What’s On announces Bear Grylls Survival Academy courses in the UAE, on the Musandam Peninsula, a new survival course from the Chief Scout.

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It seems a shame that for all his notable achievements, Bear Grylls is best known for his more, shall we say, bizarre feats.

Sure, the adventurer and former Special Forces soldier may have been the youngest Briton to conquer Mount Everest, circumvented the UK on a jet ski, crossed the North Atlantic in an inflatable boat and paramotored over Angel Falls… but it’s the drinking of his own urine from the shed skin of a snake that really gets us all talking.

Well whichever of those particular achievements you’re into, you now have a chance to learn at least the theory behind them. Grylls, who achieved worldwide notoriety for the aforementioned thirst-quencher and countless other incredible acts in the hugely-successful Man v Wild (originally Born Survivor) series, will launch courses in the UAE from next month.

The Bear Grylls Survival Academy courses in the mountains of Musandam Peninsula, around two hours from Dubai, have been designed by the man himself. According to the official website, ‘a team of experts will teach you how to survive and travel in this harsh but stunning environment’.

Would-be explorers can expect to come away with the knowledge of surviving in the desert sun, light a fire, find and purify water, and deal with snakes and scorpions. Climbing, abseiling and shelter building will also form part of the course, which lasts 24 hours, including a night beneath the stars.

Sound daunting? Well, it’s not supposed to be. Bear, who is also the Chief Scout to almost 30 million Scouts worldwide, has turned what was considered a rather nerdy pursuit into a thriving industry, appealing to a complete cross-section. One report of a similar course in the UK recently revealed participants had ranged from a department store cashier to a carpenter, photographer and pastor.

Pegged as fun for the family, the experience costs around Dhs2,500 for one adult and one child (Dhs2,000 for a single adult). For more information, visit beargryllssurvivalacademy.com

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