For the last fifteen years expatriate climbers have been developing cliffs in the United Arab Emirates and North-West Oman. None of the climbing has previously been documented in print.

Though easily accessible by 1-3 hours driving from the ultra-modern Gulf cities - Abu Dhabi and Dubai - the cliffs are located in unique and remote desert and mountain terrain.

The guide has detailed descriptions for around 600 routes at twenty of the most significant areas. It also shows locations for several other areas for which archive material is maintained on the book's website.

The book also describes climbing on the pristine Musandam coast of Oman which has over 100km of sea cliffs above warm coral seas inaccessible by road. Climbing in a DWS style has become popular on this coast. The book explains the logistics of boat travel on the coast as well as the DWS locations.

Though the guide is aimed primarily at local climbers it should catalyse more visits by travelling climbers. The mid-winter climate around 20C with almost no rainfall is amongst the most attractive in the northern hemisphere. The book has a specific section addressing issues for visitors.

The author Toby Foord-Kelcey has been climbing for over thirty years in more than 25 countries. He has lived in the UAE since 2005.

ISBN 13: 9780981180502
No of Pages: 200
Publisher: Red Armada
Published Date: Jan 2010