UAE, DUBAI—Pet-friendly hiking and outdoor activities are on the rise in the UAE, with many residents finding joy in combining their love for dogs, nature, and adventure over weekends.
Hussain Darwish, an Omani businessman in Dubai, has been hiking with his dogs since 2008. He has organized several pioneering events like the Human and K9 Ultimate Challenge and HK9 Adventures. Darwish currently owns five dogs and takes them on weekly hikes during winter months. He even has a bird, a trained Harris Hawk named Logan, that accompanies him on his adventures with his dogs.
“We’ve made it a family activity,” Darwish says, noting that his young daughters, aged 3 and 5, have been joining him on hikes since they were babies. He stresses the importance of staying safe during hikes, wearing appropriate gear, and respecting the environment by not littering.
One pet owner, Faisal Riaz Khan from Ras Al Khaimah, recalls his first hike with his black dogs in Wadi Shawka, which led to an ongoing weekend tradition of hikes during the winter months.
In response to the growing demand for pet-friendly outdoor experiences, events like Leash Explorer are making waves in the community. Leash Explorer is a curated adventure where dog owners explore all seven emirates with their pets. The third activation of this event kicks off soon, with participants collecting special badges for their dogs after visiting each emirate.
For dog owners who want to explore the outdoors safely, licensed outdoor adventure companies ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. “We work with experts to offer the safest experiences,” says Mena Lopes, co-founder of Leash Explorer.
For those unable to keep pets, some residents take dogs from animal shelters out for hikes and adventures. Lizan Gray, a South African expat in Ras Al Khaimah, participates in the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre's “Dog Day Out” program, offering shelter dogs a chance to explore the outdoors.