Thousands of UAE residents drove to Hatta before sunrise this weekend to take part in Dubai Stand Up Paddle (SUP), a free event offering stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and SUP yoga at Hatta Dam on Saturday and Sunday.

Registrations for the weekend filled up within a day of opening. Free 45-minute guided paddleboarding sessions ran from 9.15am to 5pm on both days for adults, families and children aged 6 and above, on a 500-metre course marked with buoys. Paddleboards, paddles and life jackets were provided.

Yoga sessions on the water, set against the Hajar Mountains, were open to visitors aged 10 and above, and organisers said the sunset class on Saturday was fully booked. Registered participants could also take complimentary one-hour kayaking sessions in single and double kayaks between 9.15am and 3pm.

Many participants said it was their first visit to Hatta. Some families briefly paused their Diwali celebrations to attend, while others took a day off work. Visitors praised the organisation, including parking with shuttle buses to the venue, free fruit and electrolyte drinks, and clean facilities. Several said the Dubai Fitness Challenge had motivated them to take part.

(Source: Khaleej Times)