Layan Damanhouri Saudi Gazette When it comes to mountain climbing, the first thought that comes to mind is challenge and hardship. However, the steep slopes and rocky heights are appealing to many nature lovers who consider mountaineering as one of the most satisfying and worthwhile outdoor sports. Over the years, several mountain climbers in Saudi Arabia have proven their ability to push limits to new heights. Established in 2014, Qimmam Adventure Club was formed by a group of friends with a goal to promote outdoor sports and activities in Saudi Arabia. Khaled Fawaz, a member at Qimmam Adventure Club, said: “The founding members, seven of us, have been friends for some time and the mountains have always been our passion. We knew and believed that there has to be someone or some entity that works on promoting this lifestyle and outdoor sports in general to attract more people to join”. He added, “Qimmam is not only about mountains and the outdoors. It's about challenging yourself to achieve what you never thought possible. The summit is what you aim for and work as hard as humanly possible to achieve. This is one of our main goals”. Qimmam Adventure Club invites people interested in pursuing outdoor sports and welcomes experienced participants to teach others. The members include experts in various sports from diving to rock climbing and hiking. Their most recent excursions in the Kingdom were to Al-Wahba Crater, located 254 km away from Taif. The crater is 2 kilometers in diameter and roughly 260 meters deep. Their second recent destination was Ibrahim Mountain in Bani Malik, a 1,938-meter-high mountain in Makkah. Believing any feat is possible; they also traveled to Tanzania last year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, which also happens to the biggest stand-alone mountain. After reaching one of the major global peaks, their next international trip was to Morocco in January earlier this year. They climbed Toubkal Mountain in Morocco, the highest mountain in the Middle East and North Africa. With such grand adventures to face, heavy training beforehand is a requisite. Fawaz said it takes around three to six months to physically train before a trip, depending on the team. The preparation and type of training depends on the activity itself. Things to consider are whether long hours are necessary for the hike, the type of pursuit, and the team's competence. Some of the challenges mountain climbers face is the weather as well as logistical preparations depending on the countries visited. “Unfortunately, in the south of the Kingdom, it's not really appreciated what we are doing due to some cultural constraints. So basically we have to first find a local that would facilitate our approach to the place we need to climb or hike,” Fawaz added. Qimmam's upcoming endeavor is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro again this September. Wild Guanabana, a Middle Eastern company dedicated to adventure travel, partnered with Qimmam to organize the trip. After six months of training, the team is preparing to visit the mountain for a second time. Mountain climbing is one of the most unique activities that enhances and develops mental and physical aptitude. Instagram: @qimmamclub Email: [email protected]
