Ready for a uniquely Emirati challenge? Emirates Foundation has opened registration for Misrah, a heritage trek aiming to inspire the youth to get moving.
Led by Active Abu Dhabi, it is set to officially launch on 21 August 2025. UAE citizens and residents of all nationalities aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to apply. Spots are limited to 100 participants, who will be selected to embark on a 1,000km heritage trek across the UAE desert.
What are the modes of transport? It’s all things traditional, including a camel as well to complete the challenging journey.
This immersive experience is designed to promote physical fitness, deepen understanding of Emirati heritage and traditional craftsmanship, and foster a meaningful connection to local culture in all its authentic detail, while reinforcing national identity and a strong sense of belonging.
How will the Misrah heritage trek unfold?
The entire programme consists of two training phases. In the first phase, 500 young men and women, selected from the applicant pool, will receive training in Abu Dhabi on the fundamentals of camel riding, Emirati traditional crafts, and folk arts.
Sessions will host 60 participants per day, held four days a week from 4 pm to 8 pm, and will run until 19 October.
It is only at the end of this phase that the final 100 participants will be chosen to advance to the second stage: a 1,000km heritage trek across the UAE desert.
Participants will be divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 young individuals. They will rotate through three core learning stations: The Coffee House, Folk Arts Workshops, and Camel Pastures.
Each group will spend one hour at each station, ensuring a well-rounded and equally distributed learning experience that combines cultural immersion with practical engagement.
Furthermore, the initiative features a diverse set of practical and theoretical modules designed to immerse participants in authentic Emirati heritage. These include an introduction to camels and their significance in Emirati culture. There will be opportunities for direct interaction and care; training on camel anatomy, ridge instruction in assembling camel saddles, etc.
The training also includes using essential traditional tools such as saddle padding (batan), support straps or stirrups (zuwar), woven mats (hasra), the bridle, traditional water pouches (saqa’a), and more.
Keeping true to showcasing the UAE’s heritage and culture, there will also be workshops on Emirati folk arts, covering traditional performances such as Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, and more.
So if you’re looking to push yourself mentally and physically while exploring Emirati heritage, register now for the unique heritage trek and challenge.
For more information, visit Misrah
For a full look at the events coming up in 2025, check out the events roundup.