A 16-year-old in the UAE completed a 600-kilometre camel journey inspired by his father, showcasing endurance, tradition and a deep connection to the country’s desert heritage.
UAE: 16-year-old retraces father’s journey, finishes 600km camel expedition
For 16-year-old Sarah Shajahan, the desert represented familiarity rather than fear. This winter, she completed an almost 600-kilometre camel journey across the UAE, retracing a route her father had travelled nearly ten years earlier. What was once a tale she heard growing up eventually became an experience of her own.
Sarah was one of the youngest participants in this year’s camel expedition, which brought together dozens of trekkers covering vast stretches of desert. While some riders completed the full 1,000km course, Sarah joined a demanding 600km segment, enduring long hours in the saddle, chilly nights and challenging weather conditions.
“I always wanted to take part because my father had done it,” Sarah said. “When I felt I was finally old enough, I decided to give it a try.”
Her father, Shajahan, completed the same trek nine years ago and said the decision was entirely hers. “I never pressured her,” he explained. “She found her own motivation. She grew up looking at my trek photos, and whenever I went camel riding, I would take my children along.”
Over time, Sarah developed confidence around the animals. “She was never afraid, and that impressed me the most,” her father added.
This year, Sarah independently applied for the trek and successfully cleared the selection process. Preparations began months in advance, with consistent training sessions held at a farm.
“I started training in May. The selection trials were in September, and I was chosen on my second attempt,” Sarah said.
Sarah said the journey was both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding, teaching her valuable lessons in patience, resilience and self-belief. She described waking up before sunrise, caring for the camels and travelling long distances each day as experiences that strengthened her connection with nature and tradition. Despite moments of exhaustion, she said the encouragement from fellow trekkers and her family kept her motivated. Completing the trek has given her a deep sense of accomplishment and pride, especially knowing she followed a path once taken by her father. Sarah hopes her experience will inspire other young people to explore cultural traditions and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.
Practice, weather, and the long ride ahead
Throughout the expedition, Sarah travelled on a camel named Ataraiya, an animal she had familiarised herself with before the journey began. “The organisers assigned the camel to me. About a week before the trek, I trained with her and rode her four times,” Sarah explained.
Despite being one of the youngest participants, she said the experience felt less difficult than she had anticipated. “I thought it would be tougher, but it wasn’t. My camel was calm, gentle, and easy to ride,” she said.
Nature, however, brought its own tests. As the group approached Dubai, changing weather conditions affected several parts of the UAE, with rain and strong winds hitting the desert.
“One morning there was heavy wind and rain. Our tents and sleeping bags were soaked, but the rain stopped by around 9am. We didn’t ride while it was raining,” Sarah recalled.
While many trekkers struggled with damp equipment and restless nights, Sarah remained composed and focused throughout.
Beyond the desert journey
For Sarah’s father, the trek represents far more than a physical challenge. “This is not simply an activity. Living in the desert for days, caring for animals, and travelling the traditional way is a powerful life lesson,” he said.
He described the experience as a chance to disconnect from modern comforts, embrace simplicity, and bond with people from different backgrounds.
“You share the journey with locals and people from many countries. You step into an ancient lifestyle. In many ways, it becomes deeply spiritual,” Shahjahan said.
While finishing the trek years ago felt like a major personal milestone for him, he views his daughter’s achievement differently.
“For me, it marked the end of a goal. For her, it’s just the start of something much bigger,” he added.
After completing the 600km route, Sarah returned home without much fanfare. Her father noted that she did not immediately share her achievement online. “That really surprised me. Most teenagers would post right away.”
Sarah said the journey has sparked new ambitions. “It feels like a beginning. I’d really like to try camel racing in the future.”
Nearly a decade ago, Sarah stood waiting as her father returned from the desert, listening to his stories and studying his photographs. This time, it was Sarah who came home — exhausted, fulfilled, and quietly self-assured.
