Wilderness Hiking

**Day 1: Al Quaa aka the “Milky Way spot” - Stargazing, BBQ, games, telescope & camp** We will leave Dubai at 1 pm and head on a beautiful 2-3 hours road trip to Al Quaa, a secluded Abu Dhabi spot that offers out-of-this-world views of a sky full of stars. We will then enjoy stargazing at the darkest place in the UAE with stellar views of the galaxy, constellations, planets and shooting starts. We will then have the usual best bbq in town, drinks, card games, music, have some melting marshmallows on camp fire and camp under the clear skies full of stars. **Day 2: Sunrise, Bites, and Back to the City** In the morning, we will take a morning walk and watch the sunrise over the dunes. We will then return to camp for breakfast. Once we have finished breakfast and packing, we will leave for Dubai. *Note: Timings might shift a little with sunrise and sunset. Don't worry we'll share the exact plan with you in a whatsapp group before the trip.* *(2 days with camping)* **Price without transport**: 550aed **Price with transport**: 750aed **Including:** * A total of 2 meals, including the famous best BBQ in town for dinner (mixed grill with meat and chicken, vegan burger, hummus, moutabbal, tabbouleh salad, fattoush salad, bread, and snacks) and breakfast. * Beverages (Soft drinks, tea, coffee, water). * Accommodation in private tents (1 person per tent or 2 persons per tent for couples). * Camp equipment (Chairs, lights, private tents, mattresses, Fire pit & wood for bonfire). * A guided stargazing session with access to a Celestron 12096 NexStar Evolution 8 HD telescope for observing planets and celestial objects. * Portable Toilet & Privacy Tent Setup. * Campfire games. * Transportation from regular vehicles to the inside of the desert via dunes off-roading with 4x4 vehicle. **Excluding:** * A sleeping bag with a temperature rating that is 5 degrees less than the expected lowest temperature or a heavy comforter is required, we recommend to buy a high quality one from Adventure HQ to have a good night sleep or you can rent one from us for 50aed * Transportation from Arabian Wanderers' meeting point in Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back (Available optionally for AED 200 if you choose the option with transport) Notes: * **Important note**: Your booking will only be confirmed once you've completed the process on the following link: [https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/al-quaa-milky-way-spot-stargazing-in-the-darkest-spot-in-uae.](https://www.arabianwanderers.com/tour/al-quaa-milky-way-spot-stargazing-in-the-darkest-spot-in-uae) RSVP on Meetup serves as an expression of intent to attend the event and does not guarantee your place, as spots are limited and tend to fill up rapidly. * **Group size:** Small group experience - Avg. 12, Max 25. * **Physical rating:** Beginner level - Light physical activities are included. * **Meeting point & time:** * **If booking our transport**: * Dubai at 2:45pm: [Artisan Bakers - https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yH6QEtZpH7UQceCq5) in Al Barsha. RTA parking is available i f you want to come with your car. * Abu Dhabi at 4:15pm: [ADNOC Service Station | Shawamekh-(South West) (755) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/adkwrB7c98omTcWS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/adkwrB7c98omTcWS9). There is no parking at this petrol station, so please meet us in a taxi. * **If not**: [Arabian Wanderers – Al Quaa Stargazing & Camping - https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6zSwEwgfQRzyccD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6zSwEwgfQRzyccD6) at 6:00pm. Any car can reach the meeting point in Al Quaa where you can leave your car by the side of the road free of charge. There is no need for a 4x4 vehicle as you will join one of our 4x4 vehicles to go to the camp. * **Restroom Facilities:** A portable toilet with a privacy tent will be available. * **Solo & women friendly:** Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women. * **Pet-friendly:** You're welcome to bring your pet on the trip, provided everyone on the tour is comfortable with it. You can confirm this via the WhatsApp group created for all booked participants. * **Note:** Visibility may be affected by weather conditions (e.g., clouds, rain). Event cancellation will only occur in the case of severe weather (heavy rain or very strong winds), not due to clouds or light rain. * **Mobile Coverage:** e& has inconsistent internet and phone coverage. du has inconsistent phone coverage and no internet coverage. * **Important Note:** Bookings cannot be rescheduled within 14 days of the trip. * **Health and travel insurance**: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain one [here](https://explore.safetywing.com/nomad-insurance-complete?referenceID=26286700&utm_source=26286700&utm_medium=Ambassador) ! * **Disclaimer:** Even though Al Quaa is the best place in the UAE for stargazing, don't expect it to look like the photos online. While you can see more stars than in most other locations and will definitely be amazed, the photos you see online are taken with professional cameras or high-quality phones that capture low light better than the naked eye. * **Tipping Information:** If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in AED for tipping. * **Instagram:** Follow us on Instagram for our latest adventures: [arabian.wanderers](https://www.instagram.com/arabian.wanderers/) For any questions that are not on the booking link, you can WhatsApp us by clicking on this link [https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1](https://wa.me/message/V53PMRXR5SCIH1) or call us on: [+971522067219](http://+971522067219/)

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall, near Onpassive Metro Station *(pick up and drop off available from Onpassive Metro Station) [(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3f3BmtB6s3SN4na6).* We play badminton here every Tuesday, 8-10 PM. Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group Here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KREbzal9A4899L5OzYYsOP) **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 40 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

**Note : Registration is confirmed only through [MeetNtrain](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** [WhatsApp Group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) Get ready for an exciting evening of **beach volleyball on soft sand** 🌴🏐 This session is designed for **intermediate-level players** who already know the basics and are ready for fast rallies, good energy, and competitive fun. Come play, vibe, and enjoy the beach atmosphere with a great group of people! **📍 Location:** Kite Beach - Dubai **🕘 Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (2 hours of play) ⏳ *Spots limited to 18 players – secure your spot early!* ⏱ *Note: Timing may change – join the [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hv4ZnN1kKA18JfPpxcpweN) for updates.* **💵 Fee:** 40 AED per player **✅ What’s Included:** * Cold water 💧 * International music with high-quality sound 🎶 * Guided games & refereeing by your host, Noah 🎤 📲 *Join our WhatsApp group for full details & to confirm your spot!* **📬 Contact:** Reach out via WhatsApp or email to confirm your participation. **[Book Now](https://meetntrain.com/community/Volleyballpartners)** **Noah : 0504746210**

**PADI® Advanced Open Water Diver Course** _“ Seek Adventure , Explore More ”_ Continue your Scuba Diving journey with the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course. Experience new adventures , Fine-tune your buoyancy skills, Build confidence in your navigation abilities, and Try new activities like _wreck diving , night diving, or drift diving._ Your Advanced certification opens the door to dive sites deeper than 18m/60ft and a variety of dive sites you will able to explore . **PADI AOW Course consists of Two main portions :** Much easier online study eLearning + Much enjoyable 5 Open Water Dives . On the first day, you will do three Shore Dives , then we arrange for another day for two Boat Dives , then we can celebrate. 🥳 You may schedule the sessions with your instructor during weekdays or weekends every day or on separate days as the conditions and time permits. **How can you start and what will you do :** ♡ Booking your course, provide your name , birth date, profile picture, and e-mail. ♡ Redeem the eLearning code received on your email , fill and sign the liability and medical release forms, and start the course in your preferred language. ♡ Your instructor will select with you what you need to read and arrange to schedule your first 3 dives. ♡ Then, you may schedule your other 2 dives on the nearest convenient date. ♡ Once successfully completed all of the requirements the instructor will happily process your certification. **Requirements , Terms and Conditions :** ● AOW students should have gained an Open Water Diver certificate, be at minimum age of 12 years old , be able to swim and medically fit for diving. ● The course is a complete package , with a duration of 2 days as described. _We are pleased to answer any further questions and inquiries regarding the course._ See Your Bubbles 🐬 & Many Thanks Sea Secrets Scuba seasecrets@yandex.com IG Sea_Secrets_Scuba https://instagram.com/sea_secrets_scuba?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ== +971562050943

**This is a paid event and will be deleted from here. Pls register on the link below.** [https://soctue.eventbrite.com/?aff=Meetup](https://soctue.eventbrite.com/?aff=Meetup) **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - [+971 55 252 5078](https://wa.me/971552525078) ( WhatsApp Only)

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

اقترح الكتاب ويدير الحوار حازم ابراهيم الكتاب يتوفر مطبوعا والكترونيا (يرجى متابعة الرابط للتفاصيل) صدرت في السنوات القليلة الماضيّة عشرات الكتب التي تحمل عناوين: "كن قويّا"، "كوني قويّة"، "كيف تكون إنسانًا قويًّا؟"، "كيف تبني شخصيّة قويّة؟"، "كن قويًّا بالإيمان"، إلخ... لكن... بصرف النظر عن تلك الكتب، وعمّا يقوله الأطباء والمحلّلون النفسانيون، وخبراء التنمية البشرية، والواعظون... فإنّ الفلسفة، بمعناها العميق والأصيل، تقول شيئًا آخر: لا تحاول أن تكون قويًا، لا تحاول أن تظهر بمظهر القوّة، لا تحاول أن تتحكّم في كل الأمور المحيطة بك... فالحياة لا تقوم على القوة بل على الأسلوب، وعلى التكيّف، وعلى المرونة. القوّة منزع ذكوريّ، وإيديولوجيّ، إنه وهمٌ بدائيٌّ، لا يزال كامنًا في لا وعي الإنسان من حياته البدائية، يظهر جليًا في معارك السلطة والحظوة والشهرة والدين، إلّا أنه وهمٌ يُضيّع متعة الأسلوب والتفاصيل، ويُدمّر جودة الحياة. إنه ينهك روحك، يستنزف جسدك ويُسبب الشقاء للكثيرين. هذا الكتاب الذي يحمل رسائل إلى الذين يعتبرون أنفسهم المعذبين في الأرض... وغير المحظوظين... والضعفاء... هو محاولة لبرهنة أن ليس في الضعف أي مشكلة؛ بل المشكلة في اعتبار أن الضعف هو المشكلة. وهو أيضًا دليلك لأجل أن تتصالح مع ضعفك، وأن تستثمر الطاقة الكامنة والهائلة في كل نقاط ضعفك إذا كنت لا تريد أن تخسر معارك حياتك. نقد القوة: رسائل فلسفيّة إلى الضعفاء - سعيد ناشيد دار التنوير ٢٠٢٤ [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240707522](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/240707522) نقد القوة: رسائل فلسفيّة إلى الضعفاء- سعيد ناشيد ‏اقرأ الكتاب على تطبيق ابجد https://www.abjjad.com/book/2817654792 كيف أحصل على الكتاب؟ مكتبة غاف التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971527798773 سعيد (متجر لتوصيل الكتب داخل الإمارات) التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971508386699 تطبيق أبجد على الآيفون والآندرويد [https://www.abjjad.com/](https://www.abjjad.com/) Kinokuniya [https://uae.kinokuniya.com/](https://uae.kinokuniya.com/) مؤسسة هنداوي [https://www.hindawi.org](https://www.hindawi.org) Storytel [https://www.storytel.com](https://www.storytel.com) نيل وفرات المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://www.neelwafurat.com/](https://www.neelwafurat.com/) وراقون المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://wrraqoon.com/](https://wrraqoon.com/) Google Play الكتب على متجر [https://play.google.com/store/books](https://play.google.com/store/books) Amazon الكتب على متجر [https://www.amazon.ae/](https://www.amazon.ae/) Virgin الكتب على متجر [https://www.virginmegastore.ae/](https://www.virginmegastore.ae/) Iqraa shelves on goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694) Iqraa on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/](https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/) Iqraa on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Join us for one of our favorite hikes this Tuesday (4/21/26) at 6:30 pm as we hike the Hoover Dam Scenic Trail, starting at the west end of the dam. This hike includes some paved paths/roads along with some dirt trails, with a few beautiful views of the reservoir. Join us for this 2 mile hike, finding us in the parking lot at the corner of Sunbury and Smoke Burr.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.