No obstacle too big for Emirati adventurer

We speak to the pioneering Emirati outdoor-adventure professional Hanady Alhashmi.

Hanady Alhashmi during a mountain climb. Courtesy Hanady Alhashmi

Hanady Alhashmi has always had an adventurous spirit and a love of the outdoors – she’s climbed mountains, travelled around the world and tried everything from desert camping to off-roading, mountain biking and trekking.

It was her desire to share these joys with others that has led her down a path to become one of the UAE’s first female ­Emirati outdoor-adventure ­professionals.

“I have always loved travelling and exploring different countries,” she says. “I have in the last two years been more interested in the many adventure opportunities and activities around the UAE and Oman.”

Alhashmi, who’s from Abu ­Dhabi, recently joined Absolute Adventure – a Dubai-­based touring company that runs camps, lodges and activity centres – as a trainee instructor and marketing specialist. Her job involves assisting and instructing participants, while preserving and creating cultural awareness.

“I had taken part in some ­Absolute Adventure activities in Dibba as a customer,” she says. “I contacted Paul Oliver, the ­founder, and expressed that I would like to join his team.”

According to Oliver, Alhashmi adds more Emirati culture and history to his company’s tours. “We feel strongly that all private businesses in the UAE should make efforts to create interesting career opportunities for Emiratis,” he says. “Hanady has already delivered a cultural training programme for our foreign staff, enabling them to appreciate local customs. One of her future tasks is to develop traditional sports activities. We hope Hanady will inspire other young Emiratis to join her in the outdoor ­industry.”

Alhashmi, who has already attained her Abu Dhabi tour-guide licence, says she wants to learn more about what it takes to be a guide. And she’s proud of her status as one of the first female Emirati outdoor-adventure professionals. “If I can inspire Emirati and expat women to explore this amazing country, become more active and adventurous, then I believe that is a good thing.”

While work is her focus, she continues to set her own adventure goals. Having already climbed Jebel Shams in Oman, Mount ­Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Kala Patthar in Nepal and visited the Mount Everest base camp, ­Alhashmi’s next goal is to conquer Mount Elbrus in Russia, which she plans to do next year.

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