The Emirates Foundation unveils new initiative to promote national identity
In the heart of Abu Dhabi, against the modern backdrop of Al Qana, something remarkable was set in motion.
The Emirates Foundation, through its Active Abu Dhabi initiative, unveiled Misrah; a bold, soul-stirring national programme that dares to do more than just commemorate the UAE’s Year of Community.
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It invites a generation to walk, ride, and reflect their way into a deeper understanding of who they are and where they come from.
This isn’t just another youth programme. Misrah is a 1,000-kilometre journey across the UAE’s diverse terrain, blending physical endurance with cultural immersion.
Over 30 days, young Emiratis will trace the footprints of their ancestors; walking, riding camels, and reliving a nomadic rhythm that once defined life in the Emirates.
Each step will echo traditions long embedded in the sands of this land, now revived with meaning and purpose.
But Misrah is not just about looking back. It’s about using the past as a compass for the future. Through heritage-rich activities, storytelling, and community events, it asks a vital question: what does it mean to be Emirati today?
In an age of fast-paced progress, Misrah slows things down. It invites youth to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with the natural world; the vast deserts, coastal trails, and mountain paths that shaped generations before them.
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Along the way, participants will develop more than just stamina. They will cultivate patience, resilience, humility, and above all, pride in their roots.
The programme is grounded in the values of the UAE’s founding fathers, blending physical challenge with emotional depth and cultural insight.
It aims to nurture ambassadors of national identity; young people who will carry forward stories, values, and traditions that might otherwise fade with time.
More than just a personal journey, Misrah is a shared experience. It brings together government entities, community organisations, storytellers, artists, and media partners, creating a living, breathing celebration of unity.
It’s a platform that transforms national vision into tangible action; where values are not only taught but lived.
As the UAE embraces its Year of Community, Misrah becomes its heartbeat: a moving tribute to the past, a living lesson for the present, and a hopeful step toward a more connected future.
For more information on the Misrah initiative, visit Active Abu Dhabi
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