In the footsteps of their forefathers, the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center is organizing a 10-day trip on camel back through the UAE desert – participation is open for all Emiratis.

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The trip, which will commence on January 20, 2015 and cover a distance of 200km, will be launched in collaboration with Ahmed Al Qassemi – a seasoned Yemeni voyager who has undertaken a number of trips across the world since 1994, covering more than 40,000km to date.

Qassemi’s “Winter Odyssey” will offer adventurous Emiratis a unique opportunity to travel back in time – exploring the UAE on camel back as their ancestors did, using traditional navigational techniques, maps and sun positions.

This is the second of Qassemi’s trips to be sponsored by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center and falls in line with the Center’s strategic goal of preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage, and raising public awareness about Emirati traditions and values, especially among the younger generations.

Commenting on its involvement in the activity, Ibrahim Abdulrahim, Director of Events, Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center said: “As a nomadic culture, the people of the Arab world and the UAE have a long tradition of voyages.

Trips such as the ‘Al Hadar’, journeys undertaken for trade and commerce or to attend weddings and celebrations have formed a vital part of the lives of our ancestors.

This unique opportunity offers the youth of today a glimpse back in time and teaches them the skills possessed by their ancestors to survive and thrive in their natural environment.”

Individuals interested in being part of Al Qassemi’s entourage can register by sending an email to a.rais@hhc.gov.ae. The selected individuals will be trained to care for their camels as well as read ancient maps utilizing traditional navigational techniques. The entire journey will be documented for cultural preservation purposes.