Sam Whittam, who worked as business manager for Australia’s Anaconda outdoor superstore from 2004 to 2008, announced plans to open a 30,000-square-foot outdoor specialty store in Dubai June 23.


Whittam claims Adventure HQ will be the first outdoor specialty retailer to launch in the Middle East.

 

“Adventure HQ was created out of a passion for outdoor adventure and the genuine desire to inspire more people to experience outdoor life,”  said Whittam, general manager and founder of Adventure HQ. “While the UAE offers a wide variety of outdoor pursuits we found a niche in the market to become the one-stop-shop destination and create a headquarters for all outdoor adventure equipment.”

 

Adventure HQ will offer equipment for a diverse range of active lifestyle pursuits including; fishing, diving, kayaking, kite surfing, falconry, camping, hiking, cycling and off-roading plus heaps more. There is also a huge range of activity specific clothing to keep you comfortable on your adventure. The store is easy to navigate as it is laid out by category, Land, Water and Active Wear.

Offering a wide variety of equipment for beginners, weekend enthusiasts and accomplished adventurers, Adventure HQ stocks high-quality outdoor gear from leading brands, whilst offering excellent value for money. Experienced and knowledgeable staff plus interactive information stations will help guide customers through the exciting world of outdoor adventure gear.


 
Not just another retail store, Adventure HQ also offers a unique environment where customers can partake in an adventurous assortment of in-store activities.

Facilities include the only Climbing Pinnacle and Cable Climb in a shop environment in the Middle East. And the more daring adventurers can experience the coolest place in town by visiting the Chill Chamber – designed to put skiing gear to the test, the room can reach frosty temperatures as low as -25°C.


For cycling enthusiasts, Adventure HQ offers a huge range of bikes and accessories plus an in-store workshop offering a full range of bike servicing carried out by experienced mechanics. The Bike Workshop will be the ultimate destination for bike repairs and servicing, and was designed by European pro bike mechanic, Mark Funky Howard.


And if all this isnt enough to rouse your adventurous spirit, Adventure HQ is offering a try-before-you buy experience, where products such as bikes, kayaks, coolers, and tents will be available for rent. If you decide to purchase the product, a rebate of the rental price will be offered against the purchase.



The Adventure Club


Staying true to its motto of encouraging the public to become more adventurous, Adventure HQ is also launching the The Adventure Club. This free to join club gives customers the opportunity to avail of member only offers, invites to special guest speaker events plus a chance to win adventure credit to spend in-store and so much more.


To celebrate the launch, Adventure HQ has enlisted Elham Qasimi as a brand ambassador. Last year Elham became the first UAE National to embark on an unassisted last degree expedition to the North Pole, and by doing so became the first Arab woman to set foot on the North Pole.


Embodying an adventurous, inspirational and dynamic spirit, Elham epitomises Adventure HQ’s vision to inspire people to discover the UAE’s great outdoors. And to prove just how passionate Elham is about pursuing outdoor adventures, the explorer will embark on a full day of in-store activities the day before the official opening.


Elham Qasimi said, “There is so much to see and do in the UAE, this is my opportunity to showcase what the UAE has to offer in terms of outdoor adventure which caters to a wide range of people. My sense of adventure that caused me to undertake the North Pole expedition stems from my UAE heritage, and my fellow countrymen’s desire to explore and push the human spirit. Adventure HQ will harness this energy and become a true melting pot of free spirited people.”
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