Since November 2018, Gulf for Good has organised and led 16 hikes in the UAE for 540 individuals and four corporate clients, raising over Dh47,000 for their charity projects for children in need around the world.
If you haven’t heard of them already, Gulf for Good, a UK registered charity & UAE registered NPO, have been operating from Dubai since 2001 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Their goal is simple; to help the lives of children in need by raising funds from bucket-list adventure challenges.
Traditionally, Gulf for Good have welcomed “challengers” on incredible international adventures such as trekking to Machu Picchu and Everest Base Camp or cycling across Borneo and Mongolia. Challengers then fundraise for a Gulf for Good charity project such as building schools, medical facilities or housing. This year they are trekking across Palestine, summitting Kilimanjaro (twice!), exploring the magnificent Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas and cycling, trekking and kayaking their way through Northern Thailand.
Since 2018, Gulf for Good has developed a comprehensive “training programme” they call soulFIT, as preparation for these bucket-list challenges. The training includes full or half day hikes in the UAE, stair climbs to the top of high-rises across the city, hikes up the slopes of Ski Dubai or cycling across a series of indoor and outdoor venues – along with many other activities like yoga and circuit training.
Gulf for Good pride themselves on having an inclusive, supportive and fun community spirit where everyone, from all walks of life, are welcome to their training activities – not just registered challengers.
Their hiking season will resume in October but for now you can check out their schedule of indoor and outdoor activities to join throughout the summer. You can check out individual activities, join their annual soulFIT training programme, or register for your next once-in-a-lifetime adventure challenge! And best yet, all funds go directly to supporting Gulf for Good’s charity projects around the world.
To date, Gulf for Good has raised over $3.5million fuelling 56 sustainable children’s charity projects in 29 countries.
Don’t miss their party on May 1, 7pm at the Jumeirah Islands Club – Barrel 12, where they’ll be launching their 2020 bucket-list challenges, handing out some incredible prizes such as free challenge places, soulFIT memberships and t-shirts and more. As always, everyone is welcome!
You can check out their schedule of activities at www.gulf4good.org or on social media @gulfforgood. For more information email emma@gulf4good.org
Written by: Emma Taylor
Photos: Emma Taylor
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this article was published in OutdoorUAE printed magazine issue #94 April – May 2019
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