DOHA: More than 1,000 men and women of 25 nationalities have applied for the second edition of Desert Caravan Challenge to be held tomorrow and on Saturday in the historic Zekreet.
Of the applicants, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has chosen 30 to embark on an exciting 12km Arabian camel ride adventure through the scenic desert landscape of Zekreet.
While most participants are citizens and residents of Qatar, some are coming from other GCC countries. The participants were divided into two caravans of 15 members each — one tomorrow and the other on Saturday.
Both will start from outside the historical mosque near to Bait Al Imam (House of the Imam) in Zekreet, winding their way through the sand. The caravans will take a break at near Richard Serra sculptures in Ras Brouq.
The tour will last four to five hours during which participants will have the chance to experience Qatari hospitality in tents put up in the middle of the desert.
The challenge will conclude in Zekreet village.
“We are delighted that the second edition of the challenge has attracted a huge response from people of various nationalities, especially from Qatar and the GCC, as the organising team uses all its expertise and skills to develop the event and make it more attractive year after year,” said Hassan Al Ibrahim, Chief Tourism Development Officer, QTA.
“We expect this year’s challenge to be more thrilling, especially that there are many participants from the GCC, which reflect the uniqueness of Qatar as a world-class destination with deep cultural roots,” he added.
The challenge embodies citizens’ desire to support tourism in Qatar and develop a modern and sustainable tourism sector with deep cultural roots.
It aims to show authentic Arab hospitality, particularly that all organisers, sponsors, trainers and tour guides are Qatari.
Zekreet is near Dukhan and boasts of breathtaking natural views, historical sites and ruins of ancient cities.
The 18th century Zekreet Fort has a distinctive design, allowing visitors to observe and distinguish the two stages during which it had been built.
The challenge is part of QTA’s efforts to diversify tourism products, shed light on Qatar as a world tourism destination with deep cultural roots, promote historical landmarks such as Zekreet Fort and Al Zubara fort and archeological site, a Unesco world heritage site, and showcase the beauty of the Qatari desert and nature.
QTA is organising the challenge in cooperation with Qatar Museum Authority, while Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, Regency Travel and Tours, and Qatar International Adventures are sponsors.The Peninsula
