UAE resident turns adventurer after quitting job to travel

Bold ideas come to fruition only when people step out of their comfort zones. The idea for the UAE's popular adventure, game-concept team building company was formed after its managing partner Neha Gaggar quit her full-time job and spent four months travelling and exploring new concepts.
Rush-A-Way is an adventure race around Dubai, where contesting teams challenge their mental abilities, physical fitness, navigation skills and teamwork, "while having a blast", explained Neha. The race is a weekend activity which requires participants to get outside, challenge themselves and strengthen bonds with their teammates. "Participants can look forward to discovering new experiences around Dubai and leaving with a great sense of accomplishment," she said.
"In 2015, I left my job and travelled for four months, pursuing my love of exploring new countries and discovering new experiences. On my return, over a casual conversation on a boring weekend, a group of three friends and I decided to apply my travel experiences in a game format. That is how our very first unofficial Rush-A-Way challenge took place."
The objective was to create a "fun and adventurous experience" that helps people to explore their city. After the initial trial, Neha let their friends know about it, and the response she received just through word of mouth was "overwhelming and unexpected".
"About 100-odd people, who participated in our challenge, enjoyed the unique experience. Their constant follows-up for the next challenge led me to make spontaneity into a full-time profession," she added.
Eventually, the passion project grew to become a full-fledged company. The first challenge was launched in April 2015 with 100 participants. Since then, it has grown to multiple events a year with an average of 400 participants. "The corporate challenge was launched in 2017 with 20 organisations and 150 participants. Now, it has grown to 50 organisations and 400 participants," she said.
Neha said the challenge is a "very unique concept" that not only helps participants discover more about their city in a unique game format but also helps exciting local businesses and destinations get discovered. "The challenges help promotes overall wellness and stronger human bonds," she said.
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com