Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan’s Ghamran Camp is a tribute to his childhood mentor
In the heart of the Dubai desert, a transformative initiative is reshaping how Emirati families connect with their heritage. The Ghamran camp, launched by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has concluded its inaugural sessions with remarkable success, leaving participating families with profound memories and a renewed sense of cultural identity.The camp, which ran in two batches from December 12-14 and December 26-28, offered a complete heritage experience that allowed fathers and sons, as well as grandfathers and grandsons, to immerse themselves in a traditional desert camping adventure away from the distractions of modern technology. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.This strategic initiative represents a deliberate effort to revive the spirit of simplicity and strengthen authentic Emirati family values in an increasingly digital world. Story behind the name: Ghamran Al-HumairiThe name “Ghamran” carries profound significance, rooted in Sheikh Hamdan’s own childhood memories. The camp is named after Ghamran Al-Humairi, a man who left a lasting impression on him during his formative years. According to the camp’s official narrative, Sheikh Hamdan shared a transformative camping experience in the desert with his brother, the late Sheikh Rashid, and Ghamran Al-Humairi where the young Sheikh Hamdan and his brother learned invaluable lessons about patience, determination, and self-reliance. The camp becomes more than just a recreational activity; it is a tribute to the mentor who guided the Crown Prince and a commitment to passing on their wisdom to the next generation. The core philosophy of Ghamran is to provide an environment where families can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with each other and their roots. The camp is designed to be a living heritage experience, where the older generation can pass on their knowledge and skills to the younger one. For children aged 6 to 12, the camp offers a unique opportunity to learn authentic life skills and internalise the values that have defined Emirati culture for centuries. “The identity that is lived is the identity that endures, and the values that are practised are the values that are inherited,” Sheikh Hamdan said during his visit to the camp. By engaging in traditional activities and living in authentic desert conditions, participants internalise cultural values in ways that textbooks and lectures simply cannot achieve.The Ghamran camp’s curriculum is a rich tapestry of traditional Emirati activities designed to instill a deep appreciation for the resourcefulness and resilience of Emirati ancestors. Participants engage in falconry, one of the most revered traditions in Bedouin culture, learning the intricate art of handling and training falcons. The camp also offers training in archery, a test of focus and precision that has been central to desert survival for centuries. Young participants learn the techniques of camel harnessing, understanding the methods of preparing these desert vessels for travel and transport. Traditional crafts form another crucial component, with families engaging in palm tree harvesting and learning about the various uses of the Ghaf tree, a species deeply embedded in Emirati heritage. The camp also incorporates cultural arts, including the recitation of traditional Emirati poetry and instruction in the etiquette of Emirati hospitality known as Al Sanea. Beyond these signature activities, the camp provides educational sessions on agriculture and traditional knowledge. Participants learn about plant irrigation techniques, the cultivation of date palms, and the art of reading the stars for navigation—skills that were essential to their ancestors’ survival in the harsh desert environment. Group games and team-building activities reinforce the values of cooperation and community that have always been central to Emirati society.The first batch of the Ghamran camp was met with widespread community participation and enthusiasm. Families who participated in the three-day experience praised the initiative for its role in strengthening family bonds and providing a hands-on education in Emirati heritage. Participants reported that the experience reconnected them with the simplicity of desert life and deepened their understanding of their ancestors’ way of living. The significance of the Ghamran camp was further highlighted by the visit of Sheikh Hamdan and his own children, Sheikha and Rashid, on December 28. He participated actively in the camp’s activities alongside other participants, demonstrating his personal commitment to the preservation of Emirati heritage and setting a powerful example for other families. Watch: Sheikh Hamdan, his kids visit Dubai desert camp with falconry, palm tree plantingLook: Sheikh Hamdan attends 'Dubai Lunch' at community majlis, interacts with over 200 guests
In the heart of the Dubai desert, a transformative initiative is reshaping how Emirati families connect with their heritage.
The Ghamran camp, launched by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has concluded its inaugural sessions with remarkable success, leaving participating families with profound memories and a renewed sense of cultural identity.
The camp, which ran in two batches from December 12-14 and December 26-28, offered a complete heritage experience that allowed fathers and sons, as well as grandfathers and grandsons, to immerse themselves in a traditional desert camping adventure away from the distractions of modern technology.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
This strategic initiative represents a deliberate effort to revive the spirit of simplicity and strengthen authentic Emirati family values in an increasingly digital world.
Story behind the name: Ghamran Al-Humairi
The name “Ghamran” carries profound significance, rooted in Sheikh Hamdan’s own childhood memories. The camp is named after Ghamran Al-Humairi, a man who left a lasting impression on him during his formative years.
According to the camp’s official narrative, Sheikh Hamdan shared a transformative camping experience in the desert with his brother, the late Sheikh Rashid, and Ghamran Al-Humairi where the young Sheikh Hamdan and his brother learned invaluable lessons about patience, determination, and self-reliance.
The camp becomes more than just a recreational activity; it is a tribute to the mentor who guided the Crown Prince and a commitment to passing on their wisdom to the next generation.
The core philosophy of Ghamran is to provide an environment where families can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with each other and their roots.
The camp is designed to be a living heritage experience, where the older generation can pass on their knowledge and skills to the younger one.
For children aged 6 to 12, the camp offers a unique opportunity to learn authentic life skills and internalise the values that have defined Emirati culture for centuries.
“The identity that is lived is the identity that endures, and the values that are practised are the values that are inherited,” Sheikh Hamdan said during his visit to the camp.
By engaging in traditional activities and living in authentic desert conditions, participants internalise cultural values in ways that textbooks and lectures simply cannot achieve.
The Ghamran camp’s curriculum is a rich tapestry of traditional Emirati activities designed to instill a deep appreciation for the resourcefulness and resilience of Emirati ancestors.
Participants engage in falconry, one of the most revered traditions in Bedouin culture, learning the intricate art of handling and training falcons. The camp also offers training in archery, a test of focus and precision that has been central to desert survival for centuries.
Young participants learn the techniques of camel harnessing, understanding the methods of preparing these desert vessels for travel and transport.
Traditional crafts form another crucial component, with families engaging in palm tree harvesting and learning about the various uses of the Ghaf tree, a species deeply embedded in Emirati heritage.
The camp also incorporates cultural arts, including the recitation of traditional Emirati poetry and instruction in the etiquette of Emirati hospitality known as Al Sanea.
Beyond these signature activities, the camp provides educational sessions on agriculture and traditional knowledge. Participants learn about plant irrigation techniques, the cultivation of date palms, and the art of reading the stars for navigation—skills that were essential to their ancestors’ survival in the harsh desert environment.
Group games and team-building activities reinforce the values of cooperation and community that have always been central to Emirati society.
The first batch of the Ghamran camp was met with widespread community participation and enthusiasm. Families who participated in the three-day experience praised the initiative for its role in strengthening family bonds and providing a hands-on education in Emirati heritage.
Participants reported that the experience reconnected them with the simplicity of desert life and deepened their understanding of their ancestors’ way of living.
The significance of the Ghamran camp was further highlighted by the visit of Sheikh Hamdan and his own children, Sheikha and Rashid, on December 28.
He participated actively in the camp’s activities alongside other participants, demonstrating his personal commitment to the preservation of Emirati heritage and setting a powerful example for other families.
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