Watch: Pet-friendly expeditions all the rage in the UAE

Dubai: Pet-friendly expeditions seem to be all the rage in the UAE these days, as an increasing number of residents are venturing into the outdoors with their pets.

Hussain Darwish, a Dubai-based businessman, who has been hiking with his dogs since 2008-2009, has also organised several pioneering events such as the Human and K9 Ultimate Challenge (from 2015), HK9 Adventures and HK9 Cannicross.

He said he is happy to see the trend catching on, with many options being made available to dog-lovers in recent years.

Darwish, who currently owns five dogs, has taken his adventures to the next level, with a bird accompanying him and his dogs on their expeditions.

“Yes, I have trained Logan, one of my Harris Hawks, to fly with me and Violet, my Belgian Malinois, when we go on our treks. We do this quite often, every weekend almost during the winter months, along with family and friends,” he said.

“It’s a great way to spend time and bond with your loved ones,” he said, adding that his daughters, aged five and three, have been coming with him since they were babies.

Darwish emphasises the need for hikers to be aware of some basic principles and to abide by the rules.

“People should wear the right gear to stay protected. They must also hydrate themselves adequately. Taking pets off-track is a complete no-no. Dog owners must also ensure they do not spoil the beauty of the places they hike in by not littering and also cleaning up after the dogs. Otherwise, the trails will become off-limits.”

Weekend passion

Faisal Riaz Khan, a Pakistani expat from Ras Al Khaimah, who often goes with Darwish with his pack of black dogs, said he got hooked to pet-friendly hikes after a trip to Wadi Shawka four years ago.

“I cannot recall doing a hike without my dogs ever since. It has become a regular weekend activity during winter,” said Khan, an avid photographer, off-roader and Nature lover.

Leash Explorer

Events involving dogs have become extremely popular. Coming up over the next two months, for example, is Leash Explorer, a unique activation for residents and their dogs.

Mena Lopes, Co-founder and Organiser of Leash Explorer, said, “This is the third time Leash Explorers is doing an activation in three years because of the demand. Dog owners just love the idea of an adventure, hike, island tour or beach kayaking with their pets. Our aim is to help them create memories with the dogs.”

Lopes said the 26 dog lovers who have so far booked for this year’s activation – registrations are open till January 19 - will go on an exploration with their dogs at their own pace to all the seven emirates in the UAE, where a curated activity at a special location awaits them.

“Once the seven emirates are covered, they will all meet each other at the grand finale where they will exchange padlocks collected at every location for badges that can be attached to a special leash for their dogs,” said Lopes.

According to her, going on a hike or adventure with the dogs can be fun and adventurous, but it may not always be the safest option, without experience in exploring the outdoors.

“We work with licensed outdoor adventure companies, to be able to offer a fun and safe experience for you and your dog,” she added.

One with Nature

MJ, a regular on the Leash Explorer trips, says she made it a point to get her dogs group-trained before she took them outdoors because it could be risky and unpredictable. “I felt it was better to get them trained for obedience, recall etc, and I too became more confident to handle them outside.”

A Filipina tech consultant, she said her weekends are dedicated to her three dogs - cocker spaniels Pocholo and Kenzo and Japanese Spitz Mavis. Now that the winter months are here, she never misses an opportunity to go out with them somewhere special.

“My family is back home and I never leave the house without my dogs over the weekends. Together, we camp in the desert, play on the beach, walk in the desert and go on mountain hikes. I feel completely one with Nature when I am out with them in such places,” said MJ.

Puppy love

Some residents even take dogs from an animal shelter out for a hike.

South African expat Lizan Gray, who works in Ras Al Khaimah, said, "Due to a very busy work schedule, it's difficult for me to keep a pet. Since the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre launched their 'Dog Day Out programme, I often take one of their rescue dogs to go hiking with me or spend the day with them by the beach. It's the perfect harmony of getting some puppy love and giving the dogs a chance to get out of the shelter."