As part of the celebrations of the UAE’s 49th National Day, a group of 11 camel riders from seven countries participated in the 7th edition of Camel Trek organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC).

The annual desert journey kicked off from Liwa’s Empty Quarter in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi on Sunday (29 November). The participants first met at the Heritage Village inside Global Village before going to the designated departure area on Saturday evening. Their aim is to navigate around 550 kms of the UAE desert until the caravan reaches its destination at the Heritage Village inside Dubai’s Global Village on December 8.

The caravan is composed of 11 camel riders (8 females, 3 males) namely: Sarah Steck, GesaEggeling, Jana Christin Schmiedel and Martin Kaiser from Germany; Emilie Chabant and Anna Aiko from France;  Mariaan Valero from South Africa; DanuseZdenkova (Czech Republic); NonnaAkopian (Russia); IgnasiGuia (Spain) and Essa Al Swaidi from the UAE. They have undergone rigid training sessions before going on the journey.

The desert voyage is the 7th edition of the annual Camel Trek, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC). The HHC said it’s a fitting tribute to the UAE’s glorious history.

Captain of the convoy

Like in past editions of the camel trek, the CEO of HHC Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook has led this year’s caravan. As a tutor, and a guide in UAE’s cultural heritage, Bin Dalmook ensured the high level of fitness and training given to participants in this desert voyage. Nonetheless, this particular event to expats, always offers a unique desert experience of living the old ways of the Bedouins.

Health and safety of everyone

Hind Bin Demaithan Al Qemzi, director of events at the HHC, added: “Despite the global challenges brought about by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, this widely popular camel trek has seen the light to mark yet another historic journey. We opened the door for training since July, amid precautionary measures to protect the participants.”

She added the HCC conducted the necessary checks before departure and allocated separate tents for each participant. The participants were also told to adhere to precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone.

Al Qemzi said this year’s participants are from the UAE, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Russia, South Africa, and Spain. One participant from last year returned to share the journey with her own camel. “Her participation in the trip is a testament for the Center’s efforts in promoting the UAE heritage,” Al Qemzi noted.

Expat rides her own camel

The 41-year-old French expat Anna Aiko said she bought her camel after she took the trip last year. “The Arabian desert has always attracted me and I got attached to a lot with camels. Last year’s camel trek introduced me to an authentic desert environment and this time, I’ve brought my own camel to be my travel companion in exploring the beautiful UAE desert,” she noted.