DUBAI: Visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai gave 29 camel trekkers from 21 countries a very warm welcome, as they concluded their 13-day journey across the UAE desert.
Starting from Liwa Empty Quarter in the western region of Abu Dhabi at dawn on December 9, 2021, the eighth camel caravan, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) travelled across 640 kilometres, before arriving as evening fell across Al Forsan Park.
The HHC is the foremost resource and the most credible reference on the conservation and propagation of national heritage in the United Arab Emirates. Deepening the sense of national identity among the younger generation of Emiratis and promoting Emirati culture, values, and traditions, at both the regional and international level, are at the core of its mission.
The trek was led by Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook, CEO, HHC who said, “It is a matter of pride and honour that we showcase the UAE’s cultural heritage at the world’s biggest stage.”
Sharing his unique desert experience, as one of the caravan’s participants, Spaniard David Benito, said: “The camel caravan trek gave me a real insight into Emirati culture – we had to train to become physically very fit, to learn how to ride and communicate with the camels, plus communicate across language barriers with some of the locals during our trek. We discovered how to embrace everything that the desert offers, while the camels, in particular, taught us how to be tough.
“We were the main attraction when we arrived at Expo 2020. Visitors were asking to take photos with us and asking us about the experience – it was amazing. We were worried that the camels would play up but they all behaved themselves.”
Source: Expo 2020 Website
