Climbing

Have you been climbing in the UAE? Most people could only fathom desert, dunes, sand, the Bur Al Arab and the Bur Khalifa t when they hear the letters U-A-E simultaneously. So be surprised how many nice climbing spots they have here. You will not reach high peaks (Jebel Hafit, the highest mountain of the UAE, is just 1,300m), but you will find plenty of rough and rocky routes.

All mountains and walls are close to the east coast of the Rocky Mountain – except ‘the colourful ones.’ There are some busy guys climbing up the walls with their drill to put bolts in the rocks. Without knowing these spots, you most probably will not find them. The tough and experienced guys of course will discover their own routes and claim it as ‘the first’ wall climbed. Most of the spots are in Oman but are very close to the border.

During summer, it is impossible to go rock-climbing, the heat will certainly kill you and the stones will burn your fingers. The only solution to follow your passion in summer is to climb the cliffs from the sea and get back to the water before you overheat. You could also choose the ‘colorful walls’ – Indoor or outdoor climbing within the city of Dubai.

Suitable equipment is mandatory for rock climbing and you should consider wearing a helmet – as the rocks are sometimes loose or cracking easily. The rocks are very rough, chalk is not even required if your hands are sweating. The UAE provides good mobile network coverage, but in the mountains you will have problems catching a signal. Keep in mind that in an emergency, it can take quite a long time before a rescue team arrives at the scene. We recommend that you always take a GPS and first aid kit with you… and most importantly, enough water.

Climbing is a very good sport to keep your strength and flexibility as well as a healthy mind. Climbing is not about strength, it is more about technique and taking the right way up (grip).

Climbing can be a very safe sport. Beginners will enjoy ascending routes in low levels too. (always take an experienced climber or a guide with you). The handling of equipment is easy, but you should always take it seriously. Beginners should start with a ‘Top Rope’ –  which means the rope is already fixed at the highest point and you just need to follow it.