This former English teacher left the corporate grind behind to lead adventurous desert treks.

Amy Subaey, always drawn to adventure, took her boldest step yet in 2020.

Originally from Minnesota, Amy had lived in Bahrain and Egypt before settling in Dubai in 2002. After being laid off from her job as an English instructor at an energy firm during the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself jobless in a foreign country with her teenage daughter, uncertain about her next move.

She chose to pursue her true passion.

A dedicated hiker and climber, Subaey struggled to find others who shared her love for trekking in Dubai, so in 2011, she began a weekend hiking group. A few years later, she turned it into a full-fledged business, UAE Trekkers, running weekend excursions while still teaching English during the week.

“I wanted to create an inclusive space that motivated people to step outside and discover the beauty beyond the city limits of Dubai. From there, it just took off,” says Subaey. “Many people in Dubai don’t realize there’s so much more beyond the city – the nature here really surprises them.”

After losing her job in 2020, 55-year-old Subaey dedicated herself to growing UAE Trekkers, which has since garnered 30,000 social media followers and led over 60,000 people on guided hikes.

No longer confined to a nine-to-five at the university, Subaey now rises at 3am on weekdays to guide treks through some of Dubai's most stunning landscapes, including Hatta, Sharjah, Fujairah, and the nearby Oman. One of the highlights is Snake Canyon, where hikers can leap into its crystal-clear pools. She also offers a unique sunset trek across Abu Dhabi's Liwa Desert – a filming location for ‘Dune Part Two’ (produced by the same parent company as Dinogo, Warner Bros. Discovery).

Subaey’s mission was to inspire people to leave the hustle and bustle of Dubai and immerse themselves in nature, helping them discover a passion for hiking.

“When you’re surrounded by nature, it’s hard to focus on your worries,” she says. “The fresh air and peace of the outdoors draw me into the present moment. After spending a few hours outside, I always return feeling recharged.”

From the very beginning, Subaey was committed to creating positive change by ensuring that all of her hikes were led by female guides.

“One of our biggest challenges early on was changing the perception of what a hiking guide should look like,” Subaey reflects. “There’s often an assumption that guides need to be physically strong and fit, with an emphasis on endurance, speed, and covering long distances.”

Breaking with tradition, Subaey hired former educators and mothers, like herself, as hiking guides. This approach fostered a “student-centered” philosophy, where the focus was on welcoming new hikers and offering them a supportive, educational experience from the classroom to the trails.

“Hiking often becomes a way for people to showcase their fitness or speed, but we wanted to eliminate that competitive vibe and create experiences that cater to all abilities,” Subaey explains.

The importance of planning ahead

Even beginner-friendly hikes require thorough planning and preparation.

“Many people think a hike is as simple as slipping on some sneakers and grabbing a small bottle of water for a few hours in remote areas with no cell service, water, or shade,” Subaey says.

“What they often overlook are things like checking the weather, knowing which areas are dangerous in bad conditions, wearing proper hiking boots to avoid injury, and ensuring they have enough water to stay hydrated and avoid heat exhaustion.”

Once beginners are equipped with the essential knowledge, they’re ready to explore on their own – although many prefer to continue trekking with a guide.

UAE Trekkers’ certified guides offer valuable coaching on how to prepare for hikes, what to pack, and how to fully enjoy the experience. They also teach beginners how to handle emergencies like heat exhaustion, navigate challenging terrain, and learn about the local flora, fauna, geology, history, and culture along the way.

“I’m always meeting people from all over the world, and I’m continually amazed by how far some have traveled. It’s something our hikers really appreciate,” Subaey shares.

“There’s a real sense of community in Dubai that I didn’t experience in the US,” she says. “People open up to each other, build connections, and meet people from various backgrounds and ages. The idea that Dubai is only for the ultra-wealthy is a misconception.”

Enjoying her new career path, Subaey plans to open a hiking retreat in Lima in the coming years.

“Many people don’t realize just how much untouched beauty exists here. I love seeing the awe on people's faces when they witness one of Dubai’s breathtaking views,” she shares. “It feels like my mission has been accomplished.”