Abu Dhabi prepares to host an extraordinary cultural and physical endurance event as 100 selected youth embark on the groundbreaking ‘Mesrah Mission’ from December 8-22, 2025. This ambitious 1,000-kilometer desert expedition across Abu Dhabi’s terrain represents a unique fusion of heritage preservation and community building initiatives.
Organized through a collaborative effort between Emirates Foundation and Active Abu Dhabi, the program forms an integral component of the Year of Community 2025 framework. The initiative specifically aims to strengthen national identity among Emirati youth while fostering cross-cultural understanding among the 35 nationalities represented among participants.
The journey will retrace ancient nomadic pathways, commencing in Al Sila within the Al Dhafra region. Participants will traverse diverse landscapes including the expansive Liwa Desert, the majestic Jebel Hafeet, and the cultural heartland of Al Ain, culminating in a final celebration at Al Wathba on December 22. The expedition structure divides participants into five teams who will utilize fifteen strategically positioned camps throughout their journey.
According to organizational leadership, the mission transcends physical challenge by incorporating profound cultural immersion. Ahmad Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, emphasized that “Mesrah Mission represents a values-driven experience designed to strengthen young people’s connection to their heritage while building community spirit and inspiring meaningful national contribution.”
Comprehensive preparatory training supervised by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority equipped participants with essential traditional skills including camel riding, Emirati craftsmanship etiquette (‘sana’a’), and ancestral desert navigation techniques. This preparatory phase ensured participants could fully engage with the historical and cultural dimensions of the experience.
Robust logistical support includes continuous medical, security, and technical accompaniment throughout the two-week journey. Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on “motivating youth through heritage-inspired physical activity while strengthening connections to national traditions via an innovative sports-identity integration approach.”
Participants expressed enthusiastic anticipation for the transformative experience. Emirati participant Fatima Al Hosani noted the opportunity to “witness the contrast between historical and contemporary living conditions, appreciating the national efforts behind modern wellbeing standards.” International participant Yevhenii, a 31-year-old from Ukraine, shared his motivation to “deepen understanding of Emirati customs and heritage” through direct experiential learning.