The UAE Summits Challenge 2023

An event first, the all-new UAE Summits Challenge 2023 is an extraordinary five-week series of hiking and trail running events where athletes of all abilities, from amateurs to professionals, can test their mental and physical strength with the UAE’s stunning mountainous terrain as their training ground.

Involving hiking and running trails of various lengths and difficulties in five phases, the challenge encourages ‘peak’ performance in every sense of the word.

Phase one takes place on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest mountain, on November 4, starting at Wadi Shehah at 6am. The moderate to difficult hike covers 10km with an expected duration of 4-5 hours. Other phases where athletes can test their determination, commitment and true grit take part in Hatta, Dubai; Jebel El Riham, Fujairah; Khorfakkan, Sharjah; and Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain.

Up to 450 participants are permitted for each challenge and according to several age categories.

The UAE Summits Challenge 2023, which kicks off on UAE Flag Day (November 3) and ends on UAE National Day (December 2), is designed to encourage personal growth, unity and community engagement and is set to become a landmark event on the UAE sporting calendar.

For participants, their friends and families, as well as spectators, the Summit Village offers entertainment, education, and community engagement activities.

Participant’s categories:

• Hikers: 2 categories (males & females)
• Trail runner’s categories – 8 categories:

1. Between 18 and 29 years (males & females)
2. Between 30 and 39 years (males & females)
3. Between 40 and 49 years (males & females)
4. 50 years and above (males & females)

Price:

• 100 AED for hikers
• 150 for trail runners