This transformative initiative is empowering young citizens and residents through physical adventure
Ready to ditch the digital world and dive into the dunes?
Say hello to Misrah; a bold new adventure that’s part heritage expedition, part physical challenge, and 100% unforgettable.
Launched by Emirates Foundation and led by Active Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, Misrah is a national movement aiming to reconnect young people with Emirati traditions through an immersive, rugged, and rewarding desert experience.
And here’s the kicker: you could be one of the 100 chosen participants to trek 1,000 kilometers across the UAE desert…by camel.
Set to launch on 21 August 2025, Misrah is calling on UAE citizens and residents aged 18 to 25 to apply.
The goal is to create a generation that’s not only physically fit but also deeply rooted in the heritage and values of the UAE.
Participants will be trained in everything from camel riding and traditional craftsmanship to folk arts and oral storytelling; all leading up to the ultimate test: crossing the desert the old-school way.
Step one: The Bootcamp
Before you earn your saddle, you’ll go through a comprehensive training program in Abu Dhabi.
Out of all applicants, 500 young adventurers will be selected to take part in this initial phase.
Over several weeks, participants will:
- Learn traditional Emirati crafts
- Train in camel care and riding
- Practice folk arts like Al Ayala, Al Harbiya & Al Taghrooda
- Master the art of Emirati coffee and hospitality
- Take part in campfire gatherings and storytelling sessions
Training happens four days a week, from 4pm to 8pm, all the way through 19 October. At the end, only the top 100 participants will move forward to the real deal; the full 1,000km trek across the desert.
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The Desert Trek
The selected 100 will take on a physically and mentally demanding journey, traveling by camel across a vast stretch of UAE desert.
The experience will highlight everything from survival skills and stamina to teamwork and cultural knowledge.
Expect dusty trails, early mornings, shared meals under the stars, and a deep dive into the rhythms of traditional Bedouin life. It’s not a walk in the park; but that’s exactly the point.
Cultural Bootcamp
Participants will rotate through three themed stations:
- The Coffee House – Learn the rituals of Emirati hospitality, from grinding beans to serving guests the traditional way.
- Folk Arts Workshops – Get hands-on with dance, music, and storytelling that’s been passed down for generations.
- Camel Pastures – Connect with the noble desert companion, from anatomy lessons to saddle assembly using age-old tools like batan, zuwar, and mahwi.
This is your chance to unplug, saddle up, and rediscover the UAE through its culture, land, and spirit.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a heritage lover, or just want a once-in-a-lifetime story to tell, Misrah could be the most transformative experience of your life.
For further information, visit Active Abu Dhabi
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