Two caravans, each comprising 15 adventure lovers, participated in the second Desert Caravan Challenge organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) over the weekend.
The 12km camel-riding endurance challenge, held on Friday and Saturday, kicked off from the historical Bait Al Imam (House of Imam) near the historical mosque of Zekreet.
Participants wound their way through the scenic desert along the western quarter of Qatar, and then straight to the historical fort of Zekreet. The two caravans then stopped for break at specific sites near the famous sculptures of Richard Serra in the Ras Brouq area and the ruins of Zekreet village.
Many of the participants were residents of Qatar but some came from other GCC countries. Aged between 18 and 60, half of them were female.
“We are always seeking to diversify tourism products by encouraging the launch of new ones every now and then that entice tourists and highlight the rich Qatari heritage as well as the importance of preserving Qatar’s archeological wealth,” said QTA chairman Issa bin
Mohamed al-Mohannadi.
He noted that the challenge is part of QTA’s efforts to support cultural tourism and introduce archaeological sites to residents and visitors.
“Activities like this reflect the deep history and originality of this place that witnessed the struggle of our ancestors and their adherence to traditions,” Mohannadi stressed.
At the end of the five-hour long journey, he said participants enjoyed a wonderful Arabic hospitality experience in the middle of the Bait Al Imam, at the village of Zekreet.
Certificates were also given to them at the event which was also attended by QTA chief tourism development officer Hassan al-Ibrahim, Dr Fatema al-Sulaiti and Faisal al-Noaimi from Qatar Museums.
Mohannadi said the challenge intends to show authentic Arab hospitality. It also aims to showcase citizens’ desire to support tourism in their country and develop a modern and sustainable tourism sector with deep cultural roots.
The Desert Caravan Challenge is part of QTA’s efforts to diversify tourism products in Qatar, shed light on Qatar as a world tourism destination with deep cultural roots, promote historical landmarks such as Zekreet Fort and Al Zubara Archeological Site, a Unesco world heritage site, and showcase the beauty of the
Qatari desert and nature.
QTA has organised the event in cooperation with Qatar Museums while Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, Regency Travel and Tours, and Qatar International Adventures
are the official sponsors.