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Feature 33 ADVENTURE TRAVEL


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8 Via Ferrata, Ras Al Khaimah 9 Dubai Creek 10 Snorkelling, Musandam Peninsula, Oman 11 Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai 12 & 13 Musandam, Oman 14 Scuba diving, Musandam Peninsula, Oman


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“More than ever before, travellers have an array of choices available to them, and are looking away from more traditional beach and sight-seeing holidays”


US$43.3billion (AED159.1 billion) in 2016, 12.1 percent of the country’s total GDP, and is predicted to increase by 2.9 percent in 2017, and to then rise by 4.9 percent each year to US$72 billion (AED264.5 billion) by 2027. This would account for 12.4 percent of the UAE’s total GDP, with experiential tourism a primary driver in this success. Making the most of the growth sector, for those who wish to get a boost of adrenaline on UAE shores, Ras Al Khaimah’s adventure tour- ism offering includes the Via Ferrata zip line. The name translates as ‘iron path’ and with its location on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak at 6,266 feet, it’s easy to see why. The zip line launched in November last year and is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It gives thrillseekers the chance to traverse its terrain on a wire of either 50, 60 or 300 metres for a speedy and picturesque descent to the ground.


HIDDEN GEMS For the adventurous gourmand, a walking tour of old Dubai’s atmospheric alleys to search out the best street food is a must. Among the companies offering tours is Frying Pan Adventures, whose signature trails include ‘Naif by Night’ and the ‘Middle Eastern Food Pilgrimage’. The latter sees participants spending


upwards of four hours visiting two restaurants, a street stall, a baklava shop and a speciality food store to try regional delicacies such as hot cheesy pastries, crisp falafels, Emirati spiced meat and pistachio-studded Iranian ice cream. Those with an interest in history can combine


it with hiking at Mada’in Saleh in Saudi Arabia’s Al Madinah Region - which became the nation’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Off the beaten track, the area known as


‘Little Petra’ is an ancient Nabatean settlement filled with 131 magnificent tombs dating from the first century BCE.


Also on view at the archaeological site are a series of inscriptions, cave drawings and water wells, which show the sophisticated agricultural methods of the Nabataean people. Hiking tours of the surrounding desert landscape and ancient city are also an incredible way of connecting with the local culture. In neighbouring Qatar, the naturally occur-


ring Musfer Sinkhole is another strong draw for the adventurous traveller. Situated in Umm Al Shabrum, close to the Saudi Arabian border, the Karst cave can be found in the heart of the desert. It was formed by the dissolution of solu- ble rock and reaches 325 feet below ground at its deepest. Daring visitors can climb down its rocky interior, as the temperature dips and the light fades, to investigate the network of caverns below for an experience to remember. Also in Qatar, for an adventurous retail expe-


rience, Doha’s Souq Waqif should be on all itin- eraries. The traditional marketplace has served


as a central meeting point for centuries, with the Bedouins attending regularly to trade in items such as livestock and clothing. After undergoing a large-scale renovation,


the souk reopened in 2008 and today serves as a popular shopping destination for tourists and locals alike - selling everything from perfume to jewellery and spices. Considering the options available for adven-


ture and stand-out experiences in the Middle East, Press says: “More than ever before, travel- lers have an array of choices available to them and, as such, are looking away from the more traditional beach and sight-seeing holidays. “Some are soaking up culture and customs, while others, especially regional visitors more familiar with Arabic culture, are clearly opting for thrill-seeking adventures and experiences. “That message is coming through loud


and clear from many of the travel profession- als attending Arabian Travel Market this year.”


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