Dubai: For Lebanese expat Tarek Zeidan, adventure is about more than climbing mountains or exploring hiking trails. It is also a way to bring people together, create opportunities, and make a difference in communities.
An architect, mountaineer, survival expert, and endurance athlete, Zeidan has spent more than 20 years working in the UAE’s outdoor sector. He currently leads Columbia Hike Society adventures and events across the GCC and Middle East, helping people discover the outdoors and connect through shared experiences.
Apart from his professional work, he has established several initiatives focused on humanitarian support, women’s empowerment, and preserving local heritage in Lebanon.
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From Lebanon to a new life in the UAE
Born and raised in a small Lebanese mountain village, Zeidan has developed his connection with nature from an early age. However, the 2006 war in Lebanon has prompted him to leave his homeland for stability and better opportunities.
The UAE has been the place where he decided to start a new chapter.
“What initially brought me here was the search for opportunity, but what made me stay was the experience of growing, belonging, and being able to turn my ambitions into reality,” Zeidan told Gulf News.
