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Disc World

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About Disc World:

The UAE has some very interesting and enjoyable climbing. The UAE is abundant in routes of all types; top-rope, sport, trad and DWS. Some routes are very well cleaned while others are not. Expect dirty rock and a lot of flakes. The rock formations are very unique. The climbing is located within the Hajar Mountain Range. For the most part the mountain range is made up of limestone. The quality of lime stone is quite unique and diverse. You will find some hard dense rock but expect to find lots of choss. Wind and water erosion makes smooth and rock. One thing is for sure that there is a lot of sharp rock. Rope protectors are a must. Expect to find tons of exfoliation in the areas that are not climbed often or cleaned well. There are tons of loose rocks. An extensive rack is also needed. Make sure you place extra protection and helmets are also a must. UAE is virgin land. The opportunity for first ascents is amazing, however do not expect to come out and make a first ascent in one day or even a few. Most of the climbs here take several days or more of hard cleaning. There are a lot of routes being set up. Those that are setting up these routes take lots of time to develop and clean them. If you come across a new route please be courteous to those that are doing the hard work to set them up and give them the right of first ascent. This is desert climbing at its best. Don't expect a lot of clouds; it is very sunny; however there are a lot of shaded areas depending on where you are climbing. The valleys and wadi’s are where you often find more shade. Shaded areas also depend on the time of day. Some areas are accessible from the road and others require a hike through the wadi's. If you are climbing be sure to bring extra food and water and make sure you have four wheel drive. Never leave any gear unattended and unseen. If you will be away then lock your stuff in your vehicle. Anything left outside will grow legs and walk off. While climbing near the roads you may get locals and others that pass by and stop to watch. For the most part if you don't bother the locals they will not bother you. Some of the climbing is very near the UAE/Oman border. Make sure that you have your passport
Nearest town or city: Ras Al Khamiah
Directions: Fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are some ok off road books that will help you get to these areas as well as the guide book. However roads here change every day they pop up and disappear overnight. Do not rely on your GPS to tell you how to get there. Most GPS in the UAE is not updated. You can access some of the routes right off of the road. Other areas require a hike or some off-roading. Make sure you have 4-wheel drive. Expect some scrambling in some areas, lots of loose rock or soft sand. All the areas within RAK can be accessed from the sign post into Wadi Bih. From the roundabout on the north end of Emirates Rd. go N. for 7.7km to the Clock Tower roundabout. Turn right (going east) for 2.4km. The RAK lagoon will be on your left. Turn right (going SE) for 2.9km. You will pass a golf course and come to the Lantern roundabout. Go straight through the roundabout for 400m to the Coffee Pot roundabout. Go strait for 4km to a crossroad, and continue strait for 600m to a t-junction. Go right for 1.4km towards the mountains. You will pass a military base and the Wadi Bih (W. Al Baih) signpost will be just passed that. At the Wadi Bih turn, instead of turning keep straight (North) for 3km. you will pass another military base and a huge satellite dish. Turn right on to a gravel road and follow it for 500m, take the left fork for 1.1km, where it will meet a black-top road. (Crag Visible from road) Turn left past the houses then leave the roadway directly towards the cliff.
Latitude, Longitude: 25.81198, 56.04212
Access Issues:
Camping: Free
When to Climb: Spring
Quantity of Climbs: Weekend