Watani family camp makes desert the newest DSF destination

The camp will commence on the 15th of January, the first day of DSF and continue for nine weeks until the 14th of March. The Watani Family Camp is one of the key highlights of the fourteenth Dubai Shopping Festival.

The camp is a continuation of Watani's relationship with the DSF and an evolution of the popular children's camps which it has run for the past two years.

The camp will provide a unique cultural experience for Emiratis, expatriate residents and visitors to Dubai. Camp guests will be given the opportunity to take part in a variety of traditional activities and to participate in workshops and attend plays which will reflect the rich culture and history of the Emirates.

Some of the activities available at the camp include lessons on astrological navigation, trail finding, falconry and traditional Emirati cooking, whilst more adventurous members of the family can enjoy quad biking and camel riding.

Families who wish to experience a night in the desert may spend the night in traditional tent accommodation provided by Watani.

Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General of Watani, stated:

"The camp is faithful to the centuries old UAE tradition of travelling to the desert in winter and spring to get in touch with nature and enjoy the beauty of the desert. The Watani Family Camp at DSF achieves Watani's mission of giving families the opportunity to get in touch with Emirati traditions and their way of life."

The Camp will take place at the University Campus Street in Dubai, in front of the Al Warqaa area. The campsite is a traditional desert setting with modern amenities including a souq, Arabic coffee shop, traditional bakery, quad biking station and sand football fields and volleyball courts.

The Camp is open to visitors of all ages and nationalities and nominal entry fees make the camp accessible to families of all incomes. Previously, camps such as this were restricted to Emirati families only.

Those interested in finding out further information about the camp and reserving tents should call 800WATANI. The camp is under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.