Latest news with #FujairahInternationalConferenceofAdventureTourism
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Walking along trails from 3,700BC? How Fujairah is turning mountains into tourist attractions
Fujairah is a land of mountains and rugged terrain, and within those mountains lie trails that were once followed in ancient times, as far back as 3,700BC. Today, those same paths have been transformed into thrilling adventure routes, drawing outdoor lovers from across the globe. From rugged mountain trails to the highest swing in the Middle East, Fujairah is turning its natural beauty into adventure tourism experiences. Leading this transformation is the Fujairah Adventures Centre, an organisation that has been at the heart of the emirate's journey to becoming the top destination for thrill-seekers and nature explorers. 'We turned challenges into opportunities,' said Amr Zein Eddine, director of Fujairah Adventures Centre. He explained that the emirate's features, like mountains, wadis, and a coastline are now its biggest tourism assets. The emirate now offers 15 adventure trails, each with its own scenery, terrain, and level of difficulty. These trails don't just offer a physical challenge, they are also steeped in history, passing through areas with cultural and environmental importance. 'People from all over the world come to Fujairah to experience these trails,' said Eddine. 'And we have more to offer and we will be soon announcing more adventure in the emirate.' This vision was the focus of the Fujairah International Conference of Adventure Tourism held on Wednesday, April 30. It was the first event of its kind in the UAE, organised under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. It brought together experts and leaders from around the world to highlight Fujairah's growing role in the global adventure tourism industry. The Fujairah Crown Prince spoke about how adventure tourism can boost the economy while also promoting sustainable development, not just for Fujairah, but for the region and beyond. Eddine shared that the groundwork for Fujairah's adventure tourism strategy began in 2017. Since then, the emirate has built an entire ecosystem, creating regulations, infrastructure, training programmes, and marketing plans specifically designed for this sector. 'This conference is the fruit of a seed we planted a few years ago,' he said. One of the emirate's most popular attractions is the Fujairah Adventure Park, launched in 2020. It already features 17 thrilling experiences including zip lines, camping, glamping, and that iconic swing, the highest in the Middle East and the third highest in the world. 'The park is now undergoing further expansion to welcome even more visitors. We will be having more adventure coming winter,' said Eddine. But Fujairah isn't just building attractions; it's also building skills. The emirate is partnering with global organisations to train certified mountain leaders, hiking guides and climbing instructors. During the conference, two major agreements were signed, one with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), and another with the Cyprus Mountaineering, Climbing, and Orienteering Federation. 'We and Ras Al Khaimah are like one destination, ' said Eddine. 'The MoU we signed focuses on three things — unifying our destinations, improving training, and working together on cross-promotion.' The event also saw the launch of a new book, 'Alpine Skills: Summer', along with safety guides for mountain biking, hiking, and camping — aimed at promoting best practices among both professionals and tourists. Key government bodies including UN Tourism, the Ministry of Economy, Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Department, and the Fujairah Environment Authority were honoured for their support in making the initiative a success. 'We work closely with the tourism and environment authorities,' said Eddine. 'Fujairah is not a new destination; we have trails from 3,700BC. Every new trail we discover adds another chapter to our story.'
Gulf News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Fujairah to host UAE's first international adventure tourism conference
Fujairah: The Fujairah Adventures Center has announced to host the inaugural Fujairah International Conference of Adventure Tourism in May this year. Being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the conference will take place April 30 to May 2, 2025. Organised in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), this first-of-its-kind event in the UAE is designed to spotlight Fujairah's untapped potential as a prime adventure tourism destination, leveraging its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and strategic location. 'Hosting this international conference marks a strategic milestone in the development of the adventure tourism sector in our region,' said Amr Zein Eddine, Director of Fujairah Adventures Center and Head of the Higher Organising Committee. The three-day conference will feature keynote addresses, expert panels, and interactive sessions focused on key themes including: Investment & Growth: Opportunities and challenges in the global adventure tourism industry. Safety & Standards: International best practices for exploration and recreational safety. Sustainability & Community: Strategies for preserving natural resources and empowering local economies. Innovation & Youth: The role of start-ups, universities, influencers, and UNWTO Affiliate Members in shaping the future of adventure tourism. Adventure tourism A highlight of the event will be the launch of the region's first standardised adventure tourism framework, tailored specifically to the Middle East. Additionally, the conference will unveil the Arabic translation of the UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation) safety guidebook, aimed at promoting high standards and best practices in adventure sports. Scenic outdoors The opening day will feature Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signings and a formal book launch. On the following days, delegates and attendees will experience Fujairah's scenic outdoors through a curated program of cultural and eco-tourism activities. These include visits to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Fujairah Fort, traditional encounters at Al Taiba Village, guided hikes in Wadi Wurrayah Nature Reserve, and deep-sea fishing paired with local culinary experiences.
