10 to live Bedouin life on 2-week camel trek

Dubai - Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), the camel trek is now in its fifth edition.

Ten adventurous UAE residents on Wednesday embarked on a 500km camel trek that will take them deep into the desert.
They began the journey from Ghayathi, a town in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi that used to be a Bedouin settlement. For the next two weeks, they will be reliving the Emirati heritage and traditions.
Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC), the camel trek is now in its fifth edition.
"The trekkers are of different nationalities, including Emirati, American, British, Argentinean, French, Algerian and Indian. They were carefully selected from a pool of applicants who participated in our training programme at Al Nakhra camel farm in Dubai. Some are newbies and some are old-timers who will provide support to the beginners," Hind bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, director of events at the HHC, told Khaleej Times.
"The camel trek has become very popular among residents, particularly those who love camels and would like to have a different desert experience. The journey connects them with nature, in addition to developing ties of friendship among the trekkers," Al Qemzi said.
She said the journey will cover a total distance of around 500km - traversing the vast expanse of the UAE desert, including Liwa Oasis and Swaihan desert - to give the participants a perfect opportunity to experience the rich Emirati culture and the life of the Bedouins.
Al Qemzi said the participants have undergone intensive training at Al Nakhra camel farm in Dubai before the actual trek.
"They have to be familiar with the camel. There will be many challenges, that's why it is very important for them to learn the different tasks during the entire journey," she said.
From the camels and tents to food and medical needs, the HHC provided everything the group needed for the adventure.
The trekkers are expected to conclude their journey on January 29 at the Global Village in Dubai.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

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