Epic Camel Trek: Conquering Desert Storms

On Camelback Through the Storm: 1000 Kilometer Challenge in Rain, Wind, and Resilience – Pressing on to Dubai

The deserts of the United Arab Emirates are breathtaking, yet extremely unpredictable—especially when one embarks on a camel trek of over 1000 kilometers aiming to reach Dubai. One of this year's greatest adventure treks tested participants not only physically but also mentally, particularly when nature unleashed its untamed power. The 33-member caravan faced not only the desert heat but also unusually heavy rains, stormy winds, and muddy campgrounds, though they never halted their journey.

Beyond a Simple Trek

This trek was no mere leisurely walk over sand dunes. Spanning several weeks, the camel trek crossed multiple emirates, touched upon border areas, and reached close to the coastline. Exceeding 1000 kilometers, this year's route was among the longest ever organized in the country. It demanded not only physical stamina but also mental fortitude, teamwork, and adaptability.

Participants came from diverse backgrounds: desert veterans and first-time adventurers alike, yet all set out with the same aim—to reach Dubai after a grueling adventure.

When the Desert is Not Hospitable

One of the biggest challenges was the weather. While rain is rare in the desert, when it comes, it is relentless. The storm arrived in the final days of the trek, not only tearing at tents but also soaking the ground and washing away campgrounds. Participants' sleeping gear—sleeping bags and mattresses—became drenched, with many spending the entire night awake.

Not everyone panicked, though. The camels brushed off the rain as if it were nothing. Standing calmly, progressing steadily, they were unbothered by the howling wind or pouring rain around them. Participants unanimously acknowledged that their camels endured the hardships better than they did. This constancy and predictability provided much-needed mental solace in the middle of the night when tents were battered by the wind and the ground beneath them turned into a quagmire.

A Night to Remember Forever

One team member recounted how they spent one of the most challenging nights: "We couldn't sleep. Everything was wet. Instead, we sat next to each other and talked until dawn." Such moments forge community out of strangers—when a shared goal, survival, determination, and courage bring people together. Though the night was physically draining, it spiritually strengthened the group.

Others mentioned that the wind was so strong it blew away several tents. One traveler remarked, "The wind was really frightening. The tent walls kept moving; I thought the whole thing might tear apart any second." Some huddled together in a single tent during the storm, sitting close to each other as the rain drummed on the roof. Yet, despite this, no one was injured, and by the next morning, the team regrouped and continued their journey—there was no stopping.

Experience and Growth

Over the years, the trek organizers have learned a lot. Based on previous experiences, they now assess participants' capabilities and camel requirements much more accurately. Proper weight distribution and camel allocation tailored to individual experience greatly helped ensure that no one was endangered despite the challenges.

The logistical support has also improved year upon year. Supplies, designation of rest areas, accompanying staff, and communication systems have all advanced. While nature is unpredictable, proper preparation significantly contributed to the trek's eventual success.

The Goal: Dubai – But the Journey was the Essence

When the team finally arrived in Dubai, the view, the busy roads, the modern buildings, and the city's lights sharply contrasted with the past weeks' tranquil yet strenuous desert experiences. The trek reached its goal, but the true achievement was not the number of kilometers covered, but the experience each participant brought home.

Participants underwent not only a physical ordeal but also an emotional and communal experience that few other events can offer. The rain, wind, and cold nights all became part of the story these people will forever keep in their memories.

Dubai was not merely an endpoint for them but a symbol: the pinnacle of human endurance, humility towards nature, and a memorable journey rich in experiences. Though the tents flew away, the experience remained, deeply etched in the desert dust and in the footprints of camel hooves.

(Source: Based on accounts from members of the 33-member caravan.)