Our HIGHLANDER Adventure will take place in Tawiyan which is located in the emirate of Fujairah of the UAE. Taiwan is known for its rugged natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and fascinating geology. It is a quiet, mountainous area that offers a striking contrast to the coastal cities of the UAE. Tawiyan is situated in the Hajar Mountains, which dominate the landscape with their jagged peaks and rocky valleys.

Nature:

The natural environment in Tawiyan is characterized by arid and semi-arid landscapes. The area is dotted with date palm plantations, wadis (dry riverbeds), and scattered vegetation, especially after seasonal rains. Wadi Tawiyan is a notable wadi that offers scenic beauty, perfect for nature enthusiasts and off-road adventurers. The surrounding mountainous terrain provides excellent hiking opportunities, with dramatic views of the valley below.

Wildlife:

Tawiyan and the surrounding Hajar Mountains are home to a variety of wildlife species that have adapted to the harsh desert and mountainous environment. You may spot Arabian oryx, mountain gazelles, and foxes in the region. Birdlife is particularly diverse, with species such as falcons, eagles, and other birds of prey frequently spotted soaring above the mountain ranges. Reptiles, including various species of lizards and snakes, are also common in the region.

Geology:

The geology of Tawiyan is a key feature that draws geologists and adventure seekers. The Hajar Mountains, which form a large part of the region, are composed of ophiolite rock formations, which are remnants of ancient oceanic crust and upper mantle. These formations are among the most significant geological features in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula. The area around Tawiyan is a testament to the tectonic activity that shaped the Arabian Plate millions of years ago. You will find rich deposits of gabbro, peridotite, and serpentinite, which are characteristic of the region’s unique geology.

In addition to its natural and geological significance, Tawiyan offers a tranquil escape for those interested in the raw beauty of the UAE’s mountainous regions, making it an attractive destination for eco-tourism and outdoor activities.

• Trail Overview: HIGHLANDER Adventure in Fujairah
• The journey begins at the Fujairah Adventure Center in Tawiyeen, where participants will gather at a designated parking area. At the center, you will check in, receive your event kit, and meals for the day. After check-in, your adventure starts as the hike leads from the center toward the stunning Wadi Awsaq.
• The Hike to Jebel Yibir
• The first part of the trail takes you along the narrowing Wadi Awsaq, passing by impressive boulders as you immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. As the trail narrows, you'll encounter your first ascent, leading past a cave before reaching a scenic viewpoint overlooking the wadi.
• From here, you'll follow an ancient path, once a key route for villagers long before modern roads existed. This well-worn trail has connected communities for centuries and will guide you through rocky terrain, offering a sense of timeless adventure.
• Reaching the Base of Jebel Yibir
• The trail continues, weaving up and down the wadi, until you reach the base of Jebel Yibir, the highest point of the hike, approximately 10 km from the starting point. Standing here, you'll feel a sense of achievement before beginning your descent along an old 4x4 track, heading toward Wadi Al Sheria.
• Exploring the Cultural Heritage of Al Sheria
• The next 4 km takes you to Al Sheria, a region rich in cultural history. Al Sheria is home to a fascinating collection of ancient petroglyphs that offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the region’s earliest inhabitants. Among the most captivating carvings are those at Ghar Khail, depicting various subjects, including detailed human figures and horse-rider motifs, a unique contrast to the more common camel figures found on trade routes.
• Other carvings display geometric symbols, which may represent celestial bodies or serve as ancient markers. Intriguing carvings, such as the sun crosses, are linked to Bronze Age religions, symbolizing deities like Tammuz and Ishtar, and the Sun God Shamash/Utu.
• Ghar Khail Checkpoint
• At Ghar Khail, you'll arrive at a checkpoint, where participants must stamp their HIGHLANDER IDs before retracing their steps back to Wadi Al Sheria. This section of the hike, from Al Sheria to the Ghar Khail petroglyphs and back, covers approximately 3 km.
• Return to Ain Sheria
• From Ain Sheria, the journey continues through the wadi, navigating rock faces and passing local farms. This scenic final stretch, 10 km in length, leads you to the ultimate destination: the finish line.
• A Celebration of an Adventure Journey
• At the finish point, located at the Fujairah Adventure Center, you’ll receive your well-deserved HIGHLANDER Certificate and commemorative pin. A celebration awaits, complete with a live DJ, delicious food, and refreshing beverages to mark the completion of your epic adventure.
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