Mountain safety authorities and medical professionals across the United Arab Emirates are issuing urgent warnings to novice hikers as outdoor exploration gains unprecedented popularity. According to seasoned adventurers, the majority of mountain emergencies stem not from misfortune but from inadequate preparation and dangerous overestimation of capabilities.
Mohammad Abdullah Alblooshi, an Emirati adventurer from Kalba and active member of the 7Hikers Adventure Team, emphasizes that successful hiking begins long before reaching the trailhead. “Physical conditioning and mental preparedness form the essential foundation for any mountain excursion, particularly for beginners,” Alblooshi states. He stresses that honest self-assessment of abilities is crucial given the spectrum of trail difficulties, from gentle pathways to technically demanding routes requiring advanced skills and endurance.
Specialized equipment proves vital for safety, with Alblooshi cautioning against conventional athletic wear. Proper hiking footwear, trekking poles, and purpose-built backpacks provide critical stability on uneven terrain. Hydration demands particular attention, with recommendations of 2-3 liters of water per person supplemented by energy-rich snacks. Safety equipment including helmets, harnesses, and illumination devices should never be omitted, alongside fully charged communication devices and navigation tools.
The human factor presents significant risks, with many incidents originating from preventable errors: excessive speed, inattention to footing, mobile phone distraction, and disregard for weather conditions. Mountain rainfall poses exceptional danger due to flash flood potential in valley areas, even when precipitation isn’t visible to hikers. Alblooshi recounts the tragic loss of two experienced companions in Oman when distant rainfall triggered sudden valley flooding—a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability.
Ahmad Essa Al Mansoori, leader of the Adventure with Nature team, recommends progressive fitness building through regular walking or jogging before attempting trails. Virtual preparation through instructional videos and expert guidance can provide valuable pre-hike awareness. Guides typically assess participants’ physical readiness through basic indicators including weight-height ratio, breathing patterns during warm-ups, and regular exercise habits.
Medical professionals report treating concerning patterns of hiking-related emergencies. Dr. Jaspreet Kaur, internal medicine specialist at RAK Hospital, notes that beyond common sprains and fractures, emergency departments are seeing cases of heat exhaustion, hypothermia, electrolyte imbalance, and hypoglycemia. Novice hikers frequently experience overexertion injuries from progressing too rapidly, exacerbated by improper footwear and insufficient hydration.
Warning signs requiring immediate attention include mental confusion, coordination loss, chest pain, or breathing difficulties disproportionate to exertion. Pre-existing conditions such as asthma, cardiac issues, and diabetes may be dangerously aggravated during hiking activities. Medical experts concur that recognizing physical limits represents wisdom rather than weakness, with turnback decisions potentially preventing serious emergencies.
The consensus among outdoor professionals and medical authorities remains clear: responsible preparation, respect for natural forces, and honest self-assessment transform potential tragedies into rewarding wilderness experiences.