
44
OUTDOORUAE
Stellar Mid-wing Kayak Paddles

The Stellar Mid-size wing
paddle provides strong
connection through the drive and
a clean release of every paddle
stroke. The airfoil cross-section
of our wing provides hydrodynamic lift during a high angle
stroke. Comfortable oval shaft
fits your hand well and is stiff for
maximum power application.
Elite Paddle
Hybrid Paddle
1,295 QAR/AED; 140.800 OMR
895 QAR/AED; 97.300 OMR
Ultra stiff cored carbon blade and smooth

finished oval woven carbon shaft. Epoxy
construction in heated press molds creates a durable finish on the blade.
Stiff cored blue coloured fiberglass blade

and smooth finished oval carbon shaft.
Epoxy construction in heated press molds
creates a durable finish on the blade.
Available at GO Sport stores at Dubai Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
in the UAE; Villagio Mall and City Centre Doha in Qatar; and Muscat Grand Mall in Oman
Airfoil cross-section on the blade

Ovalised shaft
Easy adjusting cam-collar
Stiff cored blades
10cm length adjustment range
Fully-adjustable feather angle
These paddles are EXCLUSIVELY sold at GO Sport.
OUTDOORUAE
45
PRODUCTS
Casio Gulfmaster
1,795 AED
Available at G-Factory Lamcy Plaza (04 335 2979), G-Factory Al-Ghurair (04 252 5217)
and G-Factory Ibn Batuta Mall (04-2766169)
The Gulfmaster includes the first G-Shock models to incorporate both Triple Sensor Version
3 and Smart Access in the same watch. In addition to barometric pressure, altitude, bearing, and temperature readings, these new models also feature Tide Graph and Moon Age
capabilities to help keep you in close touch with your natural environment. Sudden extreme
changes in barometric pressure are alerted using a dial hand, LCD display and alarm.
Double LED lighting illuminates the LCD, and also adds a face light at six oclock to keep
information bright and easy to read even in total darkness.
The designs of these watches have been modeled after the look of shipboard instruments
to create an attractive marine look. Large buttons are provided for critical light and sensor
operations to help make operation easier and more intuitive. All of this and much more
make all of the models in the Gulfmaster Series the logical choice for the maritime
adventurer who desires something extra in performance and overall toughness.
Mineral glass
Neobrite
Shock resistant
200m water resistance
Resin band
Double LED light

LED light for the face
LED backlight for the digital display
Solar powered
Victorinox Swiss Card Ruby

115 AED
Available at Adventure HQ
The traditionalist in the SwissCard family has many hidden talents. A
practical companion for every case that finds room in wallets, briefcases or diaries. Victorinox AG guarantees all knives and tools to be
of first-class stainless steel and also guarantees a lifetime against any
defects in material and workmanship (save for electronic components
two years).
Tools: letter opener (blade), scissors, pin stainless, nail file with screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, pressurised ballpoint pen and ruler.
Garmin Vivofit
669 to 849 AED
Available at Garmin.ae/Vivo
Meet Vivofit. The only fitness band that reminds you daily how
many steps you need to take in order to reach your personal
goal. With a year-long battery, this fitness band never misses a
beat, whether its your heart-rate*, calories burned, inactivity or
quality of sleep. Make every step count.
*Included with some models; sold separately on others.
46
OUTDOORUAE
PRODUCTS
Suunto Ambit3 Sport
1,995 AED
Available from the second week of September at Modells,

Adventure HQ, Stadium, Go Sport, Dubai Duty Free, Intersport, Sports one, Watches Corner, Sun and Sand Sports
and other outlets across the UAE.
The new Suunto Ambit3 Sport packs all the features
needed for running, swimming, cycling and multisport
training. The GPS provides accurate pace, route navigation
and tracking, while the heart rate monitor lets you train
within your ideal zone. In addition to the familiar features
of the Ambit2 S, new sport-specific feature highlights for
the Ambit3 Sport include:
Swimming: As a much requested new feature, the Ambit3
Sport supports recording your heart rate while swimming.
The heart rate belt with the new Suunto Smart Sensor,
which is sold with the Ambit3 Sport HR, stores your heart
rate data during the swim, and once out of the water, transfers it to your Ambit3 Sport.
Recovery time and activity monitoring: The Ambit3 Sport provides

daily activity monitoring for a more complete estimation of your total
recovery time.
Smart Mobile Connection for Suunto Ambit3 watches
Paired with the Ambit3 watches the Suunto Movescount App turns
your GPS watch into a multifunctional smart watch. You can wirelessly
upload your moves with the Suunto Ambit3 watch, change watch
settings and keep time and GPS data updated on the go using the Suunto Movescount App in your iPhone or iPad. You can also receive call
and text notifications on the watch; you dont need to stop your training to see who is calling. When cycling, you can mount your phone on
your bike and turn it into a second display of your watch.
Victorinox EcoLine Huntsman

130 AED
Available at Adventure HQ
Swiss army knives Victorinox have been known for their multi-purpose
usage all around the world for more than 120 years. Victorinox company
offers more than 800 various types of Swiss army knives, such as Swiss army
knives, pocket knives, craftsman knives, knives for households and butcher
knives. Victorinox knives are small enough to be used as a key ring, but big
enough to be helpful for everyday utilisation. Special chrome-molybdenum
steel for knives is used for Victorinox blades. After tempering, Victorinox
Swiss army knives blades are hard as 56HRc. Product details:
Length: 91 mm
Tools: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener with small screwdriver, cap lifter with screwdriver, wire stripper, reamer, punch key ring, tweezers, toothpick, scissors, multi-purpose hook (parcel carrier) and wood saw.
Cube Aerium Super HPC
For price, please contact 02 445 5838.

Available at Fun Ride Sport Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi.
The Aerium Super HPC SLT is the ultimate machine for ambitious
triathletes and time trialists aiming for perfection. Maxed out
aerodynamics and a well thought out, adaptable geometry are the
defining characteristics of this lightning fast and still versatile highend carbon racer. The electronic Shimano Dura Ace Di2 provides
unrivalled 11-speed shifting performance.
Advanced Twin Mold carbon frame is light and rigid with horizontal
dropouts is designed specifically for the electronic shifting system,
reducing drag even further. The battery and cable connections hide
elegantly within the streamlined frame design.
Being fast has never looked or felt better. The Aerium Super HPC
SLT abounds with technological highlights. Starting with the exquisite 11-speed Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 group set, through the aerodynamic
FSA Metron carbon crankset to the Profile Aeria Carbon aero cockpit - this
bike features only the most exclusive components. The Super HPC carbon
fork with an integrated front brake continues the quest for perfection, as does
the Reynolds Aero 72/90 wheelset.
OUTDOORUAE
47
OUR EXPERTS
Zodiac Liwa
Photos By: Marina Bruce, Stephen
Dersley, Olivia Flavin, Amro
Abu Kuhail and Debra Hutton
Back in my home country of Scotland, the Scout

Association challenges
their members to Zodiac Camp, that is to say,
camp at least one night in
every month of the year.
Marina Bruce
is The Desert Diva read her

blog at www.thedesertdiva.com
Oasis Offroad is a free to
join offroad club based in Al
Ain offering family trips and
overland adventures in the
beautiful sand dunes of Al Ain
and beyond. Their website is
www.oasis-offroad.com
and their Facebook page is
www.facebook.com/
OasisOffroad
At 57 north its quite a challenge,

with freezing cold nights, rain and
biting wind, not to mention biting
midges (Scottish mosquitoes); this
initiative inspired me not to camp,
but to drive every month of the year
in the Liwa area.
I tend to spend quite a bit of time in
Liwa. There are so many beautiful areas to explore it would be a shame
not to! Undoubtedly the best time
to drive there is between November
and February, but thats not to say
that you cant venture there all year
round with good preparations and a
bit of risk management.
Please note: no matter what the
time of year, you should never drive
into the desert on your own. In my
month by month highlights, I refer
to us and our whether a private
trip or an Oasis Offroad club trip
or just a foray in the sand with my
husband.
August: Expect extremely high

temps of up to 50C, mega soft
sand and absolutely no other
vehicles
Regular readers may remember our
Diggers, Daubs and Dunes trip
of last year (OutdoorUAE October
2013) when we drove on wet sand
for most of the morning which was
unexpected for August! However,
48
OUTDOORUAE
our biggest Liwa summer expedition was in 2012 when we had four
separate morning drives during
Ramadan with just two cars. Local
friends urged caution; youll die,
some said, but with a lot of planning
and some non-fasting friends on
standby to mount a rescue effort
should we need it, we came through
unscathed.
September: Expect hot

afternoon temperatures
and very soft sand
Our one foray into the Liwa area

during the month of September
happened last year and ended up
being billed retrospectively as the
Blood, Sweat and Tears Trip. Many
things conspired against us early
morning fog delayed our departure
from Liwa City, the sand which had
been wet only three weeks earlier
was now dry and super soft, we had
multiple stucks in a technical area.
Originally planned as a six-hour desert outing, but it wasnt until 10pm
that the five exhausted drivers and
passengers crawled into the Liwa
Hotel! However we were never in
any real danger as we had adequate
water, food and shelter should we
have been forced to spend a night
on the sand but it led to the creation of our Offroad Arabic-English
Phrasebook which you can find in
the December 2013 issue.
October: Expect warm nights

and soft sand, and at the end of
the month, early morning fog
My first ever adventure into Liwa
was in 2010; thus beginning my
obsession with the area and Ive

visited every October since. After
a summer cooped up in our villas
and apartments or driving close
to our cities, you want to kick your
heels and where better to do it than
the largest sand dune desert in the
world! The most memorable part of
our trip last year wasnt the sand, or
nature, but the man-made vapour
trail circles which were visible from
our campsite in the early hours of
daylight. There was much speculation to the cause but one of our
friends, ex-American Airforce pilot
tells us that chances are a military jet
refuelled in mid-air about 35,000ft
above us.
November: Expect perfect

driving conditions. Warm days,
good sand and cool nights
In 2012, we had one of our most

memorable Liwa expeditions when
we tackled Mike Notts Liwa Crossing route, from his Adventure
Routes: UAE & Oman; we even
picked up two other cars enroute.
We covered his 140km route in
eight hours with a few interesting
challenges along the way.
their calves, so keep your long camera lens

handy! Whatever you do, do not approach
a very young camel as its mum could be
very aggressive when protecting her young!
driving to a good spot not far off the main

road where we searched for desert roses as
we watched the sunrise. We then headed
back to the hotel for breakfast and to sleep,
before heading out in the afternoon for an
off-road drive to the abandoned Oshkosh
digger. You can give your desert weekend
a family appeal by visiting some forts or
attractions as well as some serious sand
dunes!
December: Expect cold nights,

foggy mornings and perfect sand
We have driven in the Liwa area a number

of times in December, weve even spent
Hogmanay (31st December) camping in the
red sands. What sticks in the memory most
is the 6C temperature we experienced in
2011, when we camped south of Madinat
Zayed to visit the Al Dhafra Camel Festival.
This festival which celebrates the ship of
the desert and Emirati/Bedu traditions in
general is held in late December and is a
great excuse to visit Liwa for some driving/
camping and culture.
March: Expect warm days,

unsettled weather and very good
sand conditions
Weve had quite a few forays into the Liwa

area during the month of March. Its still
cool enough at night to sleep in a tent
and our group often has a last gasp long
distance exploration trip in the spring.
My own most notable trip was when I led
the support team as a team of four fat
cyclists crossed the Liwa Crescent you can
read about their adventure in OutdoorUAE
in April 2013.
June: Expect very hot

temperatures in the afternoon
and extremely soft sand.
Like May, driving in Liwa in June is best left

to the hardcore off-roaders, ideally with
at least one winch in the group to make
recoveries as easy as possible. We had a
very special drive through the Crescent last
year; a friend who is a very keen photographer, Amro Abu Kuhail, had expressed
a desire to see Liwa off-road and we were
only too happy to oblige. Eight cars drove
over 100km off-road on day one, followed
by the same the next day where we drove
a challenging route with four experienced
drivers through the Liwa Crescent area.
January: Expect short daylight hours,

very cold nights and fog
This is a great month to explore the sands,

if you are lucky youll find wet sand to
make the going easier (or to allow you to
climb higher with ease), and the weather is
cool all day long. Its a great time to tackle
longer trips earlier this year Oasis Offroad
visited the most south westerly point in the
UAE, driving over 170km in the process. It
was a long haul but the peace and quiet,
and the most amazing starlit sky made the
journey well worth the effort.
February: Expect cold nights,

fog and perfect sand
One of the best months for exploring

Liwa, once any fog lifts (normally around
9:00am) the area experiences many sunny
days with real warmth from the sun. One
memorable drive this year saw us explore
the area north of Himeem with a small
group, exploring uncharted territory, for us
at least. The cool days at this time of year
make February an excellent month to go
exploring!
This is also peak season for camels to have
April: Expect hot days,

warm nights and softening sand
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge takes

place in the Liwa area each April and its
great to see the rally cars and bikes power
their way seemingly effortless over some of
the most challenging terrain in the world.
They are always on the lookout for volunteer marshals so if you have a spare few
days in April then get in touch with them
no off-road driving experience necessary as
most of the checkpoints are near the road.
May: Expect very warm nights,

hot days, soft sand
As the mercury rises, casual off-road drivers

are starting to avoid the most remote of
areas and only hardcore off-roaders remain.
The days are long, typically with about 1213 hours daylight but they are hot too and I
find 6-7 hours in the sand enough. In 2013,
Oasis Offroad ran a weekend trip with a
difference day one saw us congregate in
the Liwas hotel carpark at 4:45am before
July: Expect blistering hot

temperatures, extremely soft sand
and lots of wildlife theres hardly
any other cars to disturb them!
In 2014, the Zodiac was completed. Six

cars with very experienced drivers, one
very early morning and 60km of sand. We
witnessed the sunrise from the edge of
the desert whilst deflating our tyres and
eating breakfast, ready to make the most
of the early morning coolness. We were
using another of Mikes routes, this time
the first part of the Go West route which
took us over spectacular dunes where on
occasion gazelle were gazing down on us
as we traversed the valleys. Our first major
stop was at a Solar-Powered Oasis; from
here we deviated from Mikes route taking
one of mine to reach the Arada-Ghayathi
highway. The mercury had hit 45C by this
point and when finished we dashed back to
the gorgeous Tilal Liwa Hotel to cool off in
their pool!
OUTDOORUAE
49
OUR EXPERTS
ADVENTURE
RIDING
My plan was only to get an

adventure bike on my 60th birthday. To me adventure still has
a different meaning from what
these bikes are intended for.
However, about a month ago (mid
July), I had to do my annual medical
at Al Noor hospital in Al Ain. Nothing special other than the fact that
Al Noor is directly next to the BMW
showroom in Al Ain. With no preconceived intentions walking past
the showroom, that was still closed
John Basson due to the late Ramadan hours, my
Moto/ATV and all round
adventure seeker eye caught her a BMW F800 GS
in the most beautiful white and black
color scheme. I stopped and stared
for a few seconds and reminded
myself that I only have 17 years to
go till I will own a bike like that.
After the medical, walking back
to my car, the showroom was open,
and I just popped in to have a
look. Nothing more, just a look.
What can I say, it was love at first
sight. I had to return the next even-
ing for some more tests and this time

spent a bit longer in the showroom.
Just looking! Maybe there was some
physical contact, but mostly just
looking. Driving home I called my
good friend Alex, who has been riding a BMW 1200 GS for some time
now, to enquire about the price. Just
standby, I will let Mr Kamal for Adu
Dhabi BMW give you a call. No,
no, dont do that! I am just asking out
of curiosity, nothing more, was my
reply. Well, 10 minutes later (11:15
at night) my phone rang: Hi Mr
John, this is Kamal from BMW in Abu
Dhabi
From here on I am just going to
blame all consequences on Mr Kamal.
He is an excellent sales person and
without enforcing himself can be very
persuasive. Now that you all know it
was not due to any weakness on my
behalf that had caused me to buy this
beautiful bike, but Mr Kamals sales
techniques, let me tell you about the

GS and adventure riding.
Many people prefer off-road
riding rather than just riding on the
main roads. As most of us live in
cities, this implies that we need to
load our bikes and often ride long
distances to any area where we can
ride an off-road bike. The intention
of an adventure bike is to give us a
bike that is as good on the road
as it is off-road. Surely one would be
unreasonable to expect something
that is perfect for both. There has
to be a compromise both ways. It
seems that BMW has found the best
balance for this. I have looked at
many reviews and write-ups of these
adventure bikes and on virtually
every independently done review,
the BMW 1200 GS comes out tops.
I knew this about the GS series, but
the F800 GS is still more appealing
to me. Maybe because it is slightly
better off-road than the bigger brother and that is

still a very high priority for me.
These bike are heavy, very heavy, if compared
to dedicated off-road bikes. This makes them
more difficult to handle off-road, but the extra
weight and power makes them ideal for cruising at
120km/h (or a bit faster) on the roads for extended
periods of time. In comparison, Hondas 450
Enduro bike is about 120kg. The GS 800 is 209kg
and the GS 1200 is almost 300kg! Because of the
weight and size you would not take these bike on
the same trails as the smaller bike, but dont think
that this means no adventure. Terrain that previously you would not have considered a challenge
now becomes a challenge and as much fun or
adventures as more challenging terrain would
have been on your off-road bike.
You can take these bikes pretty much anywhere
where there are tracks made by vehicles (4x4s) and
depending on your level, even a bit further. Just
go on YouTube and search for adventure riding.
You will be surprised to see what these bikes can
do and where people take them. Just be warned
that looking at these videos might cost a couple of
bucks as you are going to want an adventure bike,
trust me, you are warned!
I cannot comment on the other brands as I dont
own one, but every time I look at my GS I just say,
Wow! it is just so much bike and comparing
the price one would pay for an off-road bike to the
price of the F800 GS, the GS just looks like more
value for money. The build quality is outstanding
and it is clear to me why the GS has become the

favourite adventure bike across the globe.
Up to date I have only done limited riding on my
GS and just awaiting some grip guards to protect
the levers in the event of a fall, before taking her
to the next level. However the riding to date has
been great fun and I think the areas around Hatta,
Dibba and Fujairah are perfect for day rides from
Al Ain, Abu Dhabi or Dubai on an adventure bike,
not to mention Oman, and my trip from Al Ain to
Salalah that will be in November/December this
year. (Anyone is welcome to join this ride!)
So if you have been thinking about possibly one
day getting an adventure bike, I only have this to
say: dont wait, make it happen and use it! There
are several groups and clubs in the UAE that are
very active regarding adventure riding and I dont
think that there is a single weekend from October
to end of May that you would not be able to join
some group riding somewhere interesting. (Crazy
guys like us dont stop riding and ride mid-summer, but that is just because we are crazy, nothing
serious.)
Go for gold and live life!
Regards
John
OUR EXPERTS
Summertime tuna
Tuna will give you a long fight, always
make sure your tackle can stand the strain
Photos By: AJ Pretorius, soolymansportfishing.com
Sit back in your airconditioned room, check

out YouTube to see people
catching fish, flick through
a few fishing magazines,
maintain your tackle and go
to the malls to escape the
heat.
Our fishing pro who shares

his experiences and
expertise with OutdoorUAE
through his regular column.
thefishingkit@gmail.com
That basically sums up the majority of the angling population of

the UAE when the summer comes
rolling in with the heat. For a handful
of people, it is not the case; they
have already been preparing before
summer comes around and started
heading eastward as soon as the first
signs of tuna come calling.
Although the heat in the cities turns up at this time of year, as
soon as you head a few kilometres
off-shore, the temperature lowers to
30-something degrees and makes
the fishing not only bearable, but
comfortable.
Fujairah is located in the east
coast of the Emirates and is blessed
with shores that face the great Indian
Ocean, the gateway to summertime
tuna action.
While you can sporadically catch
tuna around the tankers in the
cooler winter months, active feeding schools of both Longtail and
My first Longtail Tuna on
a flyrod and the fish that
rounded up Soolyman
Sportfishings Tuna Slam
Yellowfin tuna come closer to shore

in the Omani Gulf. Closer to shore
is relative given the vastness of the Tuna on a flyrod is no easy feat - it
takes persistence and determination
Indian Ocean. A travel of 30 to 50
miles straight out to the ocean will
school, all the fish that were caught
get you into actively feeding schools
that day were snagged, the fish
that will make the trip one of the most
were not really hooked in the mouth,
memorable trips in your lifetime.
which means the lures were all being
The two main species of tuna that is
dragged across the fish the skipper
expected are the Longtail tuna (Thundid not know how to position the
nustonggol) and Yellowfin tuna (Thunboat.
nusalbacares) both excellent fighters
What makes or breaks the trip
and equally excellent as a table fare.
would be the company you keep
The fish you would most likely to
on the boat; fishing of this type is a
encounter range from 9 to 12 kilos,
team effort and the captain should
the possibility of catching a bigger
take charge. On a shared charter,
one is not remote with fish of over 20
this a challenge, you have a boat
kilos being caught in a regular basis.
of eager anglers who all want their
The number of fish opens up a lot
shots at the fish. There should be
of possibilities; top water fishing with
an order to have each angler have a
stickbaits and poppers using spinning
chance at casting to the fish.
and conventional casting gear gives
When the
you the fastest action, using the same
magic happens
gear with casting jigs is also a very
When you have everything in line,
effective method.
you accomplish the toughest of chalTrolling while waiting for a school to
lenges, like catching a good fish on
pop up is a good way of piling up the
light tackle the task becomes even
numbers, as is using live bait.
more challenging when you aim to
For a handful of people, including
catch a tuna on a fly rod.
myself, it is the perfect time to test
Although it is the summer and the
chances with a fly rod.
winds are far more forgiving than in
What you will need
the winter time 30-50 miles of gentle
You need a few things to go after
breeze would mean the formation
them, first make sure your tackle can
of swells, which makes casting a not
stand up to the abuse. Tuna have the
so comfortable task, this is when
reputation of testing everything in
fishing as a team comes into play.
your tackle system and they also test
With anglers timing their casts and
your back at the same time.
never casting more than two casts at
With the gear sorted you also need
the same time, it is both a safe and
to look for a professional that knows
efficient way to fish.
not only how to find the tuna, but also
On the way home from a terrible
one that knows what to do when a
trip, my regular fishing buddy, Kelvin
school is spotted.
and I decided to take a chance and
I was on a trip recently where I
split charter between us. A quick call
had to help the captain look for the
to Bobby and another confirmation
schools, and I found most of them.
call to Calvin Du Plessis sealed the
When he approached the school,
trip, although a bit hesitant a first
he was always behind the moving
Calvin got especially excited when I
mentioned that I wanted a tuna on the fly.

Bobby, Darryn and Calvin are the Du
Plessis brothers. They run one of the most
notable sport fishing charters in the UAE,
Soolyman Sportfishing. They are good
friends of mine and equally eager to do
something out of convention and most importantly they are always eager for a good
challenge.
Calvin has taken a Yellowfin tuna on a fly
a few days before and was eager to go out
and catch a longtail to complete a Tuna
Slam. This happens when you have caught
all the tuna species in the area fish at that
time, they had only one left to complete
the slam.
The next day, we pulled into the Fujairah
Marina to a waiting Calvin with a big grin
on his face and some not so good news
the weather has not been cooperating
and there was a chance that our run to the
deep end would have to be postponed.
We would have to see how it is on the way
there and if we see that its too rough, we
need to head back in. Calvin was going to
be our skipper, with his trusty deckhand,
while Kelvin and myself rounded up the
team.
Luckily for us, the weather held and as
soon as we were 20 miles offshore, the
temperature started to drop and became
very comfortable. We spent the next two
hours bouncing on the waves heading out
into the open ocean.
Calvin was quick to find a feeding school.
Out came the rods with the stickbaits and
two quick casts were fired from the bow of
the boat, as soon as the two lures landed
in the water, two more casts were fired.
Almost as if the coordination of the casts
were planned, a double hookup ensued
and the fight was on. The first fish was on
the boat and Kelvin was still fighting his fish
on his light tackle setup. Despite four lines
in the water and a double hookup, not a
single line was crossed.
Our chance to cast to a second school
came fast and this time, all four lines had a
fish on a quadruple hookup. The minutes
piled up and we were each battling a hard
pulling tuna at the end of our lines. We
were all moving around the boat trying
to position ourselves and coordinate our
movements with the fish. Not a single line
was crossed and all fish were safely boated.
It was at then that I asked if it was ok for
me to try casting the fly rod. Almost immediately, all the rods at the bow were cleared
and stored to give me the space I need to
cast with a fly rod, Kelvin even made a sly
remark I want to hear you scream bro!
not moving! We stayed around and waited

for a school to go up and when it did, we
had it to ourselves. Again, I ran up to the
bow and made my cast, on the second
cast, I felt a fish pick my fly up, a few strip
sets and I had the fish come tight on the
reel. the reel started screaming and Calvin,
who was calmly standing beside me ready
to cast his rod told me to make a few quick
jabs with the rod to make sure the hook
had a solid grip. I did what he said and
quickly held the spool of the reel and made
a few quick jabs.
When the fight went over 10 minutes,
everyone on the boat was relaxed and were
joking around. we had the hook well into
the jaw of this fish and we all knew that
it would take a long time before we had
it near the boat, such is the case for a fly
caught fish.
When the fish took a long dive, Calvin
was quick to quip, Yeah they do that man,
just when you think you got them, they just
dive down deep again. Geeze dude,
thats not really helping me here, was my
quick reply. Everyone laughed.
A few more runs, two bottles of water
and a can of coke later, we had the fish in
colour and everyones excitement could
not be contained. After a few more short
runs, we had the fish on gaff and we were
screaming our hearts out. We did it!
The ride home was quiet, no words were
needed, and we all knew we all had a part
in accomplishing something wonderful. Its
one of those fishing trips in your life that
you would not forget. Although were sure
that there were guys who caught Longtail
and Yellowfin tuna on a fly in the UAE before us, we have accomplished something
a few people on earth has had a chance to
do a tuna on a flyrod.
Kelvin fighting a tuna on

light tackle and Calvin
spotting a feeding school
in the distance before the
fish was brought to gaff
The difference when

fishing with a professional
The challenge with a fly rod is always the

casting each person has a limit to how far
they can cast and unlike conventional tackle
where you can cast a hundred metres comfortably; a 35, cast with a fly rod is a cast
of an expert fly angler. For someone like
myself who is just average, that is almost
an impossible cast to perform on a rolling
boat! However, instead of positioning the
boat beside or behind a moving school,
Calvin is able to read where the birds are
heading and predict where the tuna will
surface. He positions the boat ahead of
the school, puts the motor in neutral and
intercept the fish. The result was pretty
obvious, the tuna were boiling around the
boat closing the gap between me and the
feeding fish.
Frustration and redemption
Everyone on the boat wanted me to catch

a tuna on the flyrod. Calvin has graciously
given me the honour of rounding up the
Tuna Slam for their company. Since the fish
we caught were all Longtail tuna, I knew
that this fish meant a lot to him. I was given
all the chances in the world: I get to cast
first, and they would only cast their lines
when I was hooked up. The problem with
fly fishing is quite simple to explain its
fly fishing and its not easy. From casting
to retrieving and hooking a fish, it is just
downright difficult. Needless to say, I was
getting very frustrated and was ready to call
it quits. Again, this is where teamwork gets
into play, they did not allow me to give up.
School after school after school of fish, I
was given the first shot; I kept on hooking
up, fighting the fish for a few minutes and
later losing it.
Teamwork
At this point, it got pretty embarrassing

and after losing a few fish, I was ready to
throw in the towel and pick up my spinning
rod. There was just one little problem, not
a single soul on the boat allowed me to
put the flyrod down; each one urging me
onward and just telling me weve come this
far to give up.
The sun was starting to set and the
boats fishing the breaking fish made it a
challenge to work each school, because
of all the noise above, the schools tended
to dive down faster. At a distance, we saw
breaking fish and diving birds, but we were
Summer
Summer isnt really the time to keep your

gear in storage; there are lots of fish you
can target in the Arabian Gulf and off Fujairah. Its really just a matter of figuring out
what fish to target and have the determination to brave the heat and catch some fish.
In our case, we call the summer the hidden season because a lot of people dont
know what they are missing out.
We have about a month left before the
tuna head back into the deep, you still have
a chance to go out there, weather permitting.
Congratulations to Soolyman
Sportfishing for the Tuna Slam!
Special thanks to AJ Pretorius who is
instrumental in spreading fly fishing in the
UAE. AJ was one the first guys I met in the
fly fishing scene here in the UAE and he
was he first to organise all the fly anglers in
the UAE back in 2006. Without him, I would
not be as dedicated to fly fishing as I am
now. Thank you very much, Big Guy! Kelvin
Chan, I will share a boat with you any day.
Till then, tight lines and fair weather!
Kit
thefishingkit@gmail.com
OUTDOORUAE
53
QATAR EXPLORER
Adult Hawksbill turtle returning to sea after nesting
Turtles in Qatar
Experience one of Mother Natures miracles
Words By: Eulogy van Dyk
Photos By: Neil McBride
A beach that is normally

covered with people and kites,
transforms into a turtle sanctuary by night.
Fuwairit beach is a popular public beach
in Qatar where many families, paddlers
and kite surfers spend their time over the
weekends. To many, it is still unknown that
this very beach is also a popular turtle
nesting and hatching site, and you will only
come to realise this when you arrive one
day (normally during the month of April)
and a fence is suddenly constructed with
signs saying Turtle Hatching Site: Do Not
Disturb. There are around four species
of turtles living in the peninsula waters of
Qatar and the Hawksbill turtle specie is
best known for nesting along the coast.
Research has shown that various nesting spots are located in Ras Rekan, Umm
Tais, Sheraouh, Fuwairit, and Al Ghariya. It
seems that their favourite spots are at Halul
Island with an average 60-80 nestsper year
and Ras Laffan Industrial City with over 100
nests per year.
Fuwairit Beach is the only area that is
accessible to the public where as the other
above mentioned spots are all located in
and around land belonging to the petroleum and gas companies in Qatar, and thus
not accessible to the public.
The season for nesting and hatching runs
from approximately May to July. During
this time the female turtles will make their
way to the shore of Qatar to nest and once
the eggs are laid there will be an incubation period of around 60 days before they
hatch. It is during this time that you can
come to Fuwairit and experience this miracle of Mother Nature.
Neil McBride, a resident of Qatar, recently started Qatar Turtlewatch Facebook
group that shares information with expats
in Doha on how to see the turtle nesting
and hatching. He describes his experience of this years nesting and hatching as
simply amazing. From wondering how the
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OUTDOORUAE
turtles navigate their way back to the same

nesting sites, to how the hatchlings know
to head straight for the sea as soon as they
hatch, I have always found this phenomenon fascinating. To watch it happen is
spectacular, and no matter how many times
I witness the event, I will always be in awe!
Mother Nature is truly amazing. Neil says.
When going to watch turtles nesting it is
important to remember that turtles are very
sensitive and easily startled. It doesnt take
much to put them off nesting, so it is important to avoid bright lights, flash photography and making too much noise at least
until they have finished laying their eggs.
The hatching process is just as delicate
as the nesting. The hatchlings will emerge
from the sand and slowly crawl down the
beach and straight into the sea, using light,
wave direction and the earths magnetic
fields for guidance. Once again, avoid
bright lights like fires, car lights or camera
flashes, music and loud engines as they will
also frighten the hatchlings, causing them
to crawl in the wrong direction and die from
exhaustion or natural predators.
You will see many rangers and marine
biologists during the time of nesting
and hatching at Fuwairit beach and it is
important to listen to them and follow their
instructions. This year they brought buckets
to help the hatchlings get to the sea and
young and old were invited to help and experience the turtles up close and personal.
Projects to record and monitor sea turtles
have been running for a few years, contracted to Qatar University (Environmental
Studies Center) and supported by various
sponsors and the Ministry of Environment
covering all the nesting sites in Qatar to
conserve, protect and monitor the marine
turtles. Marine turtles are considered a
protected species in Qatar, but due to lack
of control and enforcement measures the
species do not benefit from this listing.

The main threat turtles face is the
human footprint. Litter and pollution of
the beaches; destruction of their nesting
beaches due to industrial development;
and vehicles driving on the beach as well as
reports of egg poaching. Fishing nets, jet
skies and motorboats also pose a threat to
the newly born turtles.
It is therefore extremely important that
each individual do as much as possible to
help raise consciousness for the protection
of the turtles. Make your way down to Fuwairit beach for the next season to witness
this extraordinary event, and contribute to
the survival of these beautiful creatures.
A few interesting facts about

turtles, the nesting and hatching
process:
Turtles have approximate same lifespan

as humans but reach sexual maturity much
later
Hawksbills turtles are, on average, between 34 and 35 years of age when they
are ready to start reproducing
This years female hatchlings will not
return to Qatars beaches to lay their own
eggs until around 2044!
Turtles migrate from their distant feeding
grounds to mate and begin egg laying,
always returning to the same region where
they themselves were hatched
Each nest has around 100 eggs
Once the eggs are laid there is an incubation period around 60 days before they
hatch
Eggs only hatch at night once ground
surface has cooled
Once the eggs have hatched the hatchlings takes 2-3 days to emerge from the
sand
Location of Fuwairit Beach:
26.026553,51.378765; one-hour drive from

Doha, located on the North road.
Interested to join next year? Keep an
eye on the Qatar Turtle Watch facebook
groups, or view the website because-wecare.weebly.com for updates and more
information closer to the time.
Public getting involved to help the hatchlings get to the water
Star spotting beneath the waves.

Its a shore thing.
A refreshing swim at the 300 metre beach.
A sundowner or snack by the pool.
A little me time at the spa. Or a work
out in the health club. Whatever you
choose, life at the all-new Bayshore is
the ultimate leisure experience.
And thats a shore thing.
At InterContinental Abu Dhabi

For membership and enquiries, please call +971 2 666 6888
dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
PEOPLE
Mohammad Nader Ahmad

Occupation: Product Manager at Al Yousuf Motors Yamaha Motorcycle division
Nationality: Syrian
Age: 30
Nader considers himself lucky
to be able to work for something hes

passionate about motorcycles.
Between family and work time, Nader
takes his Yamaha R1 for a spin on the
tracks and he is also an instructor for
the Yamaha Riding Academy for beginner ATV riders.
How and when did you get
into motorcycling?
When I was around 10 years old, our
neighbour had a motorcycle (CBR Honda
250cc) and it was the first thing I look at
every day on my way to school. I loved
how the tyres looked, the colours of the
bike with the decals, it was just fascinating. I first got into motorcycling when I
was 16 as it was my middle school graduation gift.
Whats your training/practice like?
Training and practice are theoretical and
practical. You watch special videos and
drawing, read special books that teach
you a lot about riding and practice either
with special schools or with professional
supervision. Then the more kilometres
you ride with your motorcycle the more
experience you earn.
On the other hand, there are special
trainings for the tracks which also take a lot
of practice and must be instructed by professional schools, institute or professional
racers. I want to add one thing: do not implement the track training and practice on
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OUTDOORUAE
the street. As it might be similar in some

points, its also very different in others (eg
dive into the corner and exit from it)
With our group, we mostly practice
in empty areas outside the city or in big
empty parking spaces with supervision and
we also try to provide videos, books or
even face-to-face advices and instructions
which they can practice alone in safe areas.
As an instructor for the Yamaha
Riding Academy, what is your
teaching approach to students?
I apply personality adaptation and friendly
approach. For enthusiastic and confident
riders, I must hold their horses back
and open their eyes to the safety side,
because all they want to do is to jump
on that ATV and rev it like there is no
tomorrow, so we must teach them how
to control themselves as they might get
injured. For the hesitant and laid-back
riders, we show them that its fun and easy
when you start on the right foot and take
it step by step.
Injuries are part of any sport,
have you had any serious ones?
Yes I did, and thats because of slippery
surface. I recovered by being optimistic,
positive, physical therapy, never giving up
and taking it easy.
What have you learned from this sport?
No matter how fast you are there is someone faster than you, so dont be pissed.
Learn, practice and never give up even if
you crashed. I cant imagine myself not

riding, its my getaway, my freedom, my
mind clearing, my peace with myself.
What is your advice to riders?
Safety: never ride without safety gear. No
road race: do not race on the road; there
are tracks where we can fly on. Abilities:
we must know and never exceed our abilities or our motorcycles abilities. Practice
and practice and practice; till today Ive so
much to learn, never think that you have it
or you know it all. No solo adventures: my
advice for our off-roaders, please dont attempt any adventure in the deserts, jungle
or any place alone. Thanks to technology
we can be in touch 24/7 anywhere but
still you never know, so please at least do
your adventures with a partner.
What do you like most about
riding with your team?
Brotherhood, we became like brothers and
sisters. We are there for each other even if
its not about the bikes. We help, motivate
and support each other. And last but not
least, a little of showing off specially when
we ride in the city. People start flashing their
cameras at us when they see us in groups.
What is your advice for beginners
on picking their first bike?
It depends on which style of bike, but
generally you must know your real abilities
and choose a bike that suits it and never
exceed it, because its not about getting a
fast bike, its the fast biker that matters.
PEOPLE
Goran olak
Occupation: Freediver
Nationality: Croatian
Age: 31
Words By: Alex Boulting, freedivingUAE.com
The current world record holder

and now the two-time static apnea on
pure oxygen Guinness world record
holder is dynamic with or without fins.
FreedivingUAE had the pleasure of sitting down with Goran to discuss how
someone prepares for his staggering
feats and what goes through the mind
of a champion. In his characteristic
nonchalant and easy going manner, he
calmly explains what its like to be a
superhuman.
Congratulations on your 23-minute
oxygen breath hold, which is amazing.
What did you think about
during that time?
You know for yourself that when youre
doing static, the goal is to think about
nothing basically. Youre trying to clear
your mind, but its not always you succeed
in that. Then you are thinking about, I
dont know, whatever pops into your mind.
This particular time, I was thinking about,
What will I say if I dont succeed, because there were like 2,000 people around
the swimming pool, the live broadcast on
TV and live streaming on internet, so I was
kind of obligated to do it. I was thinking
about what would I say if things go wrong.
Last year, you did it in the Zagreb Main
Square and you must have had a few
thousand people watching there as well.
But it doesnt sound as though it was
any quieter or there was any less pressure on the island.
To be honest there was more pressure
this time. First of all, the time I did it in
the main square in Zagreb, it was really,
really bad weather. It was cold and rainy so
there were not so many people around the
swimming pool. This time, we had official
Guinness people there and it was a lot
of people around the swimming pool. It
was like totally crazy. Full of media people
and everything, so this time it was [laughs]
harder than in Zagreb.
Explain to us how breathing oxygen
helps prolong your breath hold rather
than just doing a normal static.
The main thing with pure O2 is that youre
saturating your blood and blood plasma
with O2 so you have more oxygen available for breath hold and on top of that,
youre purging CO2 from your body, de-
pending on how hard you breathe before

the static.
Whats the process you go
through around half an hour
before the breath hold?
Im trying not to think about things that I
need to do. Just to cope with something
that I am doing right now. So if Im putting
on a wetsuit, then Im just focused on putting on the wetsuit and doing that properly. When Im walking to the swimming
pool, Im focused on going through the
crowd without bumping into somebody.
Then Im focused on my warm up routine
and Im focused on my breathe up and
Im focused on my packing then Im focused on my relaxing phase and so on and
so on. I never think about any results.
Are you planning on doing
a static world record? Because thats the only world
record that you dont have
in the pool at the moment.
Yeah, its the only one. But,
its kind of hard to do [laughs].
Im hoping, actually, I would
be really disappointed if I
dont hit 10+ minutes this
year and Im pretty confident I
will do it. But a world record?
I dont know. To do a static
world record, its 11:30, you
really need to focus on static for at least six
months maybe even a year. For me, this
is a big sacrifice to do in this period of my
freediving career because I still want to
do distance and I want to explore depth a
little bit.
Ultimately people will be interested
in why you would want to hold your
breathe for so long.
The main reason why I started to do
oxygen breath holds was because we were
trying to find something to promote freediving and diving in general here in Croatia.
We were trying to find something that
we could do in a main square in a small
swimming pool. You cant do dynamic,
obviously, so static was the only thing that
was left. O2 is much more media friendly,
lets say. That was the main reason to do it
the first time. This time, it was pretty much
similar. In addition to everything, weve

had these floods here in Croatia; whole
parts of the country were flooded and it
was pretty much a disaster. So we were
collecting donations for the part of the
country that was flooded.
Talk us through how you physically
trained for this type of breath holding.
I didnt change that much in my training
and I had a little bit of a weird approach
for static training. I never just train only
static. I train everything basically. I just
added a little bit more static specific
training to my normal training. Im doing
dynamic with no fins in a pool and I have
hypercapnic swimming and different kinds
of hypercapnic drills with a little bit of static
breath hold now and then.
What sort of psychological
training do you do?
To be honest, I dont do
much specific psychological
training. Theres this chess
player Bobby Fisher, youve
probably heard about him
and the journalist asked
him, what he thought
about the psychology of
chess and how he prepared
mentally for a chess game.
Bobby replied that he didnt
believe in psychology, but
that he believe in good moves on a chessboard. I kind of have similar concept in my
head, I believe in hard training and going
there ready and prepared. Once youre
really prepared and you believe in yourself
and you know that youve done everything
in your power to be at the peak of your
form on that particular day, then its kind
of easy, at least for me, to put my head
together and do it.
So whats next for you?
Well, the main thing for me this year, of
course, is the AIDA Team World Championship where the Croatian team is defending
the gold medal. All my focus from today
is on that competition that will be held in
Sardinia. And, well see. No team has ever
defended a gold medal at the AIDA Team
World Championship so far, but Im hoping
were going to do it this year again.
OUTDOORUAE
57
LOCATIONS
Get outdoors in the UAE

Hiking A series of articles to help you start or progress your hiking in the UAE
Words + Photos By: Sean James
So you want
to climb 8,000m?
Part 2
This is the second part looking at what it takes to climb an

8,000m peak. There are only 14
8,000m peaks in the world and
last month we looked at what
makes climbing an 8,000m peak
so special.
This month we get first-hand information about what its like to climb an
8,000m from a number of people who
have actually done just that. All are driven
and determined and for them it has been
an all-consuming but rewarding passion
and one that has defined them as people.
Jake Meyer
What do you think is

important in preparation before an 8,000m
expedition?
Experience of expeditions not necessarily
of 8,000m peaks, but
of multi-week trips at
altitude. Understanding of how your body
reacts to altitude, but
Jake presenting
also about maintaining
awards at BAFTA
your morale when in
tough, uncomfortable
conditions for long periods of time. You
also learn lots of tricks of the trade such
as what extra kit to bring (home comforts),
or how to adapt your kit to make it more
fit for your personal purpose. Id also
say that the best preparation before an
58
OUTDOORUAE
8,000m trip is to have previously failed on

another mountain. Recognition that you
may not summit (despite training, inclination, investment, will power, determination, equipment and lots of other controllables) is key to accepting that things may
not always turn out how you might have
planned them.
How high had you climbed before you

first went over 8,000m?
My highest before Everest had been
Aconcagua 6,962m. We did three trips
on Everest to about 7,000m before we
started pushing much higher.
What would you say are the key factors to
a successful 8,000m venture?
A flexible mentality. Clear understanding
of why you want to attempt the challenge,
and therefore defining success. Accepting
that not reaching the summit should never
constitute failure only losing your friend/
life or being badly injured is failure. Some
people will read this question as implying
what is the key factor to summiting on
an 8,000m venture. The sooner you can
accept that the experience is the payback and the measurable success, the
sooner youll make both safer and more
well-informed decisions. Whether you are
part of a large or small team having a
trusted partner is key. You wont always
get on with everyone on the team, but
you need to have at least one key partner
who you can trust implicitly. Remember,
trust is made up of four factors Intent,
Integrity, Capability, Results find these in
a partner, and youll give yourself a good
chance. Recognise that any expedition is
a marathon not a sprint. You usually have
plenty of time dont rush things, wait for
the favourable conditions, and if in doubt,
go down its better to be a live donkey than a dead lion! Network with the
other teams in basecamp build up the
relationships so that if you need support
higher up on the mountain you can start
to trade favours. Despite many peoples

perception, high altitude mountaineering
is not a competition (between teams)
when the trouble hits the fan, you should
all be on the same team, regardless of
race, creed or colour.
Describe your feelings of standing

on the summit?
An incredible mixture of emotions of
elation, exhaustion and relief. The phrase
feeling on top of the world doesnt
even begin to cover it!
Matt Snook
Matt Snook climbed Mt Everest, via the

North Ridge, with his best friend Pete
Sunnucks in 2010, becoming the first to
do so for the British military charity Help
for Heroes. He continues to pursue his
dream of completing the Seven Summits.
What do you think is important in preparation before an 8,000m expedition?

In terms of preparation, we focused on
three areas: technical ability, experience at
altitude and physical fitness. We didnt let
a day go by without doing something to
improve ourselves in one of those areas.
Gaining the experience at altitude was the
most challenging to develop.
Mt Aconcagua (6,962m) was our highest
exposure prior to heading to the Himalayas, crucially only two months before.
Preparation. Attitude. Luck. Everything
you do in the lead up to the climb determines your likelihood of success. Youve
got to want it so bad you can taste it, but
tailor that with a sensible and responsible
attitude to reality. Get comfortable with
being uncomfortable and learn to thrive
when youre feeling at your worst. To a
certain extent, you make your own luck,

but there are many uncontrollables out
there which you cant account for. Think
about them. Mitigate them. But dont let
what you cant control, affect what you
can.

Having a reliable climbing partner. I
climbed Manaslu with Ang Phurba Sherpa
which was a million times easier than
climbing alone.
Describe your feelings of standing on the

summit?
Reaching the top of any mountain is an
incredible feeling. Reaching the top of an
8,000m peak, achieving everything youve
worked so hard towards is the single most
incredible feeling you could ever explain.
Ive only climbed the one 8,000m peak
but Ive not hung my mountaineering
boots up yet!
(2008), Kang Guru 7,010m, Nepal (2008),

Tukuche Peak 6,920m, Nepal (2009).

Good team spirit and trusting in your
climbing partner is very important. You
must of course be lucky with the weather
and get a good summit window. Weather
conditions again. Patience. Try to stay
healthy and acclimatise your body. Keep
it simple.
on the summit?
It is very addictive. I want more and more.
Both climbing itself and reaching the summit is incredible, amazing and wonderful.
It is an experience never to be forgotten.
But I think it does not appeal to everyone;
it is hard. Big mountains are my passion. I
have climbed Mt Everest 8,848m in 2010,
Manaslu 8 163m in 2011 (without supplementary oxygen) and Lhotse 8 545min
2013. My dream is to try to climb all 14 of
the 8 000m, maybe one every year.

on the summit?
Everyone else seemed really happy and
excited. For me the summit was only half
way and Id worked really hard to get to
the top so I expected to make the summit. I think my enjoyment comes from
the journey, the places you go to and the
people I meet along the way. Currently,
Ive only climbed Manaslu and Im getting
more excited by unclimbed peaks at the
moment. This summer I have three unclimbed peaks expedition lined up. In the
future, Id like to climb a few more 8,000m
peaks maybe Kanchenjunga one day.
Pete on the summit of Cho Oyu
Anne after the puja ceremony
Anne Hyrylinen
Anne is from Finland and currently lives

in Dubai with her husband. Since starting climbing in 2005 she has climbed
three peaks over 8,000m, one without
supplementary oxygen. In 2010, she was
beaten by a few days to becoming the
first Finnish women to climb Everest but
in her own words mountaineering is not
a competition, its something more. A
mixture of being connected to nature and
something more spiritual.

Greetings from cold Finland but it is nice
to get some fresh air from here. For me
finding a good team to climb and practise
with is part of the expedition. Good physical (really good endurance, not big muscles because they need more oxygen to
function) and mental condition. Building
your experience of being on a mountain
is vital before you attempt an 8,000m
peak. And of course reliable equipment
that will do the job. I am lucky enough to
be sponsored by a Finnish manufacturer,
Halti who help with the costs but it is still
expensive.
I first took a two-week climbing holiday
with my husband in Sweden and I felt I
had found my passion. After that I gradually worked my way through a number of
higher mountains; Mount Blanc 4,810m,
France (2007), Chulu West 6,419m Nepal
Phil celebrating at sea level
Philip de-Beger
Philip is a full-time adventurer. He loves

exploring and travelling in search of
adventure to the furthest parts of the
planet. Still at a young age (under 30!) he
is from the UK and works as a freelance
outdoor instructor. He has spent time
here in the UAE training the military and
also runs his own expedition company. In
2011, he climbed Manaslu in Nepal.

Ive always used trip preparation as an
excuse to eat lots.
I climbed to camp 3 which is at about
7,000m solo on GII in Pakistan and camped
there at the end of the 2011 season. It was
nice to have the mountain to myself. I had
promised not to go for the summit alone
and was happy to leave it as I was going
straight on to Manaslu in a few months.
Pete Whitfield
Pete is an accountant for Pricewaterhouse

Coopers and now lives in Singapore. He
works, plays and pushes his limits to the
maximum in everything he does. Im sure
he would not mind me saying he does not
look like the typical mountain climber or
endurance athlete, but underestimate him
at your peril. Every expedition needs the
energy and drive Pete brings with him. His
responses to the questions show someone who has a detailed and analytical
mind and concentrates on every aspect of
the task at hand. He has climbed Cho Oyu
in Nepal and has ambitions to go higher
still.
What do you think is important in preparation before an 8000m expedition?

You should expect long days carrying
heavy loads, learning to perform when
tired, having the right kit in particular
spare gloves as everyone loses one or
they get wet. Fingers are very important
to me. Work out what your body responds
OUTDOORUAE
59
Google Earth Screen shot of the route

You can download the GPS files here: www.outdooruae.com/downloads/Septemberhike2014.zip
Anne on the summit of Lhotse
best to when youre desperate for energy

e.g. jelly babies for me! Clothes are
important and develop your own various layer systems that can be changed
depending on weather. Speak to others
who have done the trip to know what to
expect. Take something for entertainment
at basecamp such as books or cards as
most 8,000m expeditions involve more
sitting around and waiting for the weather
than climbing. Before the trip I try to do
decent cardio training and leg strength
training if living somewhere away from
hills e.g. tall buildings staircases.

Peak Lenin (Kyrgyzstan, 7,134m).
Key factors include the weather. On
8,000m peaks get decent weather
forecasts and have the ability to correctly
interpret these. Have the flexibility to
change plans if necessary. On summit
The first thing you do back at basecamp is eat
Waiting at high camp for summit day
Life as an expat
60
OUTDOORUAE
day; have the discipline to turn around at

a set time, take short, efficient stops, eat
something, drink something, dont stop
longer than 5-10 mins to avoid hypothermia, ensure you have a good competent
guide, good relationship between team
members and trust as youll be relying on
them potentially as rope buddies/belaying partners. Efficient communication on
the hill on radios set call times, decent
radios and sufficient spare batteries
and discipline over eating and drinking
enough particularly drinking enough,
melting snow constantly when in camp,
and tidy tent management so you know
where everything is, keep batteries alive
by keeping battery operated devices in
sleeping bag with you at night.
Describe your feelings of standing on the

summit?
Overall it was a very tough few weeks
but summit day was a different level. I
did not use supplementary oxygen, was
coughing up blood on the summit and
was incredibly tired on the descent. Even
basic abseil sections became extremely
challenging and I didnt eat anything for
over 24 hours as I had a complete loss of
appetite. I therefore didnt go to the toilet

for 24 hours due to extreme dehydration
but the feeling of elation on the summit
was unparalleled.
Thanks to all the climbers who gave
their time and thoughts for such a personal activity as mountaineering. You are
all inspirational.
The author has
guided hikes, treks
and climbs all
other the world.
He gained his
qualifications from
the British Mountaineering Council,
a national representative body for
England and Wales that exists to
protect the freedoms and promote the
interests of climbers, hill walkers and
mountaineers. At present he lectures
in a college in the UAE. Before that
he worked for a private company that
trained the UAE military forces. He has
also appeared on TV programmes in
the UK and Brazil talking about outdoor activities.
LOCATIONS
Inchcape 1
Dive sites in the UAE and Oman
How to get there:
This site is around a five-minute trip
on the speed boat from our Al Boom,
Al Aqah Dive Centre located at the Le
Meridien Hotel. The drive to Al Aqah from
Dubai normally takes 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, if you are not driving yourself to
Fujairah, you can also use the Al Boom
bus transfers from Dubai. Meeting point
is from our dive centre in Al Wasl Road.
Other pick-up points are available, please
call the call centre for more info.
Description:
This is another artificial reef that has been

created by purposely sinking a boat to
create a beautiful site for a plethora of
marine life to call home. This is probably
one of the favourite deep sites in Fujairah,
and on a day with good visibility can really
be enjoyed by photographers. You can
expect to see some of the honeycomb
morays that call this wreck home, along
with plenty of boxfish, fusiliers, barracuda,
file fish, travelli, lionfish, and many more
that call her home.
It is also possible to penetrate Inchcape
1, but it can be tight so make sure that
you dont have any equipment dangling
that could get snagged. It is also recom-
Location:
Fujairah, UAE
Depth:
32m
Type of dive:
Wreck covered with soft and hard corals, surrounded by sand.
Level:
Advanced Open Water divers and Deep Divers minimum certification level.
mended that because of this being a

deeper sight, that you hang a drop-tank
at 5m.
In summer you can expect water temperatures of around 30C, and in winter,
an average of around 20C.
Divers can enter in many different ways,
and backward-roll and giant-stride are the
most common.
Visibility will vary between 5-15m, and
on a good day you can even get up to
20m vis! Even when the visibility isnt that
great, you can still find lots of amazing
marine life to get some great macro shots.
Make sure your buoyancy is up to scratch
for these days.
Be aware of the usual suspects on
the East Coast, such as lionfish, urchins,
scorpion fish, and occasionally jellyfish!
Hopefully you will get a chance of seeing
a whale shark close to the surface, or a
zebra shark on the sandy bottom.
OBSERVATION:
This was an awesome site to complete

my Deep & Wreck dives for my Advanced
course Tyler D, Dubai
First time that I have ever seen honeycomb moreys and frog fish, really abundant with marine life! Ghassan, Abu Dhabi
Was a little nervous as this was my deepest dive so far, but with the help of the
experienced dive staff and lots to see,
I relay enjoyed this site. Michelle from
Cape Town, South Africa
Contact:
Al Boom Diving, Al Wasl Road.

Call Centre: +971 4 342 2993
or abdiving@emirates.net.ae
Al Boom Diving, Al Aqah, Fujairah: +971
9 204 4925 or andrew@alboomdiving.ae
OUTDOORUAE
61
TIPS & TRICKS
Proper Lead Belay Technique

4. Position yourself properly
Words By: Read Macadam

Photos By: Tara Atkinson
Two metres above your last

protection, your right knee
starts to go. At first it shudders, then as if someone has
turned up the frequency dial,
you begin to shake like Elvis. You
are not a Hunka Hunka Burnin
Love, however. You are scared
to commit to the next move. You
tried this last week, but fell and
smashed into the wall at the end
of a tight pendulum. Your belayer
kept you too tight and now you
are scared to fall. Its a common
story and its holding back your
climbing aspirations.
Of course, for a belayer, it is a natural
instinct to sit back and hold the climber,
borne from when we learn to toprope.
However, when lead belaying, if the
belayer tensions the rope as the climber
falls, they are creating a forceful pendulum
at the end of which is the climber who will
be ultimately be stopped by the wall. This
static lead belay technique can result in
sore ankles, bruised heels, reduced motivation and bad language, or worse.
Follow these easy steps to give your
climber a silky soft dynamic lead belay,
allowing them to go for it with confidence,
barely noticing the rope is there.
1. Pay attention!
To do this you need to be watching your

climber. Are you being distracted by
friends on the ground? Catch up on the
gossip later because you are busy holding
someones life in your hands. Someone
who has trusted you to manage the rope
for them so they can focus on climbing
hard up there!
2. Anticipate your climbers

needs
If you are paying attention then you will

notice when your climber is about to reach
for the rope to clip, make a big movement, down climb back to a rest or fall off.
Anticipating your climber allows you to
manage the rope appropriately and fluidly,
in advance of your climber having to ask
Dynamic stance. Taking a step forward

while feeding the climber slack to clip
for it. If you find it hard to feed slack fast

enough in critical situations it is most likely
because youre not anticipating what your
climber is doing. You can help yourself
by communicating with your climber. The
more you practice belaying, the better
your anticipating will become.
3. Be dynamic
Dont just stand there, lead weight! Assume a dynamic stance with your knees
bent, ready to move around.
To give out extra slack for faster clips
take a few quick steps towards the wall as
you feed out the rope.
Too much slack in the system? Step back
away from the wall to help yourself take in
excess slack in critical situations.
Keep a small bump of slack in the system to allow you to move around.
When your climber falls, go with the
rope. Please, for the sake of all of our
ankles, do not just sit down on the rope
when we fall.
Let the rope take you. If you are heavier
than your climber, jump as the rope tightens. I am usually lighter than my partners
and I still jump with the rope as it tightens,
to ensure a soft catch, often with me ending up at the first bolt.
Note: When there is high risk of ground
fall a very dynamic belay should not be
used. You will have to be extra vigilant
when your climber is below the first two or
three quickdraws as a very loose belay may
result with them on the ground.
Think of the last clipped protection as a
pulley. If you sit back and tighten the rope,
the rope is fixed at that point and your
climber is at the end of an injurious pendulum. If you have a little slack already in the
system and then jump just as your climber
starts to tension the rope, you allow the
rope to slide through the quickdraw,
dynamically. This reduces the impact force
on your climber and the system as a whole.
Happy gear. Happy climber.
Jump or let the rope take you when your climber falls from a safe height. It will soften the climbers fall.
Are you standing 5m out from the wall?

When your climber falls you are going to
be pulled into the wall at force!
As we saw above, you will probably
need to move around a bit as you feed
out and take in rope. Base yourself roughly
underneath the first clipped quickdraw
and return to this position after you move
around. This way, when the climber falls,
you wont get dragged around.
Hint: If you are significantly heavier than
your climber, you will want to stand a few
steps back so that you can jog towards the
wall to go with the rope.
5. Learn how to use a Grigri
The Petzl Grigri 2 is the ideal tool for sport

climbing lead belaying when you know
how to use it correctly. As an assisted belay
device its camming device stops the rope
from slipping when your climber is tensioning the rope e.g. after a fall, or while
sitting on tension. This is very handy when
you are belaying a climber working on the
moves of their project because you do
not have to forcefully hold the brake side
of the rope as they hangdog around. You
still must hold the brake hand (remember,
assisted braking, not auto-locking)!
Ive noticed that inexperienced belayers
with the Grigri often have trouble getting
enough slack out fast enough for their
climber or, when giving slack, they are
employing improper technique that can be
unsafe. Petzl puts out an annual catalogue
that also doubles as an instruction manual
for best practice. Pick one up at Barracuda
on Sheikh Zayed Road and I highly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the
correct operation of the Grigri here: www.
petzl.com/en/outdoor/grigri-experience.
Of course, to be the crags go-to belayer,
this all takes practice. Get out there and
practice your dynamic belaying with your
partner. When you practice, be sure to
practice falls that are high enough off the
ground that you can get comfortable to go
with the fall and make your dynamic catch.
Read is a personal success coach and
rock climber based in Muscat, Oman.
For the past six years, he has been establishing the hardest DWS and sport
routes in the GCC. Read is sponsored
by TRAKS Pro Gear and Training,
representing Petzl and Andreas
Boldrini. Follow Read at
www.readmacadam.com.
YAMAHA
SVHO
Dubai - Tel: 04-3390621 | Ajman - Tel: 06-7410004 | Fujairah - Tel: 09-2221188

R.A.K. - Tel: 07-2351592 | Al Ain - Tel: 03-7211444 | Abu Dhabi (Musaffah) - Tel: 02-5588890
TIPS & TRICKS
FLY SAFE
Safety measures
at Skydive Dubai
Words By: Alan Gayton, Skydive Dubai general manager
Photos By: Juan Mayer
How many instructors are available?
We have 28 tandem instructors four of
which are instructor examiner and two
Safety and Training advisors. Every tandem
student gets a full training and safety brief
before each jump.
What are the safety measures
provided by Skydive Dubai?
This would be a hundreds of pages of
text as per our safe operations manual
so in brief we are governed by the EAF
(Emirates Aero sports Federation) that was
created with more strict flying and jump
limitations than any other federation due
to the unique location we have with Skyscrapers and the Persian Gulf, we continually work with the GCAA, DCAA (General
and Dubai Civil Aviation authorities) and
we also monitor the guidelines of the USPA
(United States Parachute federation) BPA
(British Parachute Association) along with
many others to continually improve the
standards. We also follow the rules of UPT,
the Manufacturers of the Sigma tandem
system we use.
Why is it important to have
such measures?
My motto always has and always will be
Safety is my number one priority! and
we always follow this cautious method and

that is why we have a zero tandem injury
statistic of which we are very proud of.
Why did the instructors
choose Skydive Dubai?
I think the instructors chose Skydive Dubai
due to our high standards on safety and all
levels of training and improvement. And
the beautiful view of course!
What are the risks associated
with skydiving?
Human error is the highest risk in skydiving and as with all extreme sports there
are risks but we cover all of them with
very high standards in safety and training,
operating procedures and the best equipment, aircraft and with the highest planned
maintenance standards for all we cover
these risks.
What are some limitations
to tandem skydive?
We have a BMI limit for tandem as below:
- 200lbs (90kg) - ladies
- 220lbs (100kg) - men
- And BMI (body mass index) is less than
27.5 (ladies) and 30.0 (men). All tandem
students in the group are physically fit. All
tandem students do not, and have not,
suffered from any of the following conditions, which they understand may lead to a
dangerous situation with regard to myself
or other persons during parachuting:
epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, recurrent
blackouts or giddiness, disease of the brain
or nervous system, high blood pressure,
heart or lung disease, dislocated shoulder,
recurrent weakness or dislocation of any
limb, diabetes, mental illness, drug or alcohol addiction. Also if they are over the age
of 60. In brief you have to be physically fit
to jump.
What weather conditions
are considered risky or unsafe?
We have ground and upper wind limitations and also we dont jump through
clouds, turbulent conditions and low
visibility.
What changes during risky weather
conditions when the team is in the air?
We continually visually and electronically
monitor the weather and if the team is in
the air when the weather changes we bring
them to land with the aircraft.
Are there paramedics available
(just in case of an emergency)?
Dubai ambulance service is onsite throughout operations and all ground and boat
staffs are emergency first responders.
TIPS & TRICKS
Apps for the outdoors

We checked out some mobile apps for your outdoor needs.
Words By: Glaiza Seguia-Godinez
My Altitude
Strava
Developer: Strava, Inc

Compatibility: iPhone, iPad
and iPod touch; Android
devices
File size: 29.1 MB
Price: Free; Premium monthly
22 AED; Premium yearly 220.35
AED
A staple in any runner or cyclists device, the Strava apps is for
those competitive types or those keen to top their personal
best. It allows you to log your stats, map tracks and even
create your own routes. It estimates distance, average speed,
elevation, calories burned and heart rate if you have the
compatible heart monitor. This is also a social app and you
can keep track of your buddies progress and share achievements on Facebook or Twitter. Note that you will also share
your data to the public. Additional features are ongoing or
upcoming challenges you can join and training videos you
can try out.
Developer:
Dayana
Networks Ltd
Compatibility:
iPhone, iPad and
iPod touch
File size:
15.5 MB
Price: Free
Uncomplicated and useful with the basic metrics you

need for hiking coordinates, altitude and barometric pressure. It uses device sensor instead of internet
so it works well outdoors. Or there is also the option
to use National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data files to get your altitude. It also allows
you take photos with coordinates and local date or
time.
Making the most of a High-Fat, Low-Carb Diet

Words By: Trace Rogers, Coach and Founder of SuperTRI
Last month, I gave an introduction into what the HF LC diet was

all about. This month, we will focus a
little more on applying it.
Keep the good carbs
The good carbs would be your vegetables
and fruit that are high in nutrients and
fibre and low in sugar. This includes all
leafy green vegetables as well avocado,
pears and most berries. To be sure that
you are on the right track, it is important
to understand what various fruits and
vegetables consist of. If your chosen
vegetable is going to put your consumption of sugar over 25 grams for the day,
you should probably cut back or cut it out
completely. Having said this, it is safe to
say that anything highly processed (far
removed from its original form), is most
likely unsuitable.
Planning ahead
The easiest way to stick to any healthy
lifestyle choice is to plan ahead. At the
beginning of the week, compile your
shopping list, stock up on your good high
fat foods, animal proteins and good carbs.
Prepare some quick and easy snacks, like
boiled eggs and mixed nuts so that if you
do feel peckish you can address it before
you even have an opportunity to choose something

less nutritious.
Know what to expect
(this is especially for
endurance athletes)
If you have been used to
fuelling all of your training
sessions with high sugar gels
and sports drinks etc. Your body is in for a
big shock quite literally. When working
at intensity, it is easier for our bodies to
break down carbohydrates for energy so
when you make the change to a high-fat
diet, clearly your normal go-to stash will
not be available. You may find that by the
fifth day after the change in diet, you feel
weak and sluggish during your workouts.
Keep calm and carry on. This too will pass.
Your body just needs time to adjust to fat
being its go-to source of energy. Once
your body accepts this, your training and
performance will be back on track.
Listen to your body
Why a high-fat diet works comes down
to the fact that it satiates the appetite.
Therefore when you are following a highfat diet, it will be less often that you feel
the need to eat. Listen to your body and
only eat when you are hungry. There is no
need to count calories just

eat until you are satisfied but
dont overeat. If you find that
you still need to eat up to six
times a day, I would suggest
that your diet may still be too
high on carbohydrate. Make
small adjustments and note
the changes.
Know your body
There are very few absolute truths when it comes to nutrition.
One truth however is that nutrition is
an individual process. Some people
are carbohydrate resistant (their bodies
experience the toxic effect of stored fat
and the capacity to use stored glucose
will be diminished resulting in fat gains).
This group of the population would be
better off eating less sugar (25 grams per
day is what is suggested as a good rule
of thumb). If however, you have a better
tolerance, you would be able to take on
more than that. If you are not sure, make
a change to your diet, take a look in the
mirror and you will have your answer.
Whichever way you look at it, if doing the
same thing over and over again continues
to produce an unsatisfactory result, then
nothing is to be lost (except of course
unwanted weight) by making a change.
Enjoy the journey!
OUTDOORUAE
65
UAE DIRECTORY
General Sports
Equipment Megastores
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square Center,

Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free: 800-ADVENTURE,
+971 43466824; The Beach on JBR, Dubai:
+971 44304419; Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi:
+971 24456995, www.adventurehq.ae
Decathlon, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre,
+971 42839392
Go Sport, The Dubai Mall: +971 43253595;
Abu Dhabi Mall: +971 26454595; Bawabat Al
Sharq Mall, Abu Dhabi: +971 25868240
InterSport, Dubai Times Square Centre:
+971 43418214 and Dubai Festival City:
+971 42066581,www.intersport.ae
Peiniger BMT Est., CBD, Khalifa Street,
Yateem Optician Bldg., Abu Dhabi, UAE,
+971 26262332, www.peiniger.org
Sun and Sand Sports, most shopping
centres, +971 43504444,
www.sunandsandsports.com
Adventure tours and desert safaris

Alpha Tours, Off #512, 5th Flr., Al Qwais
Bldg., Al Ittihad Road, Deira, Dubai,
+971 42949888, www.alphatoursdubai.com
Bike and Hike Oman, PO Box 833, Ruwi,
Postal Code 112, Oman, +968 24400873,
www.bikeandhikeoman.com
Dadabhai Travel, SR 1&2, GF, Gulf Towers,
Oud Metha Rd. Dubai, +971 43885566,
www.dadabhaitravel.ae
Desert Rangers, Dubai, +971 43572200,
www.desertrangers.com
Desert Road Tourism, Office 503, 5th Flr., Al
Khor Plaza, Dubai, +971 42959429,
www.arabiantours.com
Dreamdays, First Floor Rm. 107 Ibn Battuta
Gate (Offices) Sheikh Zayed Rd.,
+971 44329392, www.dreamdays.ae
Dream Explorer LLC, Shop no # 9, Plot #
312-504, Al Musalla Building , Mina Bazar,
Bur Dubai, +971 43544481,
www.dreamexplorerdubai.com
Dubai Relax Travel, National Towers:
Churchill Tower Suite #614, Business Bay, Dubai,
+971 44221776, www.dubairelaxtours.com
Element Fitness, Dubai, +971 502771317,
www.element-fitness.net
Explorer Tours, Umm Ramool, Dubai,
+971 42861991, www.explorertours.ae,
Gulf for Good, Dubai, +971 43680222,
www.gulf4good.org
Gulf Ventures, Dnata Travel Centre
+971 44045880, www.gulfventures.com
MMI Travel, Mezzanine Floor, Dnata Travel
Centre, Shk Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43166579, www.theemiratesgroup.com
66
OUTDOORUAE
Net Group, Dubai and Abu Dhabi,

+971 26794656, www.netgroupauh.com
Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 42628889,
www.opdubai.com
Rahhalah, Dubai, +971 44472166,
www.rahhalah.com
Vera City Tours, Downtown, Dubai, UAE,
+971 556100414, www.veracitytours.com
Wild Guanabana, Dubai, +971 567954954,
www.wildguanabana.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Fishing, Camping, Kayaking,
& Adventure Club, +971504920860,
mohammed.almahrouky@gmail.com
Air
Ballooning Adventures Emirates, Dubai,

+971 42854949, www.ballooning.ae
Dubai Paragliders, www.microaviation.org,
+971 552120155 or +971 552250193
Jazirah Aviation Club, Ras Al Khaimah,
+971 6139859, www.jac-uae.net
Seawings, Dubai, www.seawings.com
Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai, +971 501533222,
www.skydivedubai.ae
Boating & Sailing
Manufacturer
Al Fajer Marine, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43235181, www.alfajermarine.com
Al Jeer Marina, RAK border Musandam,
+971 72682333/+971 504873185,
www.aljeerport.ae
Al Shaali Marine, Ajman, +971 67436443,
www.alshaalimarine.com
Alyousuf Industrial, LLC,
+971 43474111, www.aym.ae,
yamboats@alyousuf.com
Elite Pearl Charter, Saeed Tower 1 office
# 3102, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE,
+971 43889666, www.elitepearlcharter.com
Gulf Craft, Ajman, +971 67406060,
www.gulfcraftinc.com
Distributors and Dealers
Art Marine, Shed Nr. 31, Jaddaf, Dubai,
UAE, +971 4324061, www.artmarine.ae/
www.artmarinechandley.com
Azure Marine, Dubai, +971 43404343,
www.azuremarine.net
Luxury Sea Boats, Dubai, +971 505589319,
www.luxuryseaboats.com
Macky Marine LLC, Dubai,
+971 505518317, www.mackymarine.com
Nautilus Yachts, Sharjah, +971 65576818,
www.nautilusyachts.com
The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae
UAE Boats 4 Sale, Dubai Marina,
+971 44471501, www.uaeboats4sale.com
Western Marine, Marina Yacht Club, Dubai,
+971 43039744
Equipment
Ali Khalifah Moh Al Fuqaei, Deira, Dubai,
+971 42263220
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43468000,
www.masaoodmarine.com
Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43808616 / +971 553899995,
info@bluewatersmarine.com,
www.bluewatersmarine.com
Extreme Marine, Dubai, +971 43992995,
www.extrememarine-me.com
Japan Marine General Trading, Al Garhoud
Road, Liberty Building, Dubai,
+971 559299111, +971 42828255,
uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co
Rineh Emirates Trading LLC, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43391512, www.rinehemiratesme.com
Repairs and Maintenance
Extreme Marine, Dubai, Dubai Marina,
+971 43992995, www.extrememarine-me.com
Rineh Emirates, Sheikha Sana Warehouse 1,
Al Quoz, +971 43391512,
info@rinehemiratesme.com,
www.rinehemirates.com
SNS Marine, JAFZA Techno Park, Jebel Ali,
Dubai, +971 501405058, info@snsmarine.ae,
www.snsmarine.ae
The Boat House, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43405152, www.theboathouse.ae
Cruise Operators
Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26665491, www.marinaalbateenresort.com
Al Marsa Travel & Tourism, Dibba,
Musandam, +968 26836550, +971 65441232
Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek opposite
the British Embassy, +971 43994994
Bristol Middle East, Dubai Marina,
+971 44309941, www.bristol-middleeast.com
Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi, +971 26507175, www.captaintonys.ae
Delma Industrial Supply and Marine
Services, Al Bateen Jetty, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26668153, www.delmamarine.net
Eden Yachting, Dubai Marina,
+971 504586171, www.edenyachting.com
Emirates Yachting, Dubai, +971 42826683
El Mundo, Dubai, +971 505517406,
www.elmundodubai.com
Four Star Travel and Tourism, Dubai,
+971 42737779, www.fourstartravels.net
4 Yacht Arabia, Shop No. 5, Dubai Marina
Yacht Club, 800 92248, www.4yachtarabia.ae
Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa,
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92449888, www.rotana.com
Ghantoot Marina & Resort, Abu Dhabi,
+971 529933153, www.ghantootmarina.com
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
+971 558961276, +971 503960202,
www.happydaysdubai.com
JPS Yachts and Charter, Room 225,
Emarat Atrium building, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43437734, www.jpsyachts.com
Khasab Divers, Oman, +971 567255889,
khasab.diver2@gmail.com
Khasab Musandam Travel & Tours,
PO Box 411, Khasab, Musandam,
+968 93350703, info@tourkhasab.com
Khour Shem Tourism, Oman,
+968 26731919, www.khourshemtours.com
LY Catamaran, Dubai, +971 505869746,
+971 566506683, www.lycatamaran.com
Marine Concept, Dubai, +971 559603030,
www.marine-charter-concept.com
Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Noukhada Adventure Company, Villa 332/7,
Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi, +971 26503600,
www.noukhada.ae
RAK Marine LLC, Ras Al Khaimah City Hilton
Marina, +971 504912696, +971 72066410
Sea Hunters Passenger Yachts & Boats
Rental, Dubai Marina, +971 42951011
Sheesa Beach, Dibba, Musandam,
+971 503336046, www.sheesabeach.com
Smoke Dragon Of London Yacht, Abu
Dhabi International Marine & Sports Club,
+971 507011958 / +971 504546617
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 42573084
The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
www.the-club.com
The Yellow Boats LLC, Dubai Marina Walk
opposite Spinneys, Intercontinental Hotel
Marina, +8008044, www.theyellowboats.com
Marinas
Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports
Club, Abu Dhabi, Breakwater,
+971 26815566, www.adimsc.com
Abu Dhabi Marina, Abu Dhabi,
Tourist Club Area, +971 26440300
Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam
+971 72682333 / +971 504873185
www.aljeerport.ae
Al Mouj Marina, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24534554, www.almoujmarina.com
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al
Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42394760-61, www.cruiseindubai.com
Dubai Creek Marina, Deira, Dubai,
+971 43801234, www.dubaigolf.com
Dubai International Marine Sports Club,
Dubai Marina, +971 43995777, www.dimc.ae
Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai,
+971 43627900,
www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
Dubai Maritime City Harbour Marina,
Dubai, +971 43455545
Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai,
+971 43941669, www.dosc.ae
Emirates Palace Marina, Abu Dhabi,
+971 43388955
Four Seasons Marina, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44948899, www.mourjanmarinas.com
Fujairah International Marine Club,
Fujairah, +971 92221166, www.fimc.ae
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Marina, Al
Bateen, Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26666888, www.intercontinental.com
Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Marina,
Jebel Ali, Dubai, +971 48145555/5029,
www.jebelali-international.com
Lusail Marina, Lusail City, Qatar,
+974 55843282, www.mourjan-lusailmarina.com
Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24737286 (ext 215), www.marinaoman.net
Pavilion Marina, Dubai,
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 44068800
The PearlQatar Marinas, Doha, Qatar,
+974 4965801, www.ronauticame.com
Umm Al Quwaim Marine Sports Club,
Umm Al Quwaim, +971 67666644,
www.uaqmarineclub.com
Dragon Boat Groups
Dubai Dawn Patrol Dragon Boating, Dubai
+971 508795645 (Michael),
www.dubaidawnpatrol.org
Dubai Diggers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
pier next to 360, Dubai, +971 501547175
(Nick Hando), www.dubai-diggers.com
UAE Dragon Boat Association,
+971 507634008, www.dubaidragonboat.com
Camping & Hiking
Equipment
Blingmytruck.com, +971 505548255,
www.blingmytruck.com
Gulf Camping, Dubai, UAE,
www.gulfcamping.com
Jack Wolfskin, Mirdif City Centre Dubai,
+971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall,
Abu Dhabi,+971 24437802
Picnico General Trading, near Sharaf DG
Metro Station, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
+971 43951113
Tresspass, 2nd floor above ice rink,
The Dubai Mall, +971 43398801
Tour Operators
Arabia Outdoors, Dubai, +971 559556209,
www.arabiaoutdoors.com
Absolute Adventure, Dubai, +971 43459900,
www.adventure.ae
Desert Road Tourism,
Al Khor Plaza 503, Dubai, +971 42959428,
www.arabiatours.com
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ORGANISED BY

Libra, +971 559228362, www.libra-uae.com
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,
+971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com
Sheesa Beach, Musandam, Dibba,
Caving
Mountain High Middle East, Dubai,

+971 43480214, www.mountainhighme.com
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre,
Oman, +968 24543002,
www.holiday-in-oman.com
Oman World Tourism, Oman,
+968 99431333,
www.omanworldtourism.com
Climbing
Equipment
Adventure HQ, Dubai Times Square
Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free:
800-ADVENTURE, www.adventurehq.ae
Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai,
Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558,
www.barracudadubai.com
Global Climbing Trading LLC,
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
+971 48829361, www.globalclimbing.com
Jack Wolfskin
Mirdif City Centre Dubai,
+971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
+971 24437802
Services
Absolute Adventure, Dubai,
+971 43459900, www.adventure.ae
Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, toll free:
Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26429995, www.alshaheenme.com
Dorell Sports Management, Dubai World
Trade Centre, +971 43065061,
www.climbingdubai.com
E-Sports UAE, Dubai, +971 42824540,
www.esportsuae.com
The Club, Abu Dhabi, +971 26731111,
www.the-club.com
Information
UAE Climbing, +971 506456491,
www.uaeclimbing.com
Mountain Biking & Cycling
Equipment/Dealers
Bikers JLT, Unit H6, Cluster H,
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE,
+971 526221888, products@allbikers.net
Cycle Sports, Shop No. 1, Al Waleed Bldg.,
Al Barsha 1, Dubai, +971 43415415,
www.cyclesportsuae.com
Fun Ride Sports, 301, 3rd floor, Mushrif
Mall, Abu Dhabi, Rm. 4, Mezzanine floor,
C-13 Bldg., Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi,
info@funridesports.com,
www.funridesports.com
Micahs Bike Shop, Warehouse no.4
6th St. Al Quoz 3, Dubai, +971 43805228
Peak Performance, Mall of the Emirates,
Dubai Mall, Dubai,
+971 43413056 / +971 43308023
Probike, Dubai, Al Barsha 1,
+971 43255705, www.probike.ae
Rage Shop, Dubai Mall, Mall of the
Emirates, Dubai Festival City,
+971 43369007, www.rage-shop.com
Revolution Cycles, Shop G05, Apex
Atrium, Motor City, Dubai, +971 43697441,
www.rcdxb.com
Ride Bike Shop, Dubai Mall, Festival City,
Oasis Centre, Mirdif City Centre,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, +971 43750231,
www.ridebikeshop.com
Sportz Unlimited, Sheikh Zayed Road &
Jebel Ali, Dubai, + 971 43388644
Tamreen Sports LLC, Khalifa Street,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26222525,
www.tamreensports.com
The Cycle Hub, Motor City, Dubai,
+971 505528872, www.thecyclehub.com
Trek Bicycle Store, Seih Al Salam,
Al Qudra Road, Dubai, +971 48327377,
www.trekbikes.ae
Trikke uPT, Dubai, +971 45081202,
+971 556096757, www.trikkeme.net
Wolfis Bike Shop, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Road, +971 43394453, www.wbs.ae
Operator
+971 43459900, +971 506259165,
68
OUTDOORUAE
www.adventure.ae, info@adventure.ae
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Tri Club,
www.abudhabitriclub.com
Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai Autodrome
www.cyclechallenge.ae
Dubai Roadsters,
www.dubairoadsters.com
Diving
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
+971 42894858, www.alboommarine.com
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Al Masaood Marine, Sheikh Zayed Road,
+971 43468000, Dubai
Al Yousuf Motors, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Blue Waters Marine, +971 42232189,
Dubai, www.bluewatersmarine.com
Gulf Marine Sports, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26710017, www.gulfmarinesports.com
Premiers for Equipment, Abu Dhabi,
Sh. Zayed 1st. Road, +971 26665226,
www.premiers-uae.com
Scuba Dubai, Al Barsha, Al Khail Road,
Dubai, +97143414940,
info@scubadubai.com
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Diving Centres
Al Boom Diving (equipment),
Dubai, Al Wasl Rd, +971 43422993,
www.alboomdiving.com
Al Jeer Marina, RAK Border, Musandam,
+971 72682333, www.aljeerport.ae
Al Mahara Dive Center, near Muroor St
across from main bus terminal,
+971 26437377, info@divemahara.com,
www.divemahara.com
Arabian Diver, Hilton Marine, Ras Al
Khaimah, +971 72226628, +971 502428128
www.arabiandiver.com
Arabian Divers and Sportfishing
Charters, Al Bateen Marina Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Coastal Technical Divers,
glenn@coastaltechnicaldivers.com,
www.coastaltechnicaldivers.com
Deep Blue Sea Diving, International City,
Dubai, +971 44308246,
www.diveindubai.com
Desert Islands, Sir Bani YAs Island,
Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 28015400,
www.divemahara.com
Divers Down, Fujairah, Rotana Al Aqah
Hotel Resort & Spa, +971 92370299,
www.diversdown-uae.com
Emirates Divers Centre, Abu Dhabi,
near Meena Fish Market, +97126432444,
www.edc-ad.ae
Euro-Divers Oman, Muscat, Oman,
+968 95035815, www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Ziggy Bay, Oman,
Musandam, +968 26735555,
www.extradivers.info
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com,
www.freedivinguae.com
Freestyle Divers, Dubai, Al Wasl & Dibba,
Royal Beach Hotel, +971 43944275,
www.freestyledivers.com
Fujairah Rotana Resort
& Spa - Al Aqah Beach,
Al Aqah Beach, Fujairah,
Global Scuba Dive Center, Civil Aviation
Club, Oman, +968 99317518,
www.global-scuba.com
Khasab Divers, Oman,
www.khasabdiver.com
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Moonlight Dive Center,
Madinat Qaboos, Oman,
+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre,
Oman, +971 503289642,
www.holiday-in-oman.com
Neptune Diving, +971 504347902,
www.neptunedivingcentre.com
Nomad Ocean Adventures,
www.discovernomad.com,
+971 508853238, Dibba, Oman
Oman Dive Center, Muscat, Oman,
+968 24284240, www.omadivecenter.com
Pavilion Dive Centre (equipment), Dubai,
+971 44068828
Scuba Oman, Oman, +968 99558488,
www.scubaoman.com
Scuba 2000, Al Bidiya Beach, Fujairah,
+971 92388477, www.scuba-2000.com
Scuba UAE.com, +971 502053922,
www.scubauae.com
7 Seas Diving Center, Khorfakkan,
+971 92387400, www.7seasdivers.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 50784 0830, www.bsac406.com
Sky &Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
www.watersportsdubai.com
The Dive Shop, 34G, European Center,
Green Community, Dubai, UAE,
+971 48135474, www.thediveshopdubai.com
Clubs
Atlantis Underwater Photography Club,
Dubai, +971 44263000
Desert Sports Diving Club, Dubai,
www.desertsportsdivingclub.net
Emirates Diving Association, Diving
Village, Al Shindagha, Dubai,
+971 43939390, www.emiratesdiving.com
Filipino SCUBA Divers Club (FSDC),
Dubai, UAE, +971 566952421,
www.thefilipinoscubadivers.com
Freediving UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi,
Fujairah, contactus@freedivinguae.com,
www.freedivinguae.com
Sharjah Wanderers Dive Club, Sharjah,
+971 507840830,
www.bsac406.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
Al Hamur Marine and Sports Equipment,
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
+971 43444468
Al Kashat, Shop No. 14, Souq Waqif,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44175950,
www.alkashatqatar.com
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Road, +971 43468000,
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Rd, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Abu Dhabi, +971 506146931,
www.fishabudhabi.com
Barracuda Fishing and Outdoor, Dubai,
Street 13A 1, Al Safa 1, +971 43466558,
www.barracudadubai.com
Blue Waters Marine, Shop 11,
The Curve Bldg., Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, +971 43808616 / +971 553899995,
Walltopias ME Sales Showroom

and Bouldering Facility
Single visit: 80 aed
10-visit pass: 500
Courses for beginners and
intermediate every month
Unleash the Beast
facebook.com/rock.republic.dubai
info@globalclimbing.com
04 88 29 361
www.bluewatersmarine.com
Challenging Adventure, Wadi Al Bih Ras Al Khaimah, +971 561060798,
contactus@challengingadventure.com
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai,
Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre,
+971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com
Operators
+971 43459900, www.adventure.ae
Al Boom Diving, Le Meridien Al Aqah
Beach Resort, Fujairah, +971 43422993
Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club, Al
Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah, +971 72434540,
www.alhamramarina.com
Al Mahara Dive Center,
Downtown Abu Dhabi, +971 501118125,
www.divemahara.com
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing, Airport Road, Al
Qwais Bldg., Off. 207, Dubai, UAE, +974 4
2394760-61, www.cruiseindubai.com
Al Shaheen Adventure, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26429995, www.alshaheenme.com
Al Wasl Charter & Fishing (Al Wasl
Passenger Yachts and Boats Rental LLC),
Airport Road, Al Owais Building, Dubai,
+971 42394761, www.cruiseindubai.com
+971 506146931, www.fishabudhabi.com
Barracuda Diving Centre, Fujairah
International Marine Club, +971 9222558
Belevari Marine, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26594144
Captain Tonys, Yas Marina, Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, +971 26507175,
www.captaintonys.ae
Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai,
+971 53244550, www.funbeachsports.com
Happy Days Sea Cruising LLC, Dubai,
+971 558961276, +971 503960202,
www.happydaysdubai.com
Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi
Hotel, Abu Dhabi, +971 26811900
Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort,
Dibba Road, Fujairah, +971 92449000,
www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
Nautica 1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Noukhada Adventure Company,
Villa 332/7, Al Meena Street, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26503600, www.noukhada.ae
Ocean Active, Dubai, Garden Centre,
+971 502898713, www.oceanactive.com
Soolyman Sports Fishing, Dubai,
Umm Suqeim, +971 508866227,
www.soolymansportsfishing.com
Summertime Marine Sports, Dubai,
+971 42573084,
www.summertimemarine.comz
Xclusive Yachts, Dubai, Dubai Marina,
+971 44327233, www.xclusiveyachts.com

Clubs
Abu Dhabi Camping, Fishing & Kayaking
Club, mohamed.almahrouky@gmail.com
Dubai Surfski & Kayak Club, Kitesurfers
Beach, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai,
+971 554986280, www.dskc.hu
General Sports Equipment

Distributors

Center, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Toll free:
Dubai, +971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
800 Sport, Al Quoz, Dubai
+971 43467751, www.800sport.ae
Flip Flop Arabia, flipme@flipfloparabia.com,
www.flipfloparabia.com
Dubai Investment Park 1, Dubai
Goal Zero, +971 509128353,
www.goalzero.ae
Highbury Trading, Dubai, UAE,
www.highburytrading.ae
Jack Wolfskin Mirdif City Centre Dubai,
+971 42840228; Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi,
+971 44437802
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Sakeen General Trading, +971 47094224,
www.sakeen.ae
Sport in Life Distribution, Nad Al Hammar
Rd., Ras Al Khor, Dubai, UAE,
+971 42896001, +971 42896002,
info@sportinlife.ae, www.sportinlife.ae
Tresspass, The Dubai Mall
2nd floor above ice rink, +971 43398801
Horse Riding
Equipment
Al Asifa Horse Equestrian
& Requisites Trading, Al Khawaneej 1,
Dubai, +971 554733110, www.asifa.ae
Black Horse LLC, Abu Dhabi,
+971 26422237, www.blackhorseuae.com
Bonjour Equestrian Supplies,
Nad Al Hammar Rd., Ras Al Kho, Dubai,
UAE, +971 42896001, +971 42896002,
info@bonjourequestrian.com,
www.bonjourequestrian.com
Cavalos Equine Care and Supplies,
16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi,
+917 22222433, www.cavalosuae.com
Emirta Horse Requirement Centre,
Sheik Zayed Rd, Dubai, +971 43437475,
www.emirtahorse.com
Horse & Carriage Equestrian
Equipment LLC, Dubai, +971 42895069,
www.horseandcarriageuae.com
Mirzan Equestrian Equipment, Dubai,
+971 44472808, www.metdubaihorse.com
Equestrian Clubs/Centres
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Al Ahli Riding School, Al Amman Street,
Dubai-Sharjah Rd., +971 42988408,
www.alahliclub.info
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu
Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com
Al Jiyad Stables, Behind Dubai International
Endurance City, Dubai, +971 505995866,
info@aljiyad.com, www.aljiyad.com
Al Sahra Desert Resort Equestrian Centre,
Dubai, +971 44274055,
equestrian.centre@alsahra.com
Desert Equestrian Club, Mirdif, Dubai,
+971 503099770 / +971 501978888
Desert Palm Riding School, Near Al Awir
Road (going to Hatta-Oman),
Dubai, +971 43238010,
www.desertpalm.peraquum.com
Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai,
+971 508879847, www.dubaipoloacademy.com
Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
Arabian Ranches, +971 43618111,
www.poloclubdubai.com
Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai,
+971 505587656,
www.emiratesequestriancentre.com
Ghantoot Polo & Racing Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Golden Stables Equestrian Club, Al
Khawaneej, Dubai, (Nouri) +971 555528182,
www.goldenstables.ae
HoofbeatZ, located just inside the Dubai

Polo & Equestrian Club, Dubai,
+971 501810401, www.hoofbeatz.com
Mushrif Equestrian and Polo Club, Mushrif
Park, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai,
+971 42571256, www.mushrifec.com
Qudraland Community,
info@qudraland.com, www.qudraland.com
Rahal Ranch, Al Wathba Racing Area,
Abu Dhabi, +971 566127914,
www.rahalranch.com
Riding for the Disabled, Dubai,
lessons@rdad.ae, www.rdad.ae,
Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club,
Sharjah, Al Dhaid Road,
+971 65311188, www.serc.ae
Racecourses
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif,
Abu Dhabi, +971 24455500,
www.adec-web.com
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Exit 399,
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai Highway, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25629050, www.grpc.ae
Jebel Ali Racecourse, off the main Abu
Dhabi - Dubai Highway (Sheikh Zayed road)
beside the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai,
+971 43474914
Meydan Grandstand and Racecourse, Al
Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
+971 43270000, www.meydan.ae
Sharjah Racecourse, Al Dhaid Road,
Sharjah, +971 65311155, www.serc.ae
Equine Hospitals/Clinics
Central Veterinary Research Laboratory,
next to Dubai Equestrian Hospital, Zabeel 2,
Dubai, +971 43375165, www.cvrl.ae
Dubai Equine Hospital, behind World Trade
Center, Zabeel 2, Dubai, +971 43178888,
www.dubaiequine.ae
Gulf Vetcare, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi,
+971 508617590, www.gulfvetcare.com
Sharjah Equine Hospital, Bridge No. 6,
Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah,
+971 65311881, www.seh.ae
Jet Ski
Dealers
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai,
Sheikh Zayed Road, +971 43468000,
Al Yousuf Motors, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd,
+971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Japan Marine General Trading,
Al Garhoud Road, Liberty Building, Dubai,
+971 559299111 / +971 42828255,
uday@japanmarine.jp, www.japanmarine.co
Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4,
www.libertykawasaki.com
Rentals
Fun Beach Water Sports, Dubai,
+971 53244550, www.funbeachsports.com
Regal Promotions, Level 14,Boulevard
Plaza Tower 1, Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Rashid Boulevard. Downtown Dubai,
PO Box 334036 Dubai, UAE,
+971 44558570, info@regalproms.com
The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah,
Xventures, Dubai, +971 555404500,
www.x-ventures.ae
Motocross
& ATVs
Dealers
Al Badayer Rental (Rental),
Dubai-Hatta Road, +971 507842020,
www.albadayerrental.com
Al Shaali Moto, Ras Al Khor,
+971 43200009, sales@alshaalimoto.com.
www.alshaalimoto.com
+971 43390621, www.aym.ae/yamaha
Golden Desert Motorcycles
Rental (Rental), Dubai-Hatta Road, Dubai,
+971 551532550, www.goldendesert-dubai.com
Just Gas It, Hatta Rd., Al Aweer, Dubai,
UAE, +971 509192394, www.JustGasIt.net
KTM, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, exit 42,
+971 4323151, www.ktm.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange 4,
Polaris UAE (atvs), Ras Al Khor, Nad al
Hamar Road, Al Ghandi Complex, Dubai,
+971 42896100, M4, Sector 13,
10th Street, Mussafah Industrial, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25555144, www.polarisuae.com
Sebsports, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1

Dubai, +971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai,
+971 48321050, www. wildx.ae
Equipment
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
Dubai, +971 42959429,
www.arabiantours.com
Sandstorm Motorcycles (Rental),
Al Quoz, Dubai, +971 43470270,
www.sandstorm-motorcycles.com
Sebsports, Dubai, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3,
+971 43393399, www.sebsports.com
2XWheeler, Motorcity Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.2xwheeler.com
Wild X, Dubai, Um Al Ramoul Industrial
Area, +971 42852200, www. wildx.ae
Workshops and Services
Moto-X and Quad, PO Box 476214, Dubai,
UAE, +971 50 6169727, www.gasgasmotos.
me
Motorcycling

www.aym.ae/yamaha
Ducati, Mussafah 4, Street 10, Abu Dhabi,
+971 25535771, info2@ducati.ae,
www.ducati.ae
Duseja Motorcycles, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43476712, www.dusejamoto.com
Harley-Davidson, Mussafah 4, Street 10,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25540667,
hd.auh@harley-davidson.ae,
www.harley-davidson-abu-dhabi.com
Liberty Kawasaki, Dubai, Interchange4,
Polaris UAE, Al Ghandi Complex,
Nad al Hamar Road, Ras Al Khor,
+971 42896100, www.polarisuae.com
Tristar Motorcycles, +971 43330659,
www.tristaruae.com
Workshops and Services
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Abu
Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com
Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, +971 43678700
www.dubaiautodrome.com
Emirates Motorplex, Umm Al Quwain,
+971 67681717
2xWheeler Adventures, Dubai,
+971 44548388, www.alainraceway.com
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi,
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Off-Road
Dealers
Bling My Truck,
+971 503634839 / +971 505548255,
info@blingmytruck.com,
4x4 Motors LLC, Shk. Zayed Rd, Dubai,
+971 43384866, www.4x4motors.com
Liberty Automobiles, Dubai, 800 5423789,
www.libertyautos.com
Repairs and Services
Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com
Off Road Zone, Dubai, Al Quoz,
+971 43392449,
www.offroad-zone.com
Saluki Motorsport, Dubai, +971 43476939
www.salukimotorsport.com
Equipment
Advanced Expedition Vehicles,
Dubai & Abu Dhabi, +971 43307152,
www.aev.ae
Dubai, +971 43390621,
www.aym.ae/yamaha
Bling My Truck, +971 503634839 /
+971 505548255,
info@blingmytruck.com,
Heartland UAE, Al Mafraq Industrial,
Abu Dhabi, +971 567231967,
www.heartlanduae.com
Icon Auto Garage, Dubai, +971 43382744,
www.icon-auto.com
Wild X Adventure Shop, Dubai-Hatta Road,
Dubai, +971 48321050, www.wildx.ae
Yellow Hat, Nad Al Hamar, and Times
Square Center, Dubai, +971 42898060,
www.yellowhat.ae
Tour Operators
Arabian Adventures, Dubai & Abu Dhabi,
+971 43034888, www.arabian-adventures.com
Desert Road Tourism, Al Khor Plaza 503,
Dubai, +971 42959429, www.arabiantours.com

Oasis Palm Dubai, Dubai, +971 42628889,
www.opdubai.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Off- Road Club,
www.ad4x4.com
ALMOST 4x4 Off-Road Club,
+971 507665522, www.almost4x4.com
Dubai Offroaders,
www.dubaioffroaders.com
JEEP Wrangler JK Fun Club,
suffian.omar@yahoo.com,
www.jk-funclub.com
ME 4X4, www.me4x4.com
Running
Clubs
ABRasAC, Dubai, www.abrasac.org
Abu Dhabi Tri Club, Abu Dhabi,
www.abudhabitriclub.org
Abu Dhabi Striders,
admin@abudhabistriders.com,
www.abudhabistriders.com
Al Ain Road Runners, Abu Dhabi,
+971 504188978, alainroadrunners@yahoo.co.uk
Mirdif Milers, Dubai, www.mirdifmilers.info
Dubai Creek Striders
www.dubaicreekstriders.org
Stand up Paddling, Kite & Surfing,

Wakeboarding
Equipment
Al Boom Marine, Abu Dhabi & Dubai,
Al Masaood Marine, Dubai,
Iknic Brands, Suite 509 Dsseldorf
Business Point Al Barsha Dubai, UAE
+971 506874178, info@ikonicbrands.com
Kitesurf Dubai, Kitesurf Beach,
Umm Suqueim and Jumeirah 3
+971 505586190, www.kitesurfdubai.ae
Pearl Water Crafts,
Dubai Marina Yacht Club, +971 553749398,
www.pearl-watercrafts.com
Picnico, Jumeirah Beach Road
Opposite Sunset Mall, Dubai
+971 43941653
Surf Dubai, Dubai, Umm Suqeim,
+971 505043020, www.surfingdubai.com
Surf Shop Arabia, Building 1,
Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3,
Dubai, +971 43791998,
www.surfshoparabia.com
UAE Kite Surfing, +971 505626383,
www.ad-kitesurfing.net
Distributors
Kitepeople Kite & Surf Store,
International City, Dubai,
+971 504559098, www.kitepeople.ae
Ocean Sports FZE, +971 559352735,
www.kitesurfsup.com
Operators
Al Forsan International Sports Resort,
Abu Dhabi, +971 25568555, www.alforsan.com
OUTDOORUAE
69

Dubai Kite Surf School, Dubai,
Umm Suqeim Beach, +971 504965107,
www.dubaikitesurfschool.com
Duco Maritime, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
and Abu Dhabi, +971 508703427,
www.ducomaritime.com
Dukite, Kitesurf Beach, Umm Suqeim,
Dubai,+971 507586992, www.dukite.com
Kite Fly, Dubai, +971 502547440,
www.kitesurf.ae
Kite4fun.net, Abu Dhabi, +971 508133134,
www.kite4fun.net
Kitepro Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
and Al Dabbayyah, Abu Dhabi,
+971 505441494, www.kitepro.ae
Nautica1992, Dubai, +971 504262415,
www.nautica1992.ae
Shamal Kite Surfing, Umm Suqueim Dubai,
+971 507689226,
astrid@shamalkitesurfing.com,
www.shmalkitesurfing.com
Sky & Sea Adventures, Dubai, Hilton,
Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 43999005,
www.watersportsdubai.com
OMAN DIRECTORY
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Dolphin Qasab Tours, PO Box: 123, P.C.

811, Khasab City, Musandam, Oman,
+968 26730813, www.dolphinkhasabtours.com
Go Dive Oman, Capital Area Yacht Club
(CAYC), Sidab Muscat, +968 99289200,
www.godiveoman.com
Nomad Tours, PO Box: 583, Postal Code
100, Muscat, Oman, +968 95495240,
www.nomadtours.com
Oman Trekking Guides, PO Box: 917,
NIZWA, Oman, +968 95741441,
www.omantrekkingguides.com
Diving
Equipment
Al Marsa Musandam, PO Box: 44, Dibba,
QATAR DIRECTORY
Adventure tours
and desert safaris
Al Mulla Travels, PO Box: 4147, Doha, Qatar,

+974 44413488, almullatrvls@qatar.net.qa
Alpha Tours, PO Box: 13530, Doha, Qatar,
+974 4837815, info@alphatoursqatar.com
Al QAYED Travel & Tours, Al Qayed Holding
Bldg., D-Ring Road, PO Box: 158, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44072244,
www.alqayedtravel.com
Arabian Adventures, Al Asmakh Street,
PO Box: 4476, Doha, Qatar, +974 44361461,
www.arabianadventureqatar.net
Black Pearls Tourism Services,
PO Box: 45677, Doha, Qatar
East Marine, West Bay, Doha, Qatar,
+974 55200078
E2E Qatar Travel and Tours,
PO Box: 23563, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44502521, www.e2eqatar.com
Falcon Travels, PO Box: 22031, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44354777,
www.falcontravelqatar.com
Gulf Adventures, 29, Aspire Zone Street Aspire Zone Al Rayyan City, PO Box: 18180
Qatar, +974 44221888,
www.gulf-adventures.com
Net Tours Qatar, PO Box: 23080, Doha,
Qatar, +974 4310902, www.nettours.com.qa
Regency Travel & Tours, Suhaim Bin
Hamad Street, Doha, Qatar, +974 4434
4503/4718, www.regencyholidays.com
Qatar Adventure, Al Matar Street, PO Box:
13915, Doha, Qatar, +974 55694561,
www.qataradventure.com
Qatar Desert Gate, Doha, PO Box: 18496
Ad Dawha, Qatar, +974 55594016,
www.qatardesertgate.com
Qatar Inbound Tours, Commercial Street,
Al Muaither, Al Rayyan, PO Box: 21153, +974
77451196, www.inboundtoursqatar.com
Qatar International Tours, PO Box: 55733
Surf School UAE, Umm Suqeim Beach and

Building 1, Al Manara Road (East), Interchange 3,
Dubai,+971 556010997, www.surfschooluae.com
Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa,
Dubai, +971 48876771,
www.watercooleddubai.com
Water Cooled, Watercooled Sports Services
LLC, Hilton Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE,
+971 26395997, www.watercooleduae.com
Clubs
Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle,
www.abudhabisup.com
UAE SUP www.uaesup.com
Water Parks
Aquaventure Atlantis, Dubai, Palm Jumeirah,

+971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae
Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain,
Emirates Road, +971 67681888,
www.dreamlanduae.com
Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain,
+971 37818422, www.wadiadventure.ae
Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai,
+971 43484444, www.wildwadi.com
Other leisure activities
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi,

+ 971 25588990,
www.adgolfclub.com
Al Tamimi Stables, Sharjah,
+971 67431122 \ +971 44370505,
www.tamimistables.com
Blokart Sailing, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai,
+971 556101841, www.blokartme.com
Childrens City, Creek Park Gate No.1,
Dubai, +971 43340808, www.childrencity.ae
Dolphin Bay Atlantis, Dubai,
+971 44260000, www.atlantisthepalm.ae
Dubai Dolphinarium Dubai, Creek Park
Gate No. 1, +971 43369773,
www.dubaidolphinarium.ae
iFly Dubai, Dubai, Mirdif City Centre,
+971 42316292, www.iflyme.com
Sadiyaat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat
Island, +971 25578000, www.sbgolfclub.ae
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah,
+971 43999005,
www.golfandshootingshj.com
SkiDubai, Dubai, Mall of The Emirates,
Sultanate of Oman, +968 26836550,

www.almarsamusandam.com
Al Sawadi Beach Resort, PO Box: 747,
Barka - Al Sawadi, Oman, +968 26795545,
www.alsawadibeach.info
Diving UAE & Oman, www.dive-uae-oman.com
Euro Divers CAYC Oman, Marina Bandar Al
Rhowda, PO Box: 940, Muscat, Oman, +968
95035815, www.euro-divers.com
Extra Divers Musandam, PO Box: 498,
PC 811 Khasab, Musandam, Oman,
+968 99877957,
www.musandam-diving.com
Global Scuba LLC, +968 24692346,
www.global-scuba.com
Moon Light Dive Center, P.O. Box: 65,
Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman,
+968 99317700, www.moonlightdive.com
Oman Dive Center Resort, PO Box: 199,
Medinat Sultan Qaboos, Oman,
+968 24824240, www.omandivecenter.info
Omanta Scuba Diving Academy, Al Kharjiya
Street, Al Shati Area, Muscat, Oman, +968

97700564, www.omantascuba.com
Oxygen Diving and Adventures, PO Box:
1363 PC130 Alazaiba, Muscat, Oman,
www.o2diveoman.com
Seaoman, PO Box: 2394, RUWI PC 112,
Oman, +968 24181400,
www.seaoman.com
Sub Aqua Dive Center, Hilton Salalah
Resort, PO Box: 699, Salalah 211, Oman,
+968 99894031,
www.subaqua-divecenter.com
Doha, Qatar, +974 44551141, www.qittour.com

Qatar Ventures, Barwa Village Bulding No. 12,
Shop No. 33, Doha, Qatar, +974 55776679,
www.qatar-ventures.com
Clubs
Doha Sailing Club, Doha Sailing Club,
PO Box: 4398 (9995), Doha, Qatar,
+974 44439840, www.qmsf.com
+974 44435626
Doha Sub Aqua Club, Doha Sub-Aqua
Club, PO Box: 5048, Doha, Qatar,
+974 66304061, www.dohasubaquaclub.com
Extreme Adventure, PO Box: 33002, Shop
3, 4 Ahmed Bin Ali Street (Bin Omran), Doha,
Qatar, +974 44877884, www.extreme.qa
GoSport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar:
+974 44631644; Villagio Mall, Qatar:
+974 44517574,
www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar
Pearl Divers, PO Box: 2489, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44449553, www.pearl-divers.org
Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud
Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2,
+974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com
Qatar Scuba Center, 187 Al Mansoura
Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar,
+974 66662277, www.qatarscubacenter.com
Q Dive, Souq Al Najada cnr of Grand Hamad
and Ali bin Abdulla Str.; Al-Odeid Aisle
numbers 129-132, +974 55319507,
www.qdive.net
World Marine Centre, PO Box: 6944,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44360989,
www.worldmarinecenter.webs.com
Dive Centres
Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street
(near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar,
+97444435626 Pearl Divers, Al Mirqab Al
Jadeed Street, Doha, Qatar,
+974 4444 9553, www.pearl-divers.org
Poseidon Dive Center, Ras Abu Abboud
Street, Al Emadi Suites, Showroom #2,
+974 66084040, www.pdcqatar.com
Qatar Divers, Marriott Hotel Marina Near
Old Airport, Ras Abu Aboud Area, Doha,
Qatar, +974 44313331, www.qatardivers.com
Qatar Marine, Go Sport City Center
West Bay, PO Box: 16657, Doha,
+974 553199507, www.qatarmarine.net
Qatar Scuba Centre, 187 Al Mansoura
Street, Al Mansoura Area, Doha, Qatar,
+974 66662277 / +974 44422234,
www.qatarscubacenter.com
General Sports
Equipment Megastores
Galaxy Sport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor,

Qatar: +974 44822194; Villagio Mall, Qatar:
+974 44569143; Ezdan Mall, Qatar: +974
44922827, www.galaxysportqatar.com
GoSport, City Centre Mall, 3rd Floor, Qatar:
+974 44631644; Villagio Mall, Qatar:
+974 44517574
www.facebook.com/gosport.qatar
Sun & Sand Sports, City Centre Mall, Qatar:
+974 44837007; Dar Al Salam Mall, Qatar:
+974 44932973, www.sunandsandsports.com
Boating & Sailing
Equipment
Regatta Sailing Academy, Al Isteqlal Road,
West Bay Lagoon, PO Box: 18104, Doha,
Qatar, +974 55507846,
www.regattasailingacademy.com
Speed Marine, Speed Marine, Museum Road,
PO Box: 9145 Doha, Qatar, +974 44410109,
www.speedmarinegroup.com
Horse Riding
Equestrian Clubs/Centres
Al Shaqab, PO Box: 90055, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44546320, www.alshaqab.com
Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club, Racing and
Equestrian Club, PO Box: 7559, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44197664, www.qrec.gov.qa
Diving
Equipment
Al Fardan Marine Services, Najma Street
(near Al Fardan Exchange), Doha, Qatar,
Add your free listing to the
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite

& Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators
Kiteboarding Oman, Sawadi Beach,
PO Box: 133, PC 118, Muscat, Oman,
+968 96323524,
www.kiteboarding-oman.com
Omans Kite Center, +968 94006007,
www.kitesurfing-lessons.com
+971 44094000, www.skidxb.com

Spacewalk Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi,
+971 24463653, www.spacewalk.ae
Health, Safety & Training
Safety Lessons
Marine Concept Yacht Charter
& Sea School, Rania Business Centre,
Dubai, +971 559603030,
www.marine-charter-concept.com
Safety & Leisure Training Middle East,
Dusseldorf Business Point, Al Barsha 1,
Dubai, +971 44502418, www.sltme.com
Sport and Health Centres
Bespoke Wellness, Dubai,
+971 553724670, www.bespoke-wellness.com
Original Fitness Co., C6 Tower Al Bateen
Bainunah St, Abu Dhabi, +971 2406 9404,
www.originalfitnessco.com
Orthosports, 5B Street, Jumeira Beach
road, Dubai, +971 4355060, www.orthosp.com
The Physio Center, Suite 405, Building 49,
Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai,
+971 44370570, www.physiocentre.ae
Camping & Hiking
Tour Operators
Safari Desert Camp,
PO Box: 117, Postal Code 421,
Bediyah, Ghabbi, Oman,
+968 99310108,
www.safaridesert.com
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
AzZaha Tours, +968 99013424,
www.azzahatours.com
Water World Marine Oman,
POBox:76,Muscat,113,Sultanate
ofOman, +96824737438,
www.waterworldoman.com
Boating & Sailing
Manufacturer
Saphire Marine, PO Box: 11, Post Code 118,
Muscat, Oman, +968 99877243,
www.sapphire-marine.com
Qdive Marine Center, PO Box: 16657,
Doha, Qatar, +974 44375065, www.qdive.net
World Marine Centre, Old Salata Street,
near the Qatar National Museum, Doha,
Qatar, +974 55508177
Fishing & Kayaking
Equipment
Al Mamzoore Marine Equipment,
PO Box: 6449,Old Salata, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44444238,
almamzoore@qatar.net.qa
Fish World, PO Box: 1975, Doha, Qatar,
+974 44340754
Motocross
& ATVs
Dealers
Qatar Adventures, Barwa Village, Building
# 9 Shop # 11, Doha, Qatar, +974 77700074
Fishing & Kayaking
Spearfishing Shops
Equipment
Al Kashat, Fishing and Hunting
Equipment, Souq Waqif,
next to the Falcon Souq, +974 66724828
Extreme Adventure, Shop 3,4 Ahmed Bin
Ali Steet, Doha, +974 44877884,
www.extreme.qa
State of Qatar (QatarSub), Souq Waqif,
next to the Falcon Souq, +974 4431234,
www.stateofqatar.com
Stand Up Paddeling, Kite &

Surfing, Wakeboarding
Equipment, Operators
Fly-N-Ride, Al Muthaf Street, Doha, Qatar,
+974 4498 2284, www.fly-n-ride.com
Flo Kite School, Westbay, Doha,
+974 55041039, www.flokiteschool.com
Kitesurfing Qatar, +97430179108,
www.kitesurfingqatar.com
QSUP, Qanat Quartier, Costa Malaz,
The Pearl-Qc, Doha, Qatar, +974 66602830,
www.qsup.me
ONLINE DIRECTORY
AD 1FP
Waeco
Available at: Go Sport The Dubai Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall in Abu Dhabi,
Adventure HQ in Times Square mall in Dubai and Dalma mall in Abu Dhabi.
Qatar Doha: Go Sport in Villaggio Mall, Doha City Centre Mall
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HOT NEW PRODUCTS!

ADRIAN HAYES K2 2014

GET OUTDOORS IN THE UAE

THE 8,000M-PEAK DREAM

MARINAS LIWA EXPEDITIONS

Issue 45, September 2014

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Managing Editor Daniel Birkhofer

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Ready, Sept, Go!

2014 Outdoor UAE FZE

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42 COOL OUTDOOR GEAR

EVENT REVIEWS & REPORTS

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

Here are the best shots sent in by you for the

Lower sandstone gorge at Wadi Hidan, Jordan.

My wife Andree and I took while wreck diving

Refusing to let the hot weather

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

September 10 to 14, 11:00am to 10:00pm, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Aloft Runs for Children ADNEC 2014

Spinneys Build Up Ride 1 of 4

Naish N1SCO SUP Sprint race

Hilton Dubai Tower Race 2014

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September 26, 8:00pm, Wadi Adventure Al Ain

SEPTEMBER 2014 - WWW.OUTDOORUAE.COM

The return of the Ignite

Muscat Triathlon Club

September 26, 4:00pm, Millennium Hotel and

Dubai Desert Road Run

September 27, 7:00am, The Sevens Stadium

4th Emirates Cup

September 27, 10:00am to 5:00pm,

The last series of the 4th Emirates Cup will take

The Pink is Punk run-swim event is

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join the most exciting fishing event in

the prized Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish and the

fraction of a second, and is replaced by

The event the outdoor

The highlight of the off-road section is

to learn more about the market and

Very fortunate. Extremely

the sad death of Spaniard Miguel Perez on

steepness, the exposure, the constant rock

Racing your mountain bike

The British Empire Games or

at the completion of each lap and riders

ments of both. Depending on the organiser

MIDDLE EASTS OUTDOOR, ADVENTURE, TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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