Abu Dhabi, August 5 / WAM / The Emirates Foundation opened registration for its national initiative "Masrah," one of the key initiatives of the "Active Abu Dhabi" program, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.

The initiative aims to prepare a conscious young generation, clinging to their cultural roots, through a heritage and sports experience that embodies authentic Emirati values and enhances national identity and belonging.

The initiative grants 500 young men and women, both citizens and residents, aged 18 to 25, the opportunity to be among 100 young individuals who will undertake a heritage trek spanning 1,000 kilometers across the Emirati desert, using the traditional mode of transport: camels.

The trek requires facing challenges and physical and mental discipline, in an integrated experience that enhances physical fitness and solidifies concepts of heritage and Emirati customs.

It is held in collaboration with a group of government and private institutions and bodies. These trainings are conducted under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, ensuring an authentic heritage experience that reflects the richness of Emirati heritage.

The Authority will also organize a series of specialized sessions with the participation of elite experts in heritage fields, aiming to preserve traditional knowledge and practices and enhance their sustainability.

The initiative launches on August 21 of this month, and includes two training phases. The first phase aims to train 500 young men and women in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the basics of camel riding, Emirati customs, and folk arts, at a rate of 60 participants per day, over four days a week, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This phase extends until October 19, 2025, followed by the selection of 100 qualifying participants to complete the program in the second phase.

Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Active Abu Dhabi, said: 'The launch of the "Masrah" initiative marks an inspiring milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower youth and strengthen their connection to national identity. We are proud to open registration for this unique heritage experience that combines physical challenge and pride in Emirati culture. We invite young people, both citizens and residents, to seize this opportunity and join the initiative, which contributes to honing their personalities, developing their skills, and deepening their understanding of the ancient Emirati heritage.'

The initiative includes a set of practical and theoretical axes, including learning about camels and their importance in Emirati heritage, close interaction with them, learning the parts of the camel and their names: the head, neck, gharb, hump, back, tail, and others, and training in assembling the camel saddle and using its basic tools such as al-batan, al-zawar, al-hasrah, al-khattam, al-saqa', and al-mahwi.

Trainees also participate in workshops on Emirati folk arts, including Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, Al Taghrooda, Shalla Al Boush, and the customs of welcoming guests, and they practice Shab Al Dhaw, coffee preparation, and storytelling and Emirati anecdotes.

Participants are divided into three groups, each comprising 20 young men and women who rotate among three main stations: the coffee area, folk arts workshops, and the camel enclosure. They spend one hour at each activity, ensuring an integrated and equally distributed educational experience.