DUBAI // A group of Emirati and expatriate adventurers have taken to the desert for a week-long trek with just camels for transport and old-fashioned methods of navigation.
The 13-member group, which planned to trek up to 50 kilometres a day, left from the Nakhra area of Dubai and will finish their adventure at the emirate’s Global Village on Saturday.
“We are heading south-east and will be using old navigation methods,” said Khalifa bin Sabeen, leader of the trek.
“There are certain areas for resting and we have to camp before the sun sets so we can set up the tents.
“We will work as a team, with some people taking care of the camels and saddles, and others cooking the food.”
Support teams will follow in cars to provide assistance or first aid in case of an emergency.
The four women and nine men on the trek are from Oman, the US, Egypt, France, Britain and the UAE.
They were selected after expressing interest in following the footsteps of people who lived in the desert.
The event organisers at the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre,then put the group under intensive training, including in guiding the camels and setting up their braces and saddle.
For Brit Rhian Adams, this was one adventure she just could not miss. The fitness trainer loves camels, and even owns one of her own.
Her enthusiasm for the trek was shared by her friend Hina Webb, also from Britain.
The pair climbed Kilimanjaro and to Everest base camp last year but this adventure had a different appeal.
“This is with a very beautiful animal, in a very different landscape with the Arab culture and hospitality,” Ms Webb said.
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