05-08-2025
Emirates Foundation Opens Registration for ‘Misrah' Youth Heritage Trek
Young people in the UAE now have a chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that blends culture, fitness, and national pride. Emirates Foundation has opened registration for Misrah, a heritage initiative led by Active Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, aimed at connecting youth with authentic Emirati traditions.
Set to officially launch on 21 August 2025, Misrah invites UAE citizens and residents aged 18 to 25 to apply for a challenging 1,000km desert trek across the country. The journey, which uses traditional methods of travel like camel riding, is designed to test participants physically and mentally while immersing them in the nation's heritage.
Two-Phase Cultural Experience
The program will begin with a training phase in Abu Dhabi, where 500 shortlisted participants will learn camel riding, traditional crafts, and Emirati folk arts under the guidance of experts. Training sessions will be held four days a week from 4pm to 8pm until 19 October, with 60 participants per day. After this phase, 100 participants will be selected for the second stage – the 1,000km trek through the UAE desert.
A Journey Through Emirati Heritage
The training will give participants hands-on experience with camels, from learning about their anatomy and caring for them to preparing saddles and using traditional tools such as woven mats, water pouches, and saddlebags. They will also explore folk arts and hospitality traditions, including Al Ayala and Al Taghrooda performances, campfire storytelling, and Emirati coffee preparation.
Participants will rotate through three learning stations – The Coffee House, Folk Arts Workshops, and Camel Pastures – ensuring a complete cultural immersion that blends theory with practice.
Empowering the Next Generation
Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, said:
'Misrah is more than a physical challenge – it is a journey of self-discovery, cultural pride, and character building. We encourage young citizens and residents to join this unique experience and deepen their appreciation of Emirati heritage.'
The initiative is supported by multiple government and private entities, including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Department of Culture and Tourism, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Ministry of Defense, Mubadala Investment Company, and other partners.
Applications are now open, and the Emirates Foundation encourages all eligible youth to take part in this exceptional journey to celebrate the UAE's culture, traditions, and national identity.
