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The first edition of the Columbia Mountain Hiking and Adventure Festival brought together 300 adventurers of various ages and nationalities at Al Hayl Fort and Square in Fujairah. Organized by the Fujairah Adventure Center, the event highlights growing partnerships between government and private sectors to support adventure tourism in the UAE.
The festival kicked off at 8:00 AM with a mountain hiking trail through Fujairah’s natural terrain, continuing until evening hours. Participants could choose from three distinct routes starting from Al Hayl Fort, including an easy 3-kilometer trail in the Al Hayl area, a moderate 5-to-7-kilometer path leading to Wadi Saham, and an advanced 23-kilometer trek along the new Al Farfar route extending to the Al Farfar region.
Adventure Tourism Festival Features Educational Workshops
Alongside the hiking activities, the festival hosted a series of awareness and cultural workshops that ran until 8:00 PM. Four specialized workshops focused on introducing Fujairah’s nature and the regulations governing adventure tourism activities, according to event organizers.
Amro Zein El Din, Director of the Fujairah Adventure Center, presented a storytelling workshop about Fujairah and its mountains. Additionally, participants attended yoga sessions, wilderness coexistence classes, and a meditation workshop in nature led by Tarek Zeidan, leader of the Columbia Adventure Community in the Middle East. Various cultural and recreational activities complemented the educational programming.
Strengthening Fujairah’s Position in Adventure Tourism
Zein El Din confirmed that the adventure tourism festival achieved its objectives in promoting and revitalizing adventure tourism while enhancing Fujairah’s position as a primary destination for this tourism sector. The event provided opportunities to connect with leading influencers and experts in the adventure field across the Middle East, according to the center director.
Among the festival’s key outcomes was consensus on the importance of unifying security and safety regulations for adventure activities. Participants also emphasized the necessity of developing and diversifying tourism products, alongside working to strengthen infrastructure and training programs to elevate the adventure tourism experience in Fujairah.
Future Collaboration and Safety Standards
The festival resulted in agreements to support and develop the adventure community while collaborating on promoting sustainable tourism. Organizers reached consensus on spreading awareness about safe standards and regulations for practicing adventure tourism activities, Zein El Din noted.
However, future events will focus particularly on beginners in the adventure field, educating and qualifying them to ensure safe and conscious practice of activities. This approach aims to reduce injuries and address misconceptions associated with adventure tourism, according to event officials.
Columbia Festival Combines Wellness and Adventure
Zeidan described the Columbia Mountain Hiking and Adventure Festival as a unique event that brought together the spirit of adventure, relaxation, and physical and mental health through breathing exercises and yoga activities. Meanwhile, participants explored the nature and ancient history of Fujairah, which extends thousands of years.
The Columbia Adventure Community leader pointed to the noticeable development in the emirate’s infrastructure, emphasizing that Fujairah provides an ideal environment for organizing adventure activities and physical and spiritual sports. In contrast to urban settings, the Al Hayl area features quiet mountainous nature and stunning landscapes, making it a launching point for diverse and sustainable future events.
Organizers have expressed commitment to holding regular joint events in the coming period. Further details about the next edition of the adventure tourism festival and specific dates have not yet been announced, though officials indicate plans are underway to expand programming for novice adventurers.
