Dubai: The first of its kind in Dubai – a 9.7 km long hiking route with numerous tracks appropriate for both amateurs and experts has been established by the Dubai Municipality in Mushrif National Park.
Starting on June 20, this path will be accessible to the general public. It has an 8.3 km yellow recreational track and a 1.4 km orange sports track designed to give hikers a safe and secure place to practice their pastime.
Director of Dubai Municipality’s Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department, Ahmed Al Zarooni, stated:
“The mountain track in the Mushrif National Park’s forests offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals who are fond of walking, climbing, and adventure to explore and enjoy various unique facilities.”
“In a continual effort to improve Dubai’s appeal, aesthetics, quality of life, and wellbeing for all inhabitants and visitors, we are developing recreational facilities and parks as well as equipping them with all the leisure amenities and components. In line with this, the Municipality has made an effort to incorporate all amenities and services in the park, including public restrooms, safety instructions, and warning signage boards with directions,” said Al Zarooni.
“The trail will be open and free to use all year round for visitors and hikers. It further consists of various sculptures, wooden stairways and bridges, slopes and rest areas, which provide a comprehensive view of the landscape and wildlife in Mushrif Park. To assist hikers and guarantee their safety, administrative and supervisory employees are also stationed at the track locations,” he added.
To ensure the safety of hikers and visitors when utilizing the tracks, the Municipality has developed a number of rules. These include making sure that mountain hikers have access to emergency communication tools, are carrying enough drinking water, and are dressed appropriately, have appropriate footwear, and are carrying hiking safety equipment. Additionally, if they are accompanied by an adult, youngsters between the ages of 12 and 15 are allowed to utilize the tracks.
The Municipality also emphasized the need for hikers to follow the trail etiquette and instructions noted on the boards, make sure they safely exit the mountain bike trail in Mushrif Park before crossing and making way for cyclists, always walk in the direction of the trail and not the opposite, and stick to the designated track.
Additionally, hikers must exercise caution when selecting the appropriate track level because the orange track is intended for expert athletes with higher levels of fitness and endurance. In order to protect one’s safety, one must also remember to warm up before hiking.
The Municipality has also emphasized the need to refrain from lighting fires, cooking, smoking, camping, and spending the night in the forest after you’ve finished your hike.
The mountain biking trails, skills area, and 50 km professional track at Mushrif National Park had already been installed by Dubai Municipality. Three tracks have been set up in the skills area: a green track for beginners, a blue track for intermediates, and a red track for experienced mountain bikers.
