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Sat, Jan 24, 2026 | Shaban 5, 1447 | Fajr 05:44 | DXB 
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UAE: 16-year-old follows in father's footsteps, completes 600km camel trek
What began as a story she grew up hearing at home became her own journey this winter
For Sarah Shajahan, the desert was not a place of fear, it was a place of memory. At just 16 years old, she rode a camel for nearly 600 kilometers across the UAE desert, following a path her father had taken nearly a decade ago. What began as a story she grew up hearing at home became her own journey this winter.
Sarah was among the youngest participants in this year's camel trek, which saw dozens of trekkers travel long distances across the desert. While some completed the 1,000km route, Sarah took part in a 600km stretch, facing long days, cold nights, and rough weather.
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“I always wanted to do this because my dad did it,” said Sarah. “Now that I was old enough, I thought I should try.”
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Inspired by her father
Sarah’s father, Shajahan, completed the camel trek nine years ago. He said he never pushed his daughter to follow his footsteps.
“I didn't force her at all. She got motivated on her own. She grew up seeing my pictures from the trek, and whenever I went riding, I used to take my children with me,” said Shahjahan.
Slowly, Sarah began to feel comfortable around camels. “She was never scared. That's what I liked most,” he said.
This year, Sarah applied for the trek herself and went through a selection process. Training began earlier in the year, with regular practice sessions at the farm.
"I joined the training in May. We had our selection in September, and I got selected in my second trial," said Sarah.
Training, rain, and riding on
During the trek, Sarah rode a camel named Ataraiya, whom she had trained with before the journey began. “They selected the camel for me. One week before the trek started, I trained with her and rode her four times,” said Sarah.
Despite her young age, Sarah said the journey was not as hard as she expected. “It was easier than I thought. My camel was very good and very friendly.”
However, the weather added to the challenge. During the final stretch towards Dubai, parts of the UAE experienced rain and strong winds.
“There was a sandstorm and rain one morning. Our tents and sleeping bags got wet, but it stopped raining by around 9am. We didn’t ride the camels in the rain,” said Sarah.
Many trekkers had to deal with wet gear and sleepless nights, but Sarah stayed calm throughout the experience.
More than just a trek
For Sarah’s father, the journey meant much more than riding across sand. “This is not just a hobby. Staying in the desert for many days, living with animals, and travelling in the old way is a life experience,” said the father.
He described the trek as an opportunity to live simply, connect with nature, and meet people from diverse cultures.
“You live with people from many countries and also with locals. You experience an ancient way of life. In many ways, it becomes a spiritual journey,” said Shahjahan.
While completing the trek was a big achievement for him years ago, he sees it differently for his daughter.
“For me, it was an accomplishment. For her, this is only the beginning of a journey,” added Shahjahan.
After completing the 600 km trek, Sarah returned to her normal routine quietly. Her father said she did not even rush to post about it on social media. “That surprised me. Most kids her age would post everything.”
Sarah said the experience has opened new doors for her. “This feels like the start of something new. I would love to take part in camel racing in the future.”
Nine years ago, Sarah watched her father return from the desert after completing the long camel trek. Back then, she was just a child, listening to his stories and looking at his pictures. Today, it is Sarah who has returned to her family, tired, proud, and quietly confident.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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