15 women from the GCC discover the beauty of Oman’s spectacular mountains during an exciting trek in Jebel Shams
December 20, 2015 – The Oman Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Al Jebal Al Hajariya Travel and Tourism (Husaak Adventures) has successfully concluded the Western Hajar mountain range trek, which was held recently in Muscat, Oman. The hike featured a total of 15 female representatives who have gathered together from across the GCC countries to conquer the summit of Jebel Shams. Standing at over 3 km above sea level, Jebel Shams is the highest peak in the GCC where the hikers stood to send a message of love and unity under the slogan “One Nation”.
The trip was organized as a demonstration of the unity of the GCC in an adventurous gathering that showcased the stunning landscape of Oman. The women hikers who joined the event braved the challenging trail and trekked for two days to the top of Jebel Shams. The hikers represented their GCC countries and raised their flags in celebration of completing the challenging trek.
Asma Al Hajri, Deputy Director General, International Tourism Promotions, Oman Ministry of Tourism, said: “This trek provided a wonderful platform for athletic and adventurous women across the region to strengthen their ties with their sisters from neighboring countries in a dynamic and truly unforgettable experience that is both mentally and physically challenging. The trek started on the December 10 at the meeting point in Muscat where the ladies then transferred to the location to begin the hike. This adventure stretched over a 20 kilometers path that is suitable and safe for walking and climbing. The ministry’s support of this event is part of its active efforts to promote and encourage adventure tourism, which defines the beauty that the Sultanate enjoys.”
For his part, Ali Husain, Founder of Al Jebal Al Hajariya (Husaak Adventures), commended the female group of mountain hikers and their thirst for adventure: “At Husaak adventures, we try to push people out of their perceived boundaries so that they can enjoy nature and appreciate the beauty of the environment while challenging themselves physically. We are all proud of these ladies that attempted and hiked this majestic mountain successfully proved that outdoor adventure can be enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to seeing more people from the GCC enjoy the beauty of Oman, the hidden jewel of the Arabia.”
Among those who were included in the hiking trip was Linda Al Muqaimi, Rumaitha Al Busaidi and Salsabeel Al Busaidi representing Oman, Lulu Al Awadhi, Dalal Al Omar, Sabika Al Ayar, Nourah Al Sabah, Hind Al Khatrash, and Aseel Shaheen from Kuwait, Nada Jamsheer, Hadeyah Fathallah and Fatima Fathallah from Bahrain. In addition to Nahid Al Dosary from Saudi Arabia, Ghaida Al Suror and Jawaher al Mutawa from Qatar and finally Aysha Al Mamari and Moza Al Hasani from the UAE. The participants expressed their pride at successfully meeting the summit, which they consider both a personal accomplishment and a fulfillment of their role as citizens of their respective nations.
In this regard, Nahed Al-Dosary from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said: “I am proud and delighted to represent my country with my fellow GCC sisters as a celebration of the unity of our nations and the power of women to overcome obstacles. We reinforced this message from the summit of Jebel Shams, which is the highest peak in the GCC at the same time that the Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was being held in Riyadh. I would like to thank the team of Husaak for organizing this great trip and giving us the opportunity to reach this milestone.”
Kuwait representative Noora Al Sabah, added: “For the past three months I have dedicated myself to achieving this goal. I needed to prepare myself adequately for it so I followed an intensive fitness program and nutrition plan to help my body endure and withstand the challenges in this trek as well as the weather in Oman. Before beginning the journey, I tried to recall the previous difficulties that I had to overcome with team Husaak. This inspired me to put myself in
the same mindset to overcome these difficulties. We represented our GCC countries and climbed the summit with determination and persistence, sticking together and making sure to never leave a single person behind. The highlight of this trek was proudly raising my country’s flag and I was thankful that the whole thing was documented so we can cherish such a memory. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to team Husaak for organizing the trip as well as to our team leaders, Lulu Al-Awadhi, Dalal Al Omar and Sabika Al Ayar who inspired everyone to push their limits.”
Linda Al Muqaimi from Oman said: “The trip brought together the most beautiful women in the Gulf. Our steadfast cooperation and determination drove us during this climb and our collective ability to overcome the obstacles we faced fills me with pride. This is characteristic of the Gulf women of today and this proves that we can be whatever we want to be.”
Salsabeel Al Busaidi, also representing Oman said: “The Jebel Shams trek was beautiful and truly unforgettable. I want to thank the leaders in Husaak team who organized this trip and pushed us to our limits. They inspired me to defy my mental and physical boundaries reach the top of the mountain with the help of God. Once we were on the summit we proudly raised the flags of our countries and it was my great honor to meet those beautiful women, work with them hand in hand and encourage each other to build this strong cooperation spirit between us. Gulf Women are strong our ability to achieve is not defined by our age or size. With patience faith and hard work we can achieve any goal in life. I will never forget this trip; it has given me so much positive energy that renewed my confidence. I encourage everyone to visit Jebel Shams and enjoy the charming scenery. Oman is rare gem and has its own unique landmarks. When I was on my way to the top, I stood and pondered over the mountains of Oman soaking in all the beauty of nature and life that I witnessed. I thank the Ministry of Tourism for their efforts to promote effective natural tourism in Oman locally and internationally, and thank the Ministry of Environment for their efforts to spread environmental awareness and preservation. Greeting of gratefulness and love to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (May God Protect Him) for his permanent support for the Omani women in all aspects, including adventure, sports and defying the odds.”
Qatar representative Jawaher Al Mutawa and Ghaida Al Suror says, “This trip provided us with the platform to perform our national duty and raise the flag of Qatar up high. It is not merely a spectacular event set at the highest Gulf peak, it represented the persistence of Qatari women and prove its position and gratitude in light of the celebrations of the country with its National Day.”
Aysha Al Mamari the representative of the UAE said: “The Jebel Shams journey was a big challenge for me. My goal was not just to reach the summit but it was a test to my abilities and enjoy the charming nature of the Oman Mountains, as well as to meet my sisters from the Gulf countries. I was impressed with professionalism of the highly skilled guides and mentors who accompanied us on the trip. I am proud that this a professionally organized GCC event led by GCC nationals. I also want to extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism in Oman and their efforts in coordinating this trip and ensuring our comfort. I was surprised when Omani police patrol car stopped next to us where I had thought that we committed a traffic violation and was surprised to know that they wanted to show their support and stay with us in case of any emergency. I love to travel and I have traveled to more than 35 countries, however, I can say that this trip is the best travel experience I had.”