Watch: 5 hikers stranded on mountain in Dubai’s Hatta region airlifted

Dubai: Five hikers stranded after being unable to descend from a mountain were airlifted to safety, Dubai Police said on Monday.

Dubai Police’s Air Wing and Hatta Braves Unit, in collaboration with Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, successfully rescued the group from a mountain in Hatta after they were stuck because of hazardous terrain and the high elevation.

Mishal Julfar, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, said Dubai Ambulance, in collaboration with the Dubai Police Air Wing Centre and the Brave Team, successfully rescued the hikers. Julfar added that the operation involved two air ambulance personnel, two pilots, and a navigator from Dubai Police’s Air Wing.

The team used a helicopter equipped with a hoist to lower paramedics to the hikers’ location. After confirming their safety and providing the necessary support, no hospitalisation was required.

He highlighted the “seamless teamwork” between Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services and Dubai Police demonstrates the preparedness of their teams to manage incidents in “even the most difficult conditions”. This is especially important given the influx of visitors to Hatta during the Hatta Winter Festival.

Distress call

Pilot Colonel Khalfan Salem Al Mazroui, Acting Director of the Air Wing Centre, said the operation was initiated when the Command and Control Centre of the General Department of Operations received a distress call from the group.

“The Air Wing team quickly deployed a helicopter to the hikers’ precise location. Given the challenging conditions and the lack of a safe landing area, the crew utilised a winch to lift the individuals to safety after carefully assessing the situation,” Col Al Mazroui added.

The hikers were transported to a secure location without injury, and the entire rescue was completed promptly. Col Al Mazroui reminded the public to contact 999 for emergencies or use the ‘SOS’ feature on the Dubai Police app in critical situations.

The rescued individuals expressed their gratitude to Dubai Police for their rapid response and professionalism, praising the team for their expertise and dedication in ensuring their safety.