To date, Hachicho has designed and mapped 100 kilometers of official hiking trails that cater to a diverse range of hikers from day treks to the more technical routes. In 2021, he launched Highlander UAE, the only multi-day, backcountry hiking challenge in Asia, which put the region under an international spotlight.
“For 2025, we added a one-day, 20-kilometer format to attract locals who want to explore their backyard,” says Hachicho. The next phase is to work with remote mountain tribes to offer a trail-to-hut hiking experience, with the goal being to foster a deeper connection with these communities and contribute to the economic growth of these villages.
Fadi has already started to integrate some of this cultural connection into the Highlander. The first night at camp we are treated to gahwa (Arabic coffee), delicious local dates and manakish (flat bread) topped with cheese made by the women of one of the mountain tribes.
For Hachicho, the Hajar Mountains are a place where social masks fade away. “Whether you’re happy, sad, or scared, the mountains have a way of bringing out genuine emotions,” he says. And this authenticity is central to Hachicho’s approach to life, and to the adventures he organizes.
Out here, far from the comforts of city life, this adventure not only tested my physical and mental endurance, but since discovering the rugged landscapes and ancient cultures of the Hajars, it’s completely transformed my first impressions of the UAE.
