An energetic adventure in Hatta witnessed fitness, team work and National Day celebrations

04 December 2018, Abu Dhabi, UAE:   The Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) along with 47 Emirati women, gathered together on 24th November for “The UAE National Day Adventure by FBMA”, a fitness inspired event to celebrate both the UAE National Day and the importance of physical health. 

Taking place in the breath-taking surroundings of Hatta, Dubai, 47 Emirati women, aged 17 and above spent the day taking part in a number of events, along with raising 47 UAE flags ahead of the 47th UAE National Day. The ladies took part in kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, all with the purpose of not just fun, but to understand the importance of team work, overcoming challenge and setting and reaching goals. 

Over 100 Emirati ladies, from all the 7 emirates, responded to the open call by FBMA and registered to join the event, aiming to express their pride of their country, following which they underwent a training process ahead of the exciting activations, where FBMA carried out a fitness evaluation to eliminate candidates and choose only 47 ladies to participate in the initiative. The training sessions organised by FBMA included cycling and kayaking, which took place on the 7th and 16th of November respectively, at Yas Marina Circuit and Marina Breakwater in Abu Dhabi. 

Dr. Mai Al Jaber, Naema Al Mansoori and Amal Al Afifi, board members of FBMA, were present during the event, and honoured all the participants with certificates in a gesture of appreciation to their enthusiasm and efforts. In return, the 47 participating Emirati ladies expressed their gratefulness for FBMA for organising the inspiring initiative, that served to not just celebrate UAE National Day, but to also empower women and encourage them to explore their capabilities and reach their potential.

The event was also thankful to the official sponsor Apparel group - Athlete's Co, who provided training shoes and branded t-shirts for all the 47 participants. In addition, JA Hatta Fort Hotel and Hatta Adventures supported the unique initiative.

Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre is a first MTB Centre in the Middle East and is a home to multiple cross country route of various grades that cater to all levels of ability from absolute beginners through to experienced riders. And Hatta Kayak is a unique tourist destination, with a vast lake formed by Hatta Dam. 

Speaking about the event, Fatima Al Ali from FBMA said: “The UAE National Day Adventure was not only a perfect way to get active, foster community engagement and experience new sports, but was an excellent way for Emirati ladies to pay their respect and celebrate the 47th UAE National Day.”

“It is times like this – especially in The Year of Zayed – to reflect on how fortunate we are to have opportunities available to us in health and fitness, and it’s encouraging to see so many woman, of all nationalities, getting active across the UAE,” she added.