Explorers traverse longest 640km camel trek across vast UAE desert
Emiratis, expats en route 13-day caravan ride from Liwa desert to Expo 2020 Dubai
Abu Dhabi: Twenty-nine desert voyagers from 21 countries set off from Liwa Empty Quarter in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi at dawn on Thursday for the eighth annual Camel Trek, organised by Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC).
For 13 days, 29 camel trekkers will navigate 640km of the UAE desert to enjoy a unique experience, such as living life according to the old ways of the Bedouins, until they reach their final destination at the Expo 2020 Dubai site on December 21.
The caravan — the longest till date organised by HHC — was led by Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, who expressed his happiness with the high number of participants and the diversity of nationalities in the annual camel trek.
He added: “It is only fitting that the final destination of the camel trek is the Expo site, as the UAE has gathered the world at Expo 2020 Dubai. It is a matter of pride and honour that we showcase the UAE’s cultural heritage on the world’s biggest stage.”
Desert route
The caravan will follow a prepared route and the camel trekkers will rest at camping stations in the middle of the desert. Participants are being provided with all necessary requirements by HHC for the entire duration of the voyage, including food, drink, individual tents and the camels that they are using for the journey.
Connecting with the past
Speaking to Gulf News before the expedition, Alapide said: “This voyage for me is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will surely never forget. I joined the camel trek to learn and understand more about the old ways of Bedouin life in the desert. Doing this trek is a way to connect with the past and also a way for me to forge camaraderie with other participants during the trek.”
Leedham, 63, from the UK, said: “I have had a huge interest in Emirati culture, but this camel trip will take it to a completely different dimension and I thank the HHC and the UAE for this wonderful experience.”
Rigorous training
According to HHC, “the participants underwent rigorous training at a camel farm in Dubai, months prior to the camel trek. During training, the participants developed a level of fitness and aptitude for the desert voyage. They did not only learn how to ride a camel, but were also trained on how to travel in a convoy and were familiarised with life in the desert. Everyone’s health is a priority and all safety and precautionary measures will be enforced”.