HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO ON A HIKE — WITH YOUR DOG?

Inspired by her love for dogs and hiking, Dubai resident Lumia Khan launched DogventureHQ, a group that organises treks for people of all fitness levels and dogs of all breeds.

She established the company in partnership with Islam Samir, a professional dog trainer, at the peak of the Covid-19 triggered restrictions.

The group arranges treks to Jebel Jais, Wadi Showka in RAK, Hatta Dam and Lake, Wadi Abadila in Fujairah, UAQ beaches, and Fossil Rock in Mleiha.

Lumia told Khaleej Times: “I have been hiking forever in the UAE. When I adopted my dogs, I struggled to find a group to go hiking with dogs. So, I started my own with a small, likeminded group of dog parents embracing the outdoor lifestyle and weather in the UAE.”

Then, she decided to turn the group into an official standalone company.

Since its launch in June this year, Dogventure has organised nearly 100 outdoor trips and events and has over 1,000 active members.

“Our peak ongoing activities are hiking (mountains, valleys, desert, fossil rock, camping), water sports (snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding), and more. There’s also NamaSitStay — where parents do yoga, while dogs sit and stay,” she said.

Samir and Lumia said that with inexperienced trekkers, dogs often get lost in the mountains. “We rescue dogs almost every weekend. A lot of people go towards off-location sites without a licensed company or a mountain guide with dogs,” said Lumia.

The duo advises dog parents to carry plenty of water and avoid treks during peak daylight to keep dogs safe from heat strokes. Proper hiking gear and having knowledge of first aid are also a must.