The 12th edition of the camel trek concluded in Dubai two days ago, after covering a distance of 1050 km across the sand dunes of the United Arab Emirates. The caravan, which included 29 participants from 18 different nationalities, traveled on camelback for 21 days. The journey began in the Al-Sila area and returned to its final destination at the Heritage Village in Global Village.
Abdullah Hamdan bin Dulumook, CEO of the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center, confirmed that "the essence of the camel trek lies in the profound values it carries, based on commitment, the spirit of cooperation, and patience. These values were clearly evident as the caravan overcame the many challenges posed by the ruggedness of some desert trails, as well as the weather and climate conditions that accompanied it, which often required an increase in daily travel hours to keep the journey on track."
He added: "This trek is a great source of pride for us. It is one of the primary messages through which we convey our vision for preserving the nation's heritage since the center's inception. It embodies authentic Emirati values, foremost among them coexistence and love, which we strive to instill through a realistic experience lived out on the desert land."
Regarding the journey's routes, bin Dulumook explained: "Arriving at designated stations often took place after dark. These trails do not merely signify a geographical transition; they represent a living narrative of humanity's relationship with place and time. Throughout history, they have formed vibrant landmarks in the consciousness of our ancestors and an open record of the desert's memory."
He spoke about the values that nomadic life instills in the participants: "The trek served as a genuine platform for transmitting Emirati heritage to participants of various nationalities through their daily experience of desert life details and values. This field experience acquainted them with the customs and traditions of Emirati society and deepened their understanding of the meaning of coexistence and cooperation, making the camel trek a living cultural bridge that connects peoples and reflects the image of the UAE as a homeland of tolerance and openness."
The caravan arrived at the Heritage Village in Global Village, which was adorned with flowers and scented with frankincense and saffron. A traditional folk troupe performed songs amidst a large crowd that had come to welcome the participants. The closing ceremony included honoring the participants and awarding them certificates of appreciation.
Dutch participant Morgan van Brink said, "I decided to embark on this unique experience for its deep humanistic meaning. The journey was difficult at the beginning, but it taught me the meaning of patience and building a relationship of trust with the camels. Being in the heart of the desert was like discovering a new world with every step."
Emirati participant Sultan Ali Al Razi stated, "The camel trek granted me an inner peace and an experience that cannot be measured by distance. Living at the desert's pace restored the meaning of simplicity to me and deepened my connection to my ancestors' heritage."
"The camel trek formed a living school for getting to know camels up close, as one of the most important symbols of the UAE's national heritage," said Abdullah Hamdan bin Dulumook. "This experience revealed to the participants its spiritual and material value to our forefathers, and its pivotal role in their daily lives, whether in mobility, nomadism, or enduring the hardships of the desert. Realizing this status contributes to deepening the connection with heritage and gives future generations a deeper awareness of their roots."
