Clubwise - September 13, 2003

Clubwise is a weekly feature of Tabloid in which the UAE social groups are profiled. If you would like to have your group featured in a future issue, email tabloid@gulfnews.com or fax on 04-3429720 and give us the details.


This Week's club: Dubai Adventure Mums

WHO ARE THEY: A group of women who want the excitement of life and opportunity to meet new people by participating in a range of recreational activities once a month.

WHEN THEY STARTED: A few friends decided they wanted to explore the adventurous side of Dubai and meet new people, so they formed the group in March 2001. The idea is based on an organisation called Real Action Women (R.A.W.) that exists in Brisbane, Australia.

WHAT THEY DO: From dune biking to sailing, ice-skating, rock-climbing, go-karting, archery, bowling, team-building skills, horse-riding, clay shooting and trekking, these women try their hand at all the interesting recreation available in the UAE.They organise activities that test them in new and challenging ways. Participants are assumed to be beginners, so qualified instructors are always there to offer advice and teach the tricks of the trade. Women between 17 and 70 years old are eligible to join. With a membership fee of Dh25, they are entitled to the group discounts at each venue, a monthly newsletter and a sun cap.

QUOTE FROM THE FOUNDER: "Our aim is to challenge women to try something they have never tried before in the company of friends. It's for their benefit to take time out and try something new without their children or partners. I'm happy to say our goal has been achieved," says Debbie Magee, coordinator of Dubai Adventure Mums. She is a beauty therapist by profession and mother of two children.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: The enthusiasm of the women continues to grow in numbers and response. At the first get-together there were 18 women who attended and tried the adventure of quad-cycles in the desert. Now they have a membership of 260 women from 34 different nationalities. They have also had the opportunity to give a little back to the community by supporting various charities, like MSF, CANSAB and OCKEND through some of their activities.They arranged a bazaar last year and were able to help the underprivileged through their efforts.

GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR: They always welcome women with a nice outlook and happy smile who want to learn something new and make good friends. They plan to try indoor fencing and have a dress up competition soon. Basically, you can look forward to more and more innovative adventures with this group.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN: Contact Debbie Magee on 050-456 9670 or visit the website www.dubaiadventuremums.com. Meetings are usually held every second Monday of the month between 8.30am and 12.30pm, but the next one will be on September 15 at the French Bakery off the 1st interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road at 10am.