Great Outdoors – A mountain playground

Posted on December 19, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

A mountain playground
By Shikha Mishra, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59

The rugged landscape of Ras Al Kaimah draws avid trekkers and sports enthusiasts.

“We perceived the town of Ras el Khyma rising from the water line at the foot of lofty mountains.”
— JS Buckingham, 1825. (From the book A Portrait of Ras Al Khaimah, by Shirley Kay)

Driving down the highway to Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) can be a surreal experience as the rush hour traffic jam in Sharjah melts into stark rocky mountains and miles of sand dunes. However, not all the topography of this emirate is desolate and barren. Lush green fields, wadis over-run with fresh water, gurgling waterfalls – RAK has earned its title of outdoor playground as hundreds of adventure lovers flock to it looking for their next adrenalin rush.

“RAK is the only emirate where you can enjoy the mountains to the beach to the sand dunes within a 10-20 minute driving distance from one another,” says Nagarajan J Udupa, General Manager, Khatt Springs Hotel and Spa.

The hotel has tied up with RAK Events and promotes sand dune and mountain driving, desert safaris, sand surfing, camping in the desert, trekking and mountain biking in the emirate. “Overnight camping in the desert is very popular and it is safe as well. For the adventurous ones, RAK is the right place to be as long as all the safety precautions are taken,” says Udupa.

Among the numerous mountain biking trails in RAK, three major tracks start from the Khatt Hotel. “There are a numbers of wadis in the area, the most prominent being Wadi Bih, Wadi Tayeba and Wadi Oraiyah. In the Wadi Oraiyah area there is a spectacular waterfall,” says Udupa.

Mahesh Sarna, a 33-year-old banking professional based in Sharjah has driven his 4×4 through Wadi Aimah, a popular, but extremely tough route through the Hajjar mountains. “Wadi Asimah can be accessed through Ghail, a small village in RAK. The wadi offers mountain driving over all types of terrain and conditions – from deep green foliage to small water bodies to dreary rocks – it has it all,” says Sarna.

John Falchetto of Mountain Extreme, an RAK based eco-adventure company specialising in adventure tourism and sports, organises a hike to Shaikh Saoud’s Mountain Palace in RAK.

“This trek is the most popular right now. It offers a chance to climb to the highest peak in the area, Jebel Jays, and a chance to enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley below, which extends all the way to the Arabian Gulf. This hike is also a great way to reach the top of Jebel Jays also known as the Stairway to Heaven, without having to cross exposed ledges. This is not an easy trek, an effort of five to six hours is required to reach Shaikh Saud mountain palace, but the climb is worth the magnificent scenery at the top,” says Falchetto.

Khalifa Al Khatri of Aryam Tours says that the government is making an effort to promote tourism in RAK. “Wadi Bih is the most popular wadi in RAK. It has beautiful off-road driving options apart from stunning mountain views, and is great to drive through.

The mountains in RAK have a lot of potential — you can do biking, hiking, quad biking, desert safaris, camping, desert sports, walks and horse and camel riding. The costs range between Dh150 to about Dh450 depending on the size of the group. Water sports, fishing, snorkelling, and sea boat trips are also great options to enjoy the variety of sea activities that RAK offers,” he says. And then there is Mountain Day.

In 2003, the UN General Assembly designated December 11 as International Mountain Day. “International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring a positive change to the world’s mountains and highlands,” says Falchetto. On December 14 Mountain Extreme led a hike into the hidden mountain villages of the UAE to celebrate this day and create awareness.

Hikers were able to visit an authentic Shihi mountain village with houses, animal pens, a wheat mill and terrace fields, besides getting to see water springs, artefacts, wooden doors and tools dating back hundreds of years. An option to explore the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Yibir was also eagerly sought by avid hikers.

Apart from the mountains, the RAK beach is a popular venue for outdoor activities. The Hilton RAK has a diving centre, apart from activities such as fishing, boat trips, beach volleyball and football.

“Our main business comes from tour operators and the leisure market in the UAE. RAK is a great weekend destination and holidays such as Eid, Christmas and New Year apart from the long weekends get busy.

Our high season runs from November to the end of April because of the pleasant weather,” says Fadi Banat, Sales Manager, Hilton, RAK.

Great Outdoors – Park here!

Posted on December 19, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Park here!
By Esha Nag, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59

Dubai’s parks are the emirate’s breathing space.

The UAE, in spite of its desert topography and dry climate, has beautiful and well-maintained public parks that offer a host of facilities. The directives of the Dubai Government to increase the number of green areas have provided an additional incentive to the Dubai Municipality to implement various plantation projects all over the emirate.

Dubai’s parks have turned out to be the emirate’s breathing space, besides being major tourist attractions. Says Ahmad Mohammad Abdul Karim, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, Dubai Municipality, “Dubai now has a total recreational area of nearly 600 hectares with six public parks, 19 residential parks, eight landscapes, 32 community facilities (playgrounds) and two open beaches.

“More such facilities are under construction and will continue to be undertaken by the municipality in order to meet the needs of Dubai’s residents.” Currently the most popular parks include the Safa Park, Zabeel Park, Al Mamzar Park, Jumeirah Beach Park, Dubai Creek Park and Mushrif Park.

By 2010 the Municipality intends to build 16 parks. These will include Nadd Al Hamr, Leisili, Hatta-1, Hatta-2, Al Barsha-2, Mamzar-2, Al Quoz, Al Nahda, Mirdiff 2, Al Warqa-2, Al Barsha-2, Al-Barsha-3 and Nadd Al Buhaira Pond Park.

“Public parks are a very important amenity, particularly in a city such as Dubai where so many residents live in apartments and do not have access to a garden. With the introduction of running surfaces around the perimeter of Safa and Zabeel Park, many people have taken to walking or jogging around the parks. The area is safe from traffic and there is plenty of parking space. The provision of toilets in the park is also very helpful,’ says Graham Rafferty, coordinator of the Dubai Road Runners.

The Dubai Road Runners meet every Saturday at 6.30pm in Safa Park.

“We also have events in Creek Park and Mushrif Park. Both are very pleasant to run in. A special running surface is currently under construction in Mushrif Park. I really feel we need more parks in Dubai because the traffic is heavy here and people don’t want to travel far to reach a park,” says Rafferty.

In order to maintain the beauty of the parks, the Public Parks and Horticulture Department has set up special organisational units to take care of maintenance and horticultural activities.

From horticultural maintenance to developing sports services as per the requirements of park visitors to cleaning services and privatisation, these units are responsible for the daily upkeep of these public spaces.

Says Deborah Dixon, who runs the Stride for Life aerobic walking and running programme at Safa Park: “In Dubai people work very hard and spend a lot of time commuting to and from work. This can be a fun, fast-paced life, but it can also be very isolating and physically and emotionally draining. Being near nature and other people can be a powerful stress reliever and mood booster.”

The Safa Park, Dixon feels, is a fantastic space in the heart of Dubai. “It is large enough to feel as though one has escaped from the city for a while. The park has wonderful trees and gardens, lakes and children’s play areas. The landscaping is such that there are areas suitable for field sports as well as hills, which will improve your fitness levels. There are also basketball and tennis courts here. We meet regularly at Safa. The outside pavement has been rubberised to provide an excellent shock absorbent surface on which to walk and run.”

Sharjah is also set to have 10 more public parks as part of a Dh15 million project to revamp its public spaces. The project, under the guidance of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will also see the parks being used as venues for social events. The move aims at developing public park facilities, park expansions and landscape development.

In addition to its existing 35 parks, Sharjah Municipality is adding 10 new parks in the city, which will be fully equipped and designed to accommodate families and children.

Abu Dhabi also has several well-maintained parks, which reflect the commitment of the ruling family to the beautification of the city.

Most of the parks contain water features and children’s play areas.

The Abu Dhabi Municipality recently opened the Khalifa Park, a new recreational landmark in the UAE capital.

The 500,000-square-metre park can handle more than 5,000 people at a time. Its designs are inspired by Arabic and Islamic architecture and consist of various attractions, including gardens, party halls, a dedicated area for women and children with a swimming pool and an amphitheatre, all linked by a train.

The park’s museum traces the UAE’s history to the prehistoric era.

Parks of Dubai

Mamzar Park
Location: Mamzar residential area, on the extension of the corniche and Mamzar creek, neighbouring the main road that leads to Sharjah.

Facilities

— Modern, well-equipped and air-conditioned chalets with special areas assigned for barbecue and recreation. Charges for the big chalet are Dh200 a day, while a small chalet costs Dh150 a day. There are 15 chalets, which have parking nearby. The chalets are not furnished for sleeping.

— Five separate beaches with changing rooms, sun beds, umbrellas, toilets, showers for beach swimmers and canteens. There are also lifeguards and safety buoys.

— Playgrounds for football, volleyball, basketball and tennis. There is also a special place for roller-skating. Beach visitors can use these facilities without any fees.

— 38 barbecue areas equipped with modern barbecue tools, umbrellas and benches.

— Large swimming pool with three recreational swimming areas for different age groups, wooden benches, umbrellas and sun beds in addition to changing rooms, showers and canteens.

— Children’s games and equipment such as slides and climbing bars, train and bike rides.

— A theatre that seats 10,000 people.

Mushrif Park
Location: Mushrif, Deira.

Facilities

— 56 spots for barbecue and picnics. These are equipped with wooden shades, seats, modern grills and wooden toys.

— Separate swimming areas for men and women.

— Rotating horses, flying camels, children’s cars, circular train, recreational jumping apparatus, swings, slides, seesaw and climbing ropes for children.

— Tracks for sports enthusiasts and reserved ground for volleyball, football and basketball.

— Restaurant with air-conditioned game halls.

Safa Park
Location: Off Shaikh Zayed Road on Interchange 2.

Facilities

— Grounds for football, volleyball and tennis and a set of physical fitness equipment.

— Peripheral jogging track with special running surface around the outside of the park.

— 21 barbecue areas equipped with modern barbecue tools, umbrellas and benches. More barbecue areas will be added soon.

— Children’s games and equipment such as slides and climbing bars, installed according to the latest international specifications. Visitors can enjoy swings, ride a train and rent bicycles.

— Electric cars, ferris wheel, traffic village, horse rides, boat rides and fun jumping. In addition, the park also has a labyrinth with foyer and corridors surrounded by fences and bushes with only one exit. Whoever enters the labyrinth shall find only one exit.

— Restaurant and games hall. There are three canteens spread across the park.

Jumeirah Beach Park
Location: In the residential area of Jumeirah, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and alongside Jumeirah Road.

Facilities

— Rental sun beds and umbrellas at reasonable rates, with the park crew offering the necessary help.

— Safe swimming areas off the beach with safety buoys.

— Recreational facilities such as speedboats, banana boats, and parachutes.

— Two beach football courts and two beach volleyball courts.

— Two barbecue areas, each with seven barbecues, umbrellas and seats.

— Slides, skating tracks and other high-quality games enjoyable for children of different age groups.

— Large restaurant with an air-conditioned billiards court.

Creekside ParkLocation: Alongside Dubai Creek on the Bur Dubai side.

Facilities

— Entertainment areas.

— Three helicopter pads.

— First-aid room and modern communication devices.

— Mini golf course, with 18 holes.

— Theatre area with capacity to hold around 400 people.

— Aflaj Heritage Village

— Children’s City and Snow World.

Zabeel Park
Location: Near World Trade Centre in the heart of Dubai in the Zabeel area. The park is divided into three sections — A, B and C.

Suspended pedestrian bridges and an internal train connect the three sections.

Facilities

— Party area.

— Maze modelled on the solar system

— Lakeside restaurant complex.

— Exhibition building.

— Cafeteria

— Cricket ground.

— Open-air theatre.

— Separate areas for technology, sports and entertainment.

— Main theatre for celebrations and programmes as well as for establishments wanting to host international shows.

— Health club

— Star Gate, a project with an estimated cost of Dh220 million.

Five domes, partly underground, are linked via air-conditioned tunnels. The domes are Saturn, Moon, Earth, Mars and UFO. Each dome is dedicated to different types of entertaining scientific activities.

Great Outdoors – Under the stars

Posted on December 19, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Under the stars
By Cindy L Bailey, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59

All you need to know to camp in the UAE.

Some experiences are better lived than read about. Camping in the UAE is one of them.

There are still some camping rules where there is a little regulation that should be followed to not only keep out of harm’s way, but also to make each camping session magical and memorable.

There are no official camping grounds in the UAE but desert camping is still a very popular activity enjoyed by many, in areas such as Hatta, Liwa, Hameem and the Moreeb Dunes.

The Dubai Municipality website is a great source for camping tips. It includes hints on how to protect the environment while enjoying that fun day out in the great outdoors.

The Environment Department, Environment Protection and Safety section in the website elaborates. “The desert is a sensitive environment. Vehicles traveling over the sand pose a threat to habitats and dune stability.

“Drivers should avoid making new tracks in the sand and stay on paths that have already been made. Driving over the desert kills plants and spoils the compact soil, making it difficult for new plants to grow.

“Desert plants protect the desert from erosion and provide a source of nourishment and protection for desert creatures. Desert animals should not be disturbed.” The website also advises campers on how to approach areas that support wildlife. There are also beach camping rules.

“Do not drive vehicles in the inertial zone at the beach. Dubai Local Orders prohibit acts which may damage the natural environment of any protected area, including damage to wild, marine or plant life or any actions affecting the aesthetic values of any reserve.

Protected areas include the head of Dubai Creek, the coastal strip and adjoining marine waters west of Jebel Ali Hotel.”

In the UAE, keeping the harsh summers in mind, camping is not just about the where and how. It’s also about when.

The best time to pitch a tent in the UAE is during the winter months. Temperatures are not extreme (unless one is camping in the proper desert, where temperatures are known to plummet at night).

Also, do keep in mind to drink up to two litres of drinking water per person, per day during extended camping sessions in the desert.

Rosy pictures of a crackling campfires are picture perfect vignettes for the family album. But a lot goes into that Kodak moment, which brings us to the camping equipment.

To set up camp you will need equipment that can withstand hard ground, cold nights, sand and bugs. For shelter, choose a low-profile exoskeleton tent. Its seam-sealed floor keeps out insects while the self-supporting frame allows the tent to be moved around easily. Each person in the party should have his/her own sleeping bag.

Animals, insects, and sand are inconveniences one can’t help considering while camping out. Place clothes and shoes in bags at night and remember to shake out clothes and sleeping bags before use to ensure that there are no scorpions and spiders piling on for the ride.

Health is of paramount importance when out camping. Even on cool days it’s advisable to protect yourself against too much sun with a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses, sun block cream and comfortable clothing.

Keep the young ones well protected. It is also important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration. “Feeling weak, dizzy, tired, exceptionally thirsty, getting a dry mouth muscle weakness and headaches are the symptoms,” warns Dr Denis Hardy, paediatrician at the Manchester Clinic, Dubai. Carrying a first-aid kit is a must.

Follow rules indicated in the Dubai Muncipality website. “Beaches and desert areas should not be littered with barbecue ashes.

“If you intend to make a fire then take your own wood or charcoal or use dead wood. Do not pull limbs from ‘ dead'” trees or uproot dead shrubs.” Know that any form of waste would take decades to decompose, so don’t forget to bring rubbish bags to discard of any waste.” For information regarding camping applications, contact 04 206 4244 or 04 206 4245. More details can also be found at http://www.environment.gov.ae

CAMPING OUT
Essentials for an overnighter

Here is a list of everything you will need for a safe camping trip:

Tent
Sleeping bags
Pillows (for small children)
First-aid kit
Sunscreen
Lanterns or flash lights (Be sure to have extra fuel or batteries.)
Insect repellent
A cool box with several litres of water
Dry foods such as sandwiches, crisps, canned foods and bread.
Tin opener
A small disposable grill
Matches or a lighter
A small saucepan
Plastic knifes, forks and spoons
Wet wipes
Rubbish bags

Great Outdoors – Thrills & Spills

Posted on December 19, 2007 Updated on June 6, 2015

Thrills and spills
By Andrea Anastasiou, Staff Writer GULF NEWS Published: December 18, 2007, 22:59

From riding the dunes to skimming the skies and diving into the azure blue of the Arabian Sea, the Top 10 list of outdoor activities in the UAE is a thrill fest.

The end of another uncomfortable UAE summer signals the start of the season for people to enjoy the great outdoors. During the next few months, there is an abundance of outdoor activities and events to be enjoyed by families, thrill seekers and sports enthusiasts alike. Here are ten of the absolutely ripping best.

Dubai Seaplane
Seawings offers you the opportunity to enjoy and marvel at the ever-changing Dubai skyline from a Cessna 208 Caravan Seaplane. There are three tours to choose from, and some of the sights that are to be enjoyed from 1,500 feet are the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek.
Location: Jebel Ali Hotel
Cost: Starts Dh795 per adult
Contact: Seawings (+97148832999) or visit: http://www.seawings.ae

Movies under the stars
Every Sunday from 8 pm you can enjoy some of your favourite movies under the stars at the Wafi City garden rooftop. There is a different theme every week, with Ghost, Seven and American Pie being some of the past movies shown. Giant beanbags, popcorn, pizza and hot dog stands heighten the chilled out ambience.
Location: Wafi City Rooftop, entrance through Carters
Cost: Free
Contact: Wafi City (+971 4 3244555)

Absolute outdoor adventure
For true outdoor activity enthusiasts, Absolute Adventures offers all types of experiences at its beachfront facility in Dibba.
The centre is set among the region’s best trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock-climbing, diving and sailing areas, and is equipped with quality outdoor gear. For the full experience, take a group of friends and spend the weekend here and indulge in a fun list of outdoor activities.
Location: Karsha, Oman, on the UAE-Oman border
Cost: By quotation
Contact: Absolute Adventures (+9713459900)

Dubai Surf School
Take to the azure blue waters with Dubai’s first surf school, Surf Dubai, and learn how to ride the waves with the professionals. Dubai’s coastline suits the novice surfer due to the manageable waves. Lessons are offered daily, and specialised learner surfboards are provided.
All lessons are subject to sea conditions; you can receive daily Wave Alerts by signing up on the company’s website, (www.surfingdubai.com) and then call to book lessons at your convenience.
Location: Sunset Beach, Near Ladies Club, Dubai.
Cost: Starts Dh175 for adults, and Dh150 for children
Contact: Surf Dubai (+971505043020)

Desert safari
A popular outdoor experience is the desert safari; trips into the extensive desert are the ultimate UAE pastime. Many companies offer these excursions, with camel riding, dune bashing and safari skiing just some of the activities that are on offer whilst in the desert, in addition to the 4×4 wheel drive to reach ‘camp’.
Some packages include overnight stay with traditional Arabic entertainment in the form of belly-dancing, henna painting and shisha smoking.
Some companies that offer desert safaris are Arabian Adventures (+97143034888), and Desert Rangers (+9714 3402408)

Hot air balloon flight
You can now experience the moon-like landscape of the Hajj mountains, the Dubai skyline, and the giant dunes of the UAE from a hot air balloon. The trip lasts for approximately an hour and is suitable for most people, making it possible for families with children over the age of five to have an adventure in a safe environment.
Cost: Dh880
Contact: Balloon Adventure Dubai (+97142854949)

Dhow boat cruise
Take a dhow cruise on the Dubai creek to marvel at the city’s architecture and changing skyline. Many different tour companies offer cruises with some offering packages including food and beverages and live entertainment such as belly dancers and Arabic music. Some companies that offer Dhow Boat Cruises include Creekside Leisure (+971 4 3368407) and City Smart (+971 4 2246 181).

Tandem Sky Dive
The thrilling experience of a tandem sky dive from 12,000 feet is a must for adventure seekers, and this can be done at the UAQ Aeroclub in Umm Al Quwain. Accelerated free falls are also on offer for the extremely brave.
Location: Umm Al Quwain
Cost Tandem sky dive with an instructor, Dh1000.
Contact: (+971067681447)

Camel racing
Camel racing is a deep-rooted traditional sport that finds its origins in the desert culture of North Africa and the Middle East. The UAE has 15 racetracks with spacious and well-kept stadiums for viewers. Camel races take place from late October to early April, and periodically throughout the rest of the year. The races generally take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter season or on five-day events held in the UAE’s larger centres.
Contact: Nad Al Sheba Racecourse (+9714322277)

Water sports
Dubai International Marine Club is a beach resort that offers a large variety of water sports and pastimes including windsurfing, sailing, fishing, and scuba diving. There are also the Beach Olympics for incentive and corporate groups. The DIMC also hosts a number of racing events for vessels ranging from traditional dhows to modern yachts.
Contact: Dubai International Marine Club (+97143994111)