Every year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers its residents a unique opportunity to experience the traditional Bedouin life through an annual event known as the Camel Trek.
This once-in-a-lifetime adventure is organized by the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre and is open to all UAE residents free of charge.
The Camel Trek takes place in December and spans approximately 12 days. The journey commences from Aradah, Abu Dhabi, and concludes at the Global Village in Dubai.
Participants travel 40 to 45 kilometers daily, with several checkpoints along the route where they can replenish their food and drink supplies and rest in tents.
This challenging expedition allows participants to traverse sweeping sands and endless dunes on camel-back, testing their endurance and patience. In previous years, trekkers have even been surprised by visits from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Those interested in participating in the Camel Trek must be over 18 years old and consider themselves physically fit and healthy. Prospective trekkers are required to register their interest online.
Out of hundreds of applicants, only 20 to 30 individuals are selected for this unique adventure. These chosen adventurers then undergo extensive desert training with a Bedouin, learning essential survival skills such as how to ride a camel and how to survive in the desert.
Last year marked the 10th edition of the Camel Trek, with 34 camel riders selected from 15 different nationalities. This year will be the 11th iteration of the journey, providing yet another opportunity for UAE residents to explore the authentic culture and life that once existed in this land.
For more information about the annual Camel Trek, visit hhc.gov.ae.