Outdoor Adventure Dubai highlights 'great things to do and see in the UAE'

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, the show was held with event partners, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and held alongside the Dubai International Motor Show. Visitors were able to try a host of energy-filled adventure pursuits including scaling a 10 metre climbing wall, dare-devil abseiling, action-packed paintball shooting and exciting scuba-diving.

His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, opened the inaugural event and in support His Excellency Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Director General, DTCM, said the launch of the first Outdoor Adventure Dubai had highlighted the 'great things to see and do in the UAE.'

Outdoor equipment manufacturers, all-terrain vehicle producers and sports experts, including skateboarding, scuba diving and sea fishing, were on hand to help visitors experience the great outdoor adventures available on their doorstep.

"Outdoor Adventure Dubai proved to be a hit with the crowd and it was great to see so many visitors keen to explore an outdoor adventure lifestyle," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre. "Strategically positioning the show alongside the Dubai International Motor Show proved a huge success and has helped inject even more enthusiasm into a young generation of Dubai residents keen to explore their surroundings."

A dominant feature at the show was an indoor climbing wall, which enabled budding climbers of all ages from six to 60 to experience the sport safely before trying more advanced climbing challenges. Visitors were assisted by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) men's world number three and the woman's world number two at the event.

"I am always eager to promote all forms of climbing especially in areas of the world where the sport has great potential," said IFSC world number three Makysym Stienkovyy, from Ukraine. "Dubai is considered a regional hub for outdoor sports and I was very pleased to participate in this event and help local youngsters discover the thrill of climbing," he added.

Egyptian Hesham Nessim, a modern day adventurer and world record-holding rally driver, also participated in Outdoor Adventure Dubai 2009. Nessim is the first person in the Middle East to drive across the great Western Desert 'sand sea' in Egypt in less than six hours setting a Guinness world record.

Teletarget who specialise in the design and realisation of shooting range projects, were exhibiting at the show, saw a huge amount of interest as "shooting is a part of the Middle East culture," said Praveen Shadman from Teletarget. "We had a great time, as did our customers, and we will definitely be exhibiting next year."

The Bboy breakdancing regional championship culminated at the event, highlighting the mind-blowing stunts and skills, and amazing the hundreds of fans throughout the show. Bboy Ronnie Abaldonado, one of the world's top breakdancers, was a judge. The competition winners were: Solo - Dusty Rock from Bahrain, aged 20; Best Crew - Expansive from Oman.

As well as the exciting attractions for visitors to enjoy, international companies including Al Fursan International, Coleman, DTCM, Egyptian Tourism Authority, Light Speed, Hobby Centre, Maui Jim Middle East, Oman Ministry of Tourism, Premiers for Equipment, SABA International and Tamreen were able to recruit new members and sell directly to avid outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors were also impressed at what they saw at Outdoor Adventure. "It is refreshing to see something new coming to Dubai," said UAE national Khalfan Saeed Busmah. "This exhibition caters for my interests, especially my love for model cars and boats. I also found the Bboy championship very entertaining. I have never seen anyone bounce around a stage like that in my life."

Father Mark Foreshore from the UK said: "It is great to see some thing new like this coming out in Dubai and I am looking forward to what next year will bring."

Visitors to Outdoor Adventure Dubai 2009 were also able to take in the 10th anniversary Dubai International Motor Show running alongside at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.