Explore the Arabian sands on camelback: Your guide to desert trekking in UAE
The Misrah initiative, a heritage-focused program launched by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, has begun its journey in Abu Dhabi. This innovative program aims to nurture and promote Emirati cultural and heritage values within the community [1][2][4].
Emphasizing Heritage Values Across the Community
The Misrah initiative emphasizes fostering heritage values across different segments of the community. Registration for participation is open through collaborating bodies like the Emirates Foundation and Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority [1][2][4].
A 1,000-Kilometre Heritage Trek
A notable component of the Misrah initiative is a heritage trek involving around 100 young Emirati citizens and residents undertaking a 1,000-kilometre journey across the UAE. This trek blends traditional heritage activities such as camel trekking with modern engagement to deepen cultural understanding and connection [5].
Training Sessions and Participation Requirements
While specific, detailed training programs within Misrah aren’t exhaustively described, the initiative is aligned with similar heritage and cultural capacity-building efforts in Abu Dhabi, focusing on cultural awareness, professionalism, and community engagement [1]. Participants typically include young citizens and residents with a demonstrated interest or role in cultural heritage preservation and promotion. Registration through official channels like the Emirates Foundation is required, suggesting a formal selection or application process [2][4].
Preparing for the Trek
The training sessions for Misrah will run from August 21, 2025, until October 19, four days a week from 4pm to 8pm. These sessions will cover the fundamentals of camel riding, Emirati traditional crafts, and folk arts. Participants will be required to travel on foot and use traditional modes of transportation [3].
Training modules for Misrah will include direct interaction and care for camels, learning about camel anatomy, assembling camel saddles, and using traditional tools such as water bags and saddle straps. Workshops on Emirati folk arts, including traditional performances, the art of welcoming guests, traditional campfire gatherings, Emirati coffee preparation, oral storytelling, and folktales, will also be held during this phase [3].
Selecting the Participants for the Trek
At the end of the training phase, 100 participants will be chosen to advance to the second stage: the 1,000 km heritage trek across the UAE desert over 30 days. The training phase of Misrah will select 500 participants from a pool of applicants [2][4].
Misrah: A Rewarding Cultural Experience
The Misrah initiative offers a unique opportunity for the younger generation and the wider community to immerse themselves in Emirati culture and heritage. The trek promises to be a challenging but rewarding way to deepen one's understanding of Emirati traditions and values [6].
More details about the Misrah initiative can be found on the Active Abu Dhabi website. The initiative is open to UAE citizens and residents of all nationalities aged 18 to 25.
[1] Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority [2] Emirates Foundation [3] Active Abu Dhabi [4] Gulf News [5] Khaleej Times [6] The National
The Misrah initiative, not only emphasizes fostering heritage values across the community but also extends to various aspects of life, such as career, lifestyle, and outdoor-living. Registration for the initiative is open through collaborating bodies like the Emirates Foundation and Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority [1][2][4].
A unique feature of the Misrah initiative is a 1,000-kilometer heritage trek, combining traditional activities like camel trekking with modern engagement to foster cultural understanding and connection [5].
The Misrah initiative's training sessions, scheduled from August 21, 2025, to October 19, aim to equip participants with essential skills for camel riding and Emirati traditional crafts, as well as Emirati folk arts and oral storytelling [3].
The training phase of Misrah will select 500 participants, and at the end, 100 participants will be chosen to participate in the 1,000-kilometer heritage trek across the UAE desert [2][4].
In addition to the trek, the Misrah initiative offers a myriad of opportunities for the younger generation and the wider community to engage with food, sports, travel, adventure travel, home-and-garden, news, and lifestyle segments that celebrate Emirati culture and heritage [6].
The Misrah initiative promises to be a challenging yet enriching experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of Emirati traditions and values [6]. More details can be found on the Active Abu Dhabi website, and the initiative is open to UAE citizens and residents of all nationalities aged 18 to 25 [6].
[1] Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority [2] Emirates Foundation [3] Active Abu Dhabi [4] Gulf News [5] Khaleej Times [6] The National
