Adventure enthusiasts risk serious injury and even death if they do not carry enough water and stray off marked UAE mountain trails, experienced hikers said.
Their message came a day after a civil defence officer in Ras Al Khaimah led eight hikers to safety in an overnight rescue.
When the temperature switches from 24°C to above 34°C, it will bring bad news for these lost hikers
Emirati Youssef Al Habsi was praised by authorities after he spent hours tracking down the hikers stranded in the Wadi Naqab mountains and lowered them to safety by rope at sunrise on Saturday.
“He was called for help since he comes from the same area and is very familiar with it,” said Brig Gen Mohammad Al Zaabi, director of RAK Civil Defence.
Mr Al Habsi, a first assistant with the squad, found the men at 1am on Saturday, nine hours after he started the search.
“Since it was dark, he stayed with them until dawn and then used ropes to help to bring the men to safety,” Brig Gen Al Zaabi said.
The UAE's mountains are a tempting prospect for many adventurers. More people are taking staycations because of coronavirus restrictions.
Rescue teams regularly warn hikers of the dangers – especially during the UAE's searing summer heat.
Brig Gen Al Zaabi said rescue efforts are regularly conducted by the civil defence team.
Authorities have frequently warned hikers to use guides instead of venturing out on their own.
How to stay safe in the mountains:
November to mid-March are ideal for hiking before temperatures climb
Beginners should not hike when temperatures rise above 35°C
Stick to properly maintained hiking trails
Fitness in the gym does not mean you can take a tough hike
Stay cool with loose-fitting garments to avoid direct sunlight. Exposure of skin with sleeveless T-shirts and shorts adds to dehydration
For a weekend hike, start drinking extra water from Monday to get your body hydrated. For a three- to four-hour hike, carry a litre of water for each hour.
Discuss your route, and the estimated time you will return to your car, with someone who is experienced and inform them when you are back
Faisi Shalmani, founder of AFT Outdoor Adventures, said that with temperatures set to climb over the summer, beginners should never underestimate the terrain.
"This season, almost every weekend there is a rescue. Sometimes two or three rescues happen over a weekend," said the Emirati, who is a member of a volunteer force that helps search for lost hikers. He was not involved in the weekend search.
“Right now, people are eventually being found even if they are in the mountains for 13 to 15 hours and rescued the next day. But when the temperature switches from 24°C to above 34°C, it will bring bad news for these lost hikers.”
He advised newcomers to avoid hiking in summer.
Those who want to stay active should stick to short, well-marked trails and complete the trek by sunrise in the summer.
“The one thing that can save someone’s life in these mountains is water," Mr Shalmani said.
"You must also stick to a plan. If you plan a hike of three hours, do not go over this.
"It is important to discuss your route and the time you plan to return with someone you trust.”
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MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
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Profile
Company: Justmop.com
Date started: December 2015
Founders: Kerem Kuyucu and Cagatay Ozcan
Sector: Technology and home services
Based: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Size: 55 employees and 100,000 cleaning requests a month
Funding: The company’s investors include Collective Spark, Faith Capital Holding, Oak Capital, VentureFriends, and 500 Startups.
Tips to avoid getting scammed
1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday
2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment
3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone
4) Try not to close the sale at night
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6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
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Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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The biog
Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children
She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career
She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence
Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken
Company profile
Company name: Dharma
Date started: 2018
Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: TravelTech
Funding stage: Pre-series A
Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
