UAE | General
Emirati women hit the road and film tourist spots
Four young Emirati women have taken to the roads to prove that if men can do it so can they.
- By Eman Mohammed, Staff Reporter
- Published: 01:04 February 8, 2008
- Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
- From left: Wa'ad Al Mansouri, Shayma Al Reyami, Amani Nasser and Maitha Jasem will travel across the country.
Abu Dhabi: Four young Emirati women have taken to the roads to prove that if men can do it so can they.
Shayma Al Reyami, Wa'ad Al Mansouri, Amani Nasser and Maitha Jasem started their tour of the UAE yesterday. The first leg takes them to Al Ain in a car made famous by the Emirati Travellers Group, which toured around the world.
The women will go around tourist areas in Al Ain, documenting every thing on film. They will then go to Fujairah through Hatta and later to Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah and finally Dubai.
Shayma, group leader, told Gulf News: "We are the female version of the Emirati Traveller Group. The idea came from Awad Bin Mejren, the group leader."
'It means a lot to me'
In ancient times, she said women had lots of responsibilities in life. They played so many roles - there were no boundaries. "And as modern women, we have been promoted to senior positions. We now want to emphasise that we women can do what men do," she said.
It wasn't easy for Shayma's family to accept the idea of her being a traveller: "I convinced them because it means a lot to me."
On the other hand, things were easier for Wa'ad who got family support for her spirit of adventure. "It's not only about exploring tourist spots but it's about women's will to choose to do so," she said.
For Amani it's just a dream that has come true. She was a fan of the group and always wished to be a traveller. "I have got the chance to live my dream."
Big project
Maitha used to be a scout at school, so "travelling is usual for me". "Emirati women can reach higher levels and preserve their traditions too."
Ebrahim Al Dahli, editor-in-chief of Asfar, a travel magazine and organisers of the trip, said this is just a beginning of a big project that aims to prove that "Emirati women have the will to travel and tour the mountains and deserts". He said: "Other groups will tour different parts of the country later."
All the trips will be documented and broadcast on www.asfartvonline.net.
Latest news
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Police's secret source scheme reaps rewards
- Transfusion centre launches new toll free number
- Mirror, mirror show me the way
- Smart e-Gate system launched
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
