DUBAI Seventeen adventurers who put city life behind them to undertake a 10-day trek by camel returned to a traditional welcome at the Global Village on February 1.
The 10-day expedition covering 500 km organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Center (HHC) was led by Ahmad Al Qasemi and Mohammad Bin Taryam. The group, which included several expats, began their journey at Al Tay and continued through Mahafez, Al Thomaid, Al Showab, Al Faqqah, Bab Al Shams and Al Lseely before touching the Global Village. They also visited Towi Bin Khlais, Alfayah, Al Khodr, Seeh Al Silm, Seeh Al Dahel and Al Nakhli.
The trek, as it turns out, was a test of endurance for the participants. Ibrahim Abdul Rahim, director of events at the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Center (HHC), was a relieved man as their trip went without a hitch, while French trekker Charlotte Sarrazin said she could not get over the fact that she was disconnected from all that she was familiar with to be with the camels.
Physical training
“It was 200 per cent fun – and challenging – and I have learnt so much. 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 physically,” she noted.
Trekker Rasheenah Ahmad, from India, said: “It has been a great learning curve and a wonderful experience. It has probably been one of my best holidays.”
Al Qasemi said the trek showcased the real heritage of the region and international trekkers had greatly benefitted from it.
“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,” he said.
Al Qasemi was especially appreciative of the teamwork within the group when challenges presented themselves. “This ensured everything went smoothly,” he added.
