Tips when trekking UAE mountains

Experienced trekkers are warning United Arab Emirates 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, 2015 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.

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. “Here, it is not a recognised sport. There are no trail signs. There is no cell service. People don’t really understand why you’d go out in these mountains.”

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.

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