Dubai residents looking to scale new heights can soon give the brand new Mountain Extreme a whirl.
The rock climbing destination, previously located in Business Bay, is all set to reopen in early October – but in a different space.
Its location has shifted to Al Quoz, where it will feature bouldering and climbing spaces spanning more than 9,000 square feet, which is why it’s being touted as the city's largest rock climbing centre.
What to expect
The new facility will have a training and warm-up zone with a MoonBoard, an interactive and computerised training wall where climbers can see their problem areas and share performance rankings with others around the world.
It will also have some challenging climbing routes for more advanced athletes, set up by world champion Manuel Cornu.
For beginners, it will be offering the Nicas scheme – a UK climbing programme designed to promote development and accredit individual achievements on climbing walls. This is open to anyone aged 7 and over.
In fact, one of the main aims of the new facility is to introduce more people to rock climbing as a sport, with a kids’ club where UK-certified climbing instructors will teach those aged 6 and above how to climb and boulder safely.
Those looking for a little rest after a climb – or parents killing time while their children scale the walls – can head to a specialty coffee shop on the mezzanine deck, which features views of the action.
Re-opening and safety precautions
While the official reopening is set for early October, only members will be able to visit for now. Founder of Mountain Extreme, James Falchetto, says this is all part of safety precautions to minimise the spread of Covid-19.
“We have to limit the number of people we can welcome at any one time. Our members from our first location deserve to be the first to try the new gym, so they get to book themselves in," he says.
However, anyone can sign up for a new membership and book climbing slots using the venue's online calendar.
"We are just not allowing walk-ins and day passes in order to control the number of people in the gym and keep a comfortable and safe environment for everyone,” Falchetto adds.
The climbing walls have been created to encourage social distancing, with routes and boulders separated by blank space.
“We are sanitising the mats and holds regularly, climbers have to disinfect their hands before and after climbing, and we have suspended lending climbing equipment to avoid contamination,” says Falchetto
Memberships start from Dh650 per person for a month. Details can be found at mtnextreme.com/membership
