Abu dhabi: Emirates Foundation has opened registration for Misrah, a national initiative led by Active Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. The program aims to empower youth through a heritage-focused physical experience rooted in authentic Emirati values.
According to Emirates News Agency, Misrah is set to officially launch on 21st August 2025. It invites UAE citizens and residents aged 18 to 25 to apply for a chance to be among 100 participants selected to embark on a 1,000 km heritage trek across the UAE desert. The journey will employ traditional modes of transportation, including camel riding, challenging participants both physically and mentally.
The initiative will be delivered in collaboration with several partners, including academic institutions and private sector collaborators. 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, while reinforcing national identity and a strong sense of belonging.
Misrah will unfold over two training phases. In the first phase, 500 young men and women, selected from the applicant pool, will receive training in Abu Dhabi. The program will cover fundamentals of camel riding, Emirati traditional crafts, and folk arts. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority oversees the training to ensure the content reflects the authenticity and cultural richness of Emirati heritage, with expert-led sessions preserving traditional knowledge and practices.
Training sessions will host 60 participants per day, held four days a week from 4 pm to 8 pm, running until 19 October. At the end of this phase, 100 participants will be chosen to advance to the second stage: a 1,000 km heritage trek across the UAE desert.
Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in opening registration for this unique cultural journey. He stated that Misrah marks an inspiring milestone in efforts to empower youth and reinforce their connection to national identity. He encouraged young citizens and residents to participate in this experience, which will enhance their skills and deepen their appreciation for Emirati heritage.
The Misrah initiative features practical and theoretical modules designed to immerse participants in Emirati heritage. These include an introduction to camels and their significance in Emirati culture, with opportunities for direct interaction and care. Participants will learn about camel anatomy, focusing on key parts such as the head, neck, withers, hump, back, and ridge. Additionally, they will receive instruction in assembling camel saddles and using essential traditional tools.
Workshops on Emirati folk arts will cover traditional performances such as Al Ayala, Al Harbiya, Al Taghrooda, and more. Participants will also engage in hands-on sessions on Shabah Al Daw, traditional campfire gatherings, Emirati coffee preparation, and oral storytelling and folktales.
Participants will be divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 individuals, rotating 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.