Dubai: UAE eco groups are marking 15 years of environmental stewardship in the country with an inaugural fund-raising excursion that will invite the public on a desert trek accompanied by seasoned professional guides.
The Caracal Challenge — named after the UAE’s desert wild cat weighing up to 18kg — is scheduled for November 11-12 by Emirate Wildlife Society and World Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF) to celebrate its 15 years of national conservation work.
Cash raised from registrations will provide funds for the Terrestrial Conservation Programme designed to protect land-based species and habitat across the UAE and Gulf region.
The event is being hosted by Husaak Adventures in partnership with Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, sponsored by Khidmah and Adventure HQ.
In a statement on Sunday, organisers said the trek will take place in “Al Khatim desert with participants going back in time to tap into Khaleeji traditions, using a full moon and the stars to navigate their way across the winding desert dunes.
“The challenge requires participants to have a good level of fitness and promises to be an exciting adventure for those that love the great outdoors. To celebrate the completion of this exhilarating excursion participants are invited for dinner and entertainment in a traditional desert camp”, organisers said.
The excursion will “test their endurance, experience and navigate the vast and breathtaking desert landscape at night and learn about the UAE’s natural environment”.
Ida Tillisch, director-general of EWS-WWF, said development is placing pressure on UAE wildlife and protecting animals is critical.
“Although the UAE is home to a multitude of natural habitats and wildlife, fast-paced development has put significant pressure on our natural environment and its inhabitants. For the last 15 years, EWS-WWF has been at the forefront of the conservation efforts to help find solution to this pressure,” said Tillisch.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Daheri, executive director, Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, said that “the fast pace of development and increased human-wildlife interactions are putting pressure on wildlife and their habitats. This is where the Caracal Challenge can make a real difference by raising awareness of the importance of Abu Dhabi’s desert habitats and the need for all sectors of society to unite together to protect them.”
Ali Khalil Hussain, founder of Husaak Adventures, said: “all net profits from the event will be donated towards EWS-WWF, helping to aid conservation work across the country.”
The Caracal Challenge
* November 11-12
* * To register and for full details, please visit: www.husaak.com/ttc.
