Emiratis and expats set off to a two-week Camel Trek across the UAE desert

Dubai UAE

Sallam Sallam

The 6th edition of the annual Camel Trek, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), kicked off to a strong start today with the participation of 11 people from 6 countries.

The camel trekkers, led by HE Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, set off from (Mender Al-Aslan) desert before heading to a pre-arranged route in the UAE desert that includes Al-Thurawaniah, Al-Assab, Al-Dhafra Fort, Al-Marzoum, Al-Shabika, Bugrin, North Razin, Al-Haffar, Al-Ajban and Saih Al-Salam until the convoy lands at the Heritage Village of Dubai Global Village.

The camel voyage will take 14 days, covering at least 65 kilometers of the vast UAE desert per day, depending on weather conditions.

The annual camel trek, which usually starts in January, has kicked off early this edition, in celebration of the country’s National Day.

Hind bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, HHC Director of Events, said: “We are proud to launch the trip early. This year’s edition of camel trek is an extension of the 48th National Day celebration. It is a precious occasion for all of us and is in line with the objectives of the HHC to celebrate our cultural heritage.”

The annual camel trek has become very popular among Emiratis and expats, especially among those who love to have a unique desert experience and learn the old ways of the Bedouins. The journey also connects them with nature, in addition to developing ties of friendship and cooperation among the participants.

Preparations and participants

The 11 trekkers are from the UAE, Germany, France, Britain, China and Albania, selected from among 700 applicants. They underwent a rigorous training program at Al Nakhra camel farm in Dubai and also passed all the exams required to participate in the trip.

Al Quemzi also revealed that this year’s edition has attracted the participation of more Emiratis and surprisingly two children (with their fathers). Its an new trial after which, we aspire that in the future, the camel trek will see the participation of more Emirati children with their parents, she added.

All the participants have undergone intensive training at Al Nakhra camel farm in Dubai before the actual trek. “Each participant has to be familiar with the camel. There will be many challenges that’s why it is very important to learn the different tasks during the entire journey, including how to set up tents and feed the camels,” Al Qemzi explained

The HHC, meanwhile, has ensured all the necessary logistics for the entire trek, including the camels, tents, food and other provisions, and a medical team on standby.

Emirati Mariam Mohammed said: “I heard about the camel trek three years ago and I had the idea of ??joining the caravan since then but I only had the opportunity to participate this year. I’m very proud of my heritage and I look forward to learn more about desert life and how our ancestors lived in the past.”

The route

The convoy in the last trek has traveled 700 kilometers in 14 days. The trekkers are expected to conclude their journey on December 19 at the Heritage Village of Global Village in Dubai.