As part of its efforts to diversify Qatar's tourism offerings, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), invited adventure lovers to participate in a challenge aimed at reviving the age-old Arab tradition of camel riding. QTA will arrange two camel caravans for a 12-km endurance ride in Zekreet, west of Qatar.

Organized in partnership with Qatar Museum Authority for the second consecutive year, the Desert Caravan Challenge provides participants with an authentic experience through the revival of one of the age-old sports in Qatar and the Gulf region. QTA is working to develop this tourism product by adding new creative elements every year. The caravan will be held in a different region each year. Last's year's challenge was organized in Al Zubarah Fort, while this year's challenge will be organized in the historical Zekreet region. The diversification of the tourism products helps advance the National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030, which is aimed at developing a mature and sustainable tourism sector.

"Our tourism strategy seeks to build a modern and sustainable tourism sector capable of attracting tourists from all over the world," said Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer, at QTA. "This event undoubtedly contributes to the realization of this vision as it diversifies tourism offerings and sheds light on Qatar as a world tourism destination with deep cultural roots. The activity promotes prehistoric landmarks and showcases the beauty of the Qatari desert and nature." Al Ibrahim said he expects enthusiastic extensive response from the public to the challenge, noting that QTA built on the success of last year's challenge, which attracted hundreds of participants.

Open to Qatari citizens and residents over the age of 18, the caravan will set out on February 6 and 7 for a 12km endurance camel ride that will set off from outside the antiquated mosque in Zekreet (House of the Imam) and wind its way through the scenic desert sand to Zekreet Fort along the western region of Qatar. The caravan will stop for breaks at locations near Richard Serra sculptures at Ras Brouq and the ruins of Zekreet village. QTA will select 15 candidates for the first day and 15 for the second day of the challenge. The journey takes between four and five hours and ends at the same location. During the journey, the participants experience authentic Qatari hospitality in tents put up in the middle of the desert.

QTA is arranging the event at no cost to participants, but the ride will be a grueling test of endurance that only adults in good physical condition should consider registering for the challenge. The ride is open to male and female participants, including those who have little or no camel-riding experience, as a number of highly qualified camel-riding trainers will accompany the participants.

Aspiring adventurers can register on www.qatartourism.gov.qa/dcc as of today.

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QNE

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