Our favourite season of the year is upon us – one where we dive into the deepest crevices of our closets to bring out the toasty pullovers, sweaters and hoodies.
Click start to play today’s Word Search, where you can spot words cold enough to give you the “chills”.
This year winter solstice is set to arrive on December 21, and if previous trends are any proof to go by, we could be in for a teeth-chattering January. Mountainous regions of Al Ain recorded sub-zero temperatures early this year, while cities enjoyed relatively cold spells.
With more and more people venturing out in search of a well-deserved break, you might want to join the crowds to savour the temperature drop. The UAE’s diverse terrain pocketing hidden gems beckons for a camp, hike, barbecue get-together or even a night spent stargazing, with the help of expert guides.
Here are some spots that we think make for an ideal winter outing in the country:
1. Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah
Tell your friends you hiked to the UAE’s tallest peak and rode the world’s longest zipline when you visit Ras Al Khaimah this winter, the country’s northernmost emirate. Formed over 70 million years ago, the Al Hajar Mountains are home to the unforgettable rocky Jebel Jais.
If the scenic drive, mountain goats and promises of an adventurous camp out don’t move you, then the chances of seeing snow- or hail-covered peaks might. Lucky few witnessed snowfall in sub-zero temperatures on the mountain. In 2017, Jebel Jais saw all lows of -5.7°C – the coldest drop ever recorded in the UAE, according to the National Centre of Meteorology.
2. Hatta in Dubai
A crowd-pleaser in any season, the mountainous exclave of Dubai holds turquoise-hued water bodies surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Anything from mountain biking to kayaking is possible here, and count in a memorable 30-minute trek that takes you to the famous Hollywood-style sign ‘Hatta’ perched in the mountains.
Campsite areas and caravans invite explorers for an overnight stay, so don’t forget to gaze out at the starry sky around a campfire with a hot beverage in hand.
3. Mleiha in Sharjah
Picture this – cold desert nights and a delicious barbeque with a close circle of family or friends. What you get is a core outdoor activity widely participated in across the nation; so much so, every other convenience store at the local petrol stations will have fire wood and grills for the grabs.
Mleiha is sequestered in Sharjah’s Central Region, about 60 kilometres away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Besides a night spent feasting on smoky treats, you can embark on an enlightening trek into ancient dwellings from the Stone Age in the Valley of the Caves.
For those with a penchant for horror and dread might feel at home at an abandoned village in central Sharjah. The town of Al Madam lies partially engulfed in all-consuming desert dunes, comprising two rows of white houses and an empty mosque.
Like a village frozen in time, the buried town is an inexplicable mystery – no one knows the cause of abandonment – and that is exactly part of its charm. An excursion to this off-the-record tourist destination in winter months is sure to give you more than just the chills.
Which of these places made to your planner for the winter? Play today’s Word Search and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.