Trekking through the Hajar Mountains

Transcript

00:00A short drive from Dubai, close to the border with Oman, are the Hajar Mountains.

00:12The terrain is harsh.

00:13The rocky outcrops are the opposite of the UAE stereotype.

00:17There's barely a grain of sand in sight.

00:20In fact, at first glance it seems a desolate place with few signs of life.

00:25But spend some time trekking here and you'll notice this place is teeming with wildlife.

00:31You'll have to keep your eyes peeled, or it'll be gone in a flash.

00:35Dry summer heat is replaced with cool spring months when the mountain region sees rainfall

00:40from time to time.

00:42The climb can be difficult, so you've got to come prepared.

00:46The rocks are sharp, and it's best to bring some gloves, good walking boots and enough

00:50drinking water.

00:52Take a look down, and you'll see the mountains also bear the test of time.

00:56Stones in the dried up wadis have been worn smooth by water erosion over thousands of

01:01years.

01:02But a reward lies in wait for the more determined trekkers.

01:06Because once you get to the top, the spectacular views make it all worthwhile.

01:11Ashraf Helmi, Gulf News.