This English teacher abandoned the traditional 9 to 5 job to guide tours through the desert.
Raised in Minnesota, this woman has lived in Bahrain, Egypt, and settled in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2002. But when she was unexpectedly let go from her job as an English instructor at an energy company during the Covid-19 pandemic, she found herself jobless in a foreign country with her teenage daughter. Not knowing where her career should lead, she decided to follow her passions.
A dedicated hiker and mountain climber, Subaey had struggled to find companions to trek with in Dubai, so in 2011, she started a weekend hiking group. She took it a step further in the following years by turning it into a business called UAE Trekkers, which offered weekend hikes while she continued teaching English during the week. Subaey's aim was to create an inclusive platform that encouraged people to experience Dubai's natural side.
"I wanted to create something that allowed people to explore Dubai beyond the city view," she says. "There are lots of people here who don't know there's anything outside of the city. Many don't realize the wealth of nature we have here – they're amazed."
Following her job loss in 2020, at age 55, Subaey put her focus on UAE Trekkers, which has since accumulated 30,000 followers on social media and guided more than 60,000 people. She now leads treks throughout Dubai and beyond, from the tranquil Hatta exclave, Sharjah, and Fujairah, to the neighboring country of Oman with its famous Snake Canyon. She even offers a unique sunset hike across the Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi, a prime location for filming "Dune Part Two" (like CNN, its distributor, Warner Bros. Discovery, shares the same parent company).
Subaey's goal was always to inspire people to leave Dubai's busy city and immerse themselves in nature, eventually falling in love with hiking.
"You can't really think about your problems when you're out in nature," she shares. "Being outdoors in the fresh air just makes me more focused on the present moment. I typically stay out for three or four hours and I feel so rejuvenated when I get back."
Since day one, Subaey aimed to make a difference by employing female guides for her treks.
"Our initial obstacle was overcoming the preset notion of a hiking guide's appearance and persona," Subaey explains. "The traditional guide is thought to have physical strength and endurance, with an emphasis on hiking as a tool for improving physical fitness and appearance. I wanted to change this."
She opted to hire current and former teachers, as well as mothers like herself, as guides. This led UAE Trekkers to develop a more "student-centric" approach that offers support and inclusiveness to newcomers.
"Hiking is often viewed as a contest in terms of one's level of physical fitness and stamina, but we wanted to remove that competitive angle and welcome people of all levels," Subaey says.
Careful Preparations
What may seem simple – putting on your sneakers and taking half a liter of water for a three-hour hike – can turn into a complex endeavor.
"Most people see a hike as a task as simple as putting on their sneakers and carrying half a liter of water for a short trip into the wilderness," Subaey notes. "However, there are additional factors like checking weather conditions, knowing which areas to avoid in the case of bad weather, breaking in hiking boots for better support, and carrying enough water to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion."
Properly training beginners in these aspects of hiking has led many of them to continue exploring nature independently despite the ongoing guidance offered by her team of certified guides.
UAE Trekkers' experienced guides teach hikers about planning their treks, what gear to bring, and how to make the most of their time in nature. Additionally, they instruct new hikers on how to handle emergencies, such as heat exhaustion and navigating difficult terrain. Their knowledge goes beyond the basics, including talks about the flora, fauna, geology, history, and culture of the area.
Customers pay up to 275 dirhams ($75) for a guided hike, which also includes snacks, juice, and hiking equipment. The beginner treks span 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), lasting around 3 hours. Subaey believes the connection they form with other hikers is the real draw for guests returning, not just the breathtaking scenery.
"The exciting thing about Trekkers is the diversity of people who join us, from different countries and walking in one place," Subaey shares. "[This diversity] offers an opportunity to connect with others and with nature all at once."
Subaey – an avid hiker – had faced a dilemma after losing her English teaching job during the Covid crises: to continue pursuing her dreams or not. While the world adapted to the pandemic, UAE Trekkers grew into a thriving business that has provided an invaluable outlet for her passions.
The feeling of togetherness in Dubai is something she didn't come across in the US, she points out. Here, folks start conversing, become acquainted with one another, and connect with individuals of varying ages and nationalities. The perception that Dubai is only open to extraordinarily affluent individuals is a myth.
Aiming to establish a trekking haven in Lima as part of her ambitious undertakings, she's exhilarated about her job prospects.
She cherishes witnessing the delight on people's faces when they lay eyes on Dubai's breathtaking vistas. That's when she feels her mission has been fulfilled.
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After losing her job as an English instructor due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Subaey decided to focus on her passion for hiking and started leading treks with UAE Trekkers. Now, she leads travels throughout Dubai and beyond, encouraging people to explore nature and escape the city's bustle.
As a dedicated hiker, Subaey faced difficulties finding companions in Dubai, so she started a weekend hiking group and later turned it into a successful business, guiding travelers to discover Dubai's natural beauty.
Source: edition.cnn.com
