10-day, 500km UAE desert camel trek ends

Dubai - The 10-day expedition was organised and supervised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC)

Fifteen amateur explorers undertook a camel trek across a UAE desert to discover Emirati heritage. Instead, at the end of their 10-day, 500km trek, they learnt about multiple cultures.
"It has been amazing. It was just fantastic to be disconnected completely and to be with the camels. I learnt every day about Emirati culture, Omani culture, Indian culture and the cultures of everyone around me. It was 200 per cent fun - and challenging - and I have learnt so much," French expat Charlotte Sarrazin, one of the explorers, said.
"I will do it again and my advice for other people who are thinking of going on this camel trek next year is that they should train up for it physically, but they should definitely do it." The trek came to a close on Monday at Global Village's Heritage quandrant.
The group's trek began at Al Tay, and went through Mahafez, Al Thomaid, Al Showab, Al Faqqah, Bab Al Shams and Al Lseely before wrapping up in Global Village.
The 10-day expedition was organised and supervised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC). The group - which included expats and UAE nationals - was led by Emirati explorers Ahmed Al Qassemi and Mohammed bin Taryam. quandrant on Monday. -"This trek showcased the real heritage of this area and the international trekkers benefitted from it and learnt something new. It's a huge achievement for them all as riding and forging a relationship with a camel is difficult. But after sufficient training, they managed to succeed for 10 straight days," Al Qassemi noted.
Participates had to overcome challenges, particularly while riding camels in the desert for sometimes over eight hours a day. No injuries were reported.
For some, the trip was a way to connect with their ancestors.
"I feel so happy after this experience. Our forefathers did this in the past and, now, I've done it. Everybody is going to the coffee shop or the mall these days. I said I'd do this camel trek to experience what our forefathers did and where they lived," Sharjah resident Ahmad Fursan said.
Mohammed bin Taryam said that he was impressed with the group of adventurous trekkers.
"There was a great level of cooperation between all the participants and they really seemed to enjoy the experience. They also refused to take the easy route," he said.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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