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Adventurers will cover three emirates and 11 checkpoints; their final point of arrival will be the Expo 2020 site
The clock is about to ring at 6 pm, almost dusk. Anna Aiko rode on the princess, strolling on the silky sands of the Dubai desert, somewhere in the distance.
The Japanese-French explorer wore a white shirt and a traditional white Arabian headdress. This scene seems to come directly from a Hollywood movie-Lawrence of Arabia, maybe.
Anna was returning to the rest of the caravan, and they stopped to deal with something. Head coach Hamdan Al Rumaithi got off the smooth 4×4 truck and carefully checked that all systems were normal.
For Anna and others, this is just another day, because they receive rigorous training in the morning and evening and on weekends. They have been doing this for more than three weeks in preparation for the annual camel trek to be held in December.
This year’s event is tentatively scheduled to start on December 9, when hikers will ride a camel across 700 kilometers in the open area of the UAE. They will cover three emirates and 11 checkpoints within 10 days, and their final destination will be the Expo 2020 site.
Although this is an opportunity for Emirati to find their roots, the event has been popular with expats who wish to go back in time, explore the beauty of nature and relive the ancient way of life of the Bedouin.
Therefore, it is not surprising that this year-this is the eighth edition of the event-received a enthusiastic response, and participants from the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Japan, India, Jordan, and the UAE have all signed up for it. Registration is still in progress, and the last date for registration is today (Wednesday).
Organizer Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center revealed that they have received 500 applications so far-they expect this number to surge before the deadline.
Expect the unexpected
The students met by Khaleej Times at the Camel Farm were unable to conceal their excitement as they prepared to participate in the activity for the first time. British Howard Lidham is such an expatriate.
As someone who has participated in three tours in the British Special Forces for 20 years, he found that he could even draw some similarities between these experiences.
“One thing that is very reminiscent of the military is that unless you do it, you never know what will happen,” he said, putting the saddle (called’shadad’ in Arabic) on the camel. . “So, when you come here, you don’t know where you are going-long rides, short rides-or what kind of exercise you will do before you actually start.”
He shared that it takes some time to establish contact with Camel. “We have learned that every camel has its own personality: some may be very grumpy! But in the end, if we achieve results, we will get a camel, and then we will establish a relationship with the camel. So, now it’s better to bring carrots. It’s too early,” he quipped.
Howard hopes that he can advance and experience this special journey. “I have been working in the desert for a long time, so I really look forward to it. I look forward to leaving my phone for several hours every day. In addition, the scenery in the desert is amazing: constantly ups and downs, constantly changing. I hope I can do it ,” he added.
A good fear
American Meriam Sehrewerdi, who has been riding a camel since she was a child, admitted that she was really scared at first.
“Maybe at the beginning, especially when you prepare your shada, because it is your seat,” she said. “If you don’t do it well, then you are likely to fall. So far, I have not done this, hope I will not do it. There will always be some fear-but it is a good fear. “
“Animals are just like us-they have feelings,” Merriam added, “but if you are energetic, treat them kindly, show love and care, they won’t cause you difficulties.” For you it will definitely be. Easier. “
The Egyptian expatriate Amina Samy praised the “Desert Ship” for her first experience.
“This is the first year I participated in the camel trek. I saw a billboard on Sheikh Zayed Road, which piqued my interest. I don’t have any experience with camels and horses-but I think they are beautiful And majestic creatures, so I am excited about this challenging adventure,” she said.
Life-changing experience
Unlike her colleagues who made her debut, Anna is one of the skilled people who took part in a hiking trip last year. Her passion for travel witnessed the experienced 42-year-old man embarking on the ancient Silk Road, the caravan trail of the Frankincense Road, the deserted areas of Saudi Arabia and the mysterious island of Socotra.
“This is an amazing experience,” Anna said of her adventures last year. “I discovered the heritage of the UAE and the vast deserts of open areas. Every day is different…”
She said that at first, people felt a sense of surprise when they found the desert, but in general, when she and the camel “come into one”, it was a life-changing experience.
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“The camel can feel our feelings, even with small gestures. In addition, during the trek, we have to connect with other hikers and share our different cultures. This is a good way to connect with people in the desert. Method. “You don’t have a cell phone. It’s just people and nature-and a good way to connect with yourself,” the adventurer recalled. He had traveled 2,300 kilometers-all riding camels.
While we were winding through the desert during their training, Al Rumaithi continued to give expert instructions. He is fatherly to a certain extent, but does it with the skill of a friend, adding a little humor to an appropriate degree. If his driving skills on the sand dunes are of any use, they have a good command.
james@khaleejtimes.com
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