OUTDOORS AND OFF-ROAD

Set in an old quarry in Sharjah’s Mleiha desert, at the foot of Jebel Al Faya, is the UAE’s first off-road and adventure park. XQuarry’s 600,000-square-metre site is designed to challenge those tired of the city. 

At the heart of it is 20 kilometres of challenging, custom-built off-road trails that visitors are invited to tackle in their 4x4s (their own, for the moment). The tracks are mostly gravel and rock, obstacles will test drivers’ technical skill—18 currently, including different surfaces, steep inclines and a huge mud pit. “There is no adventure venue like it in the UAE or even the region,” says Daniel Birkhofer, managing partner at XQuarry. “It’s not a theme park, but an honest, authentic experience.” Among the first visitors was Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Council, who tackled the course in a Hummer H1, Mercedes G500, and a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon.

The site offers shaded areas for remote-control car enthusiasts including obstacle challenges and a racetrack. For those who prefer their challenges unmotorised, there is a 3km mountain-bike trail with jumps, hills, obstacles, and steep bends. Cyclists can also explore the 10km of trails that extend beyond the park to Jebel Al Faya. There is also the UAE’s most challenging obstacle course including swings, nets, climbing and balancing through mud and water. 

But you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy it, the sweeping quarry offers hiking trails suitable for people of all ages and fitness. Advanced hikers can scramble over rocks and up ledges to access the best vantage points in the park. Beginners can try shorter routes which are suitable for families with children and provide resting
areas with shade.