Trekking is not a recognised sport in the UAE and mountains like the Hatta mountain areas can be dangerous if precautions are not taken. -File photo
Dubai - The issue of mountain safety was starkly highlighted on December 12 by the death of a 22-year old British national who perished on Jebel Jais, the UAE's tallest mountain, in Ras Al Khaimah.
Published: Wed 16 Dec 2015, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Fri 18 Dec 2015, 9:28 AM
Experienced trekkers are warning UAE residents to take appropriate safety precautions when trekking or hiking in the mountains of the UAE and neighbouring Oman.
The issue of mountain safety was starkly highlighted on December 12 by the death of a 22-year old British national who perished on Jebel Jais, the UAE's tallest mountain, in Ras Al Khaimah.
In another incident, on August 30 a UAE resident died from heat and dehydration after getting lost while hiking on Wadi Al Sameenah Mountain just across the UAE's border with Oman.
Points to remember
>Trails are not marked
> No cell phone service in the mountains
> Climbing route will be treacherous
> Don't attempt solo trip
> Keep a first-aid kit
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In an interview with Khaleej Times, Amy Subaey, director of the popular UAE Trekkers group, noted that it is easy to get lost while trekking in the UAE.
"The trails here aren't marked. If people come from Europe, Australia, the States or Canada, there are marked trails. Our hiking system is extensive, and we promote this culture of hiking. There are maps you can download. There is no excuse for getting lost," she said.
"You've got cell phone signal and a topographical map every step of the way, and signs."
"Here, there is nothing of the sort. It's not a recognised sport here. People don't really understand why you'd go out in these mountains.
"Also, in most of the mountains here, there is no cell phone service. Not Omani service, not UAE service. But that's another assumption people make, because phones work everywhere here."
Additionally, Subaey warned that UAE residents interested in trekking bring footwear that is appropriate for difficult uphill climbs.
"Most people think that if they put on a pair of running shoes, they're good to go. But running shoes are for flat surfaces," she said.
"They aren't for the type of hiking that you have to do here, which is over scree (broken rock fragments), or over very steep, rocky hills. It's really harsh. Every simple step, your foot slides back down."
"You need ankle support. If people go with running shoes, they run a huge risk of injury. Twisting your ankle is probably the best case scenario if your shoes don't really have any ankle support," she added.
Although Subaey's warning applies to all mountainous areas of the UAE and Oman, she noted that the notorious "Stairway to Heaven" climbing route near Jebel Jais in RAK is particularly treacherous. In 2012, a British national died after falling during a trek there.
"It can be pretty deadly. It's a very dramatic staircase, and one can see why people want to go there," she said.
"People constantly overestimate their own fitness. Most of them think that if they run or go to the gym they are ready for a 12-hour uphill slog. But it's a different kind of effort."
In addition to proper boots, Subaey also strong recommended that UAE-based trekkers take a backpack with a waist strap that can carry heavy loads of water, as well as a safety whistle, and to go in the company of a group or someone who is familiar with the route.
Moustapha Mroueh, a UAE-based athlete who treks in Jebel Jais and Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet to prepare for mountaineering expeditions abroad, said that his main safety concern in the UAE was heat and dehydration.
"There's always a risk of heat stroke. We never go without enough water," he said.
"Also, my son got bitten by a viper four weeks back. It's important to know how to deal with these things. It can be very dangerous."
"The most important items to take are a first-aid kit with bandages and ibuprofen, and lots of water and electrolytes," he added.
bernd@khaleejtimes.com
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