Hike with this group and get hitched

It started as a joke when couples met one by one and wed through a UAE group's hiking expeditions, until its founder voluntarily took the role of a modern-day khattaba, facilitating marriage connections and summit proposals for his clients.

- Haneen Dajani

In the old days, every community had a woman who would play the role of a marriage match maker, known as the khattaba, who would go around the neighbourhood showing pictures of potential matches to families whose sons and daughters were considered eligible for marriage.

Since its inception in December 2018, Grasp the Adventure's founders were keen on promoting positive halal activity within the community, inspiring more people to enjoy the outdoors rather than unhealthy lifestyle habits like drinking and partying. Tagging its members as 'Graspers', the group tries to instil a family fun spirit in all its activities and travels.

When group founder Yousuf Elabbasy noticed a pattern that connects soulmates when embracing nature, he instinctively began helping potential couples connect and eventually get married. "I believe people are the truest versions of themselves when hiking and disconnected out in the mountains," said the 33-yearold Egyptian, "so when is a better time to find a life partner?"

"One weekend evening, I received a call from a Grasper (client) and friend asking to meet up for coffee; he said he had some good news to share," recalled Elabbasy.

To his surprise, his friend wasn’t alone at the cafe, he was waiting for him with another Grasper who he soon realised had become his wife.

“They met on our first hike that winter. They were both extremely decent, elegant, and beautiful human beings, so I was beyond excited about the news, and the fact that it all started on one of my hikes.

“That was the beginning of 'Grasp the Khattaba', a joke that slowly transformed into a reality.”