The Capital will witness a 15-km unique nighttime desert excursion on 11 November 2016 – the Caracal Challenge.

GCC’s adventure travel company Husaak Adventures is holding the challenge that provides an opportunity to test one’s endurance at Al Khatim desert, 80km south east of Abu Dhabi Island.

They will relive the Khaleeji traditions – using full moon and stars to navigate their way through the desert dunes.

The challenge is approved by the Ministry of Community Development and will help raise funds for Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF, to support the organisation’s Terrestrial Conservation Programme, focusing on protecting land-based species and interconnected environments across the UAE and Gulf region.

The event is supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) as strategic partner, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority as the tourism partner and sponsored by Khidmah and Adventure HQ.

Environment Agency Abu Dhabi’s Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector executive-director Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri said the event was created to encourage UAE residents to take an active role in discovering the UAE’s natural heritage while also contributing towards its protection.

“Our desert environment is home to unique ecosystems. However, the fast pace of development and increased human-wildlife interactions are putting pressure on wildlife and their habitats. This is where the Caracal Challenge can make a real difference.”

According to Ali Khalil Husain, Husaak Adventures founder, the Caracal Challenge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“The excursion will connect participants with the vast beauty and magnitude of the sweeping desert, and to the night sky full of blazing stars guiding our adventure. It is a unique chance to escape the city and connect with the UAE environment. All net profits from the event will be donated towards Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF, helping to aid conservation work across the country.”

EWS-WWF director general Ida Tillisch said the initiative will help spread awareness of the need for species and habitat conservation.

At the end of it all, participants will have dinner and entertainment in a traditional desert camp. The Caracal Challenge will be held from 1pm to 9pm on 11 November 2016.