IN THE MEDIA
The Women’s Heritage Walk prepares for its fifth annual desert adventure
February 20, 2019
The “Sand Sisters,” are retracing a historical Emirati migration trekked by women and their families not so long ago — UAE Today
125km trek in honour of UAE tradition comes to an end today
February 04, 2019
170km Women’s Heritage Walk replicates historic Emirati trade and migration route — Gulf News
Women’s Heritage Walk prepares for desert adventure
February 1, 2019
Historically, the residents of Abu Dhabi would set out on this arduous trip to Al Ain in search of the cooler climate and to facilitate trade — Gulf Today
The Women’s Heritage Walk prepares for its fifth annual desert adventure
January 31, 2019
“The Women’s Heritage Walk replicates Emirati migration patterns, and through it we highlight the rich history of our ancestors”. — Asma Al Mutawa
— Abu Dhabi City Guide —
Women trek from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain to honour the UAE's heritage - in pictures
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February 6, 2019
Sixty women made the 125km trek in this year’s Women’s Heritage Walk — The National
60 women complete 5-day trek from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain
February 08, 2019
Sixty women from different nationalities were welcomed back by their families on Tuesday after completing a five-day 170km Women’s Heritage Walk across the desert from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain. — Gulf News
Women’s Heritage Walk 2019
January 31, 2019
The Women’s Heritage Walk from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain is an annual trek honoring the women of the United Arab Emirates who helped shape the nation. — Yalla Abu Dhabi
This brave woman is a true inspiration - ABU DHABI WORLD
March 22, 2018
The recent Women’s Heritage Walk saw 43 brave participants complete a grueling 125km journey by foot from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi. Celeste Strydom Evans, a teacher in the capital, chats with staff writer Ferdinand Godinez about her inspiration for joining the walk and appreciating local culture.
HOME GROWN HERO - GOOD MAGAZINE
March 2018
Fourth Annual Women’s Heritage Walk honours the strength and courage of the women of the uae - the source
March 2018
Nahyan bin Mubarak honours 'Women's Heritage Walk' participants - EMIRATES NEWS AGENCY
March 16, 2018
ABU DHABI, 16th March, 2018 (WAM) — Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, attended on Thursday at Manarat Al Saadiyat the honouring ceremony of 43 women, who succeeded in completing the 4th edition of the “Women’s Heritage Walk”.
Fourth Annual Women’s Heritage Walk honours UAE women strength - emirates news agency
March 09, 2018
Abu Dhabi, DCT Abu Dhabi, has welcomed 43 women to Al Ain as they prepared to embark upon a historical journey, tracing the footsteps of generations of Emirati women along the 125-kilometer trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi through the desert.
'Sand Sisters' revive ancient desert trek in UAE - khaleejtimes abu dhabi
March 03, 2018
A group of more than 50 women has embarked on a desert trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi to embrace the UAE cultural traditions by following the footsteps of generations of Emirati women who walked the route twice a year.
Women’s Heritage Walk photo exhibition
April 19, 2017
Fifty women, a long walk through the desert dunes and one mission to show a unique part of Emirati heritage – the Women’s Heritage Walk is an annual trek through the harsh landscape from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi to show what our ancestors went through.
A walk to honour legacies of Emirati women
February 20, 2017
Walking in the footsteps of their ancestors, fifty women will embark upon the 120 kilometre journey from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi On 9th February 2017, fifty women will begin an historical journey, tracing the footsteps of generations of Emirati women along the 120-kilometre trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi through the desert.
These Women Are Going To Trek 120km Across The UAE For A Great Reason
February 09, 2017
Today will see 50 women trace the footsteps of generations-old Emirati women by walking 120 kilometers from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi through the desert.
Why? To honor the women of the UAE who would make this journey twice a year.
The third edition of the annual Women’s Heritage Walk initiative is supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), whose mission aims to support any activity and event that nurtures a rich cultural environment and gives a nod to the emirate’s heritage.
WOMEN’S HERITAGE WALK – SPORTS EVENT IN ABU DHABI
February 09, 2017
The Women’s Heritage Walk honours the women of the UAE who made this journey twice a year not so long ago.
50 women will retrace this historical trek. Expatrate women will accompany Emirati women walking in the footsteps of their ancestors who helped sculpt this country. The heritage of this region, passed down through traditions, customs and habits, instil today’s women with the same strength, resilience and tenacity found in their predecessors.
This experience is therefore a celebration of the past and an invitation to women to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
3rd Annual Women’s Heritage Walk honours legacies and traditions of UAE Women
February 08, 2017
Fifty women will begin a historical journey tomorrow, 9th February, tracing the footsteps of generations of Emirati women along the 120-kilometre trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi through the desert.
The third annual Women’s Heritage Walk honours the traditions and customs of the UAE by following an ancient path that was travelled twice a year, offering a unique perspective into the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and experiences of Emirati culture.
Third Annual Women’s Heritage Walk Honours the Legacies and Traditions of the Women of the UAE
RETRACING STEPS OF THE EMARATI WOMEN
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Women’s Heritage Walk (WHW) is in the final stages of its preparation for its annual walk, which is to take place from February 9 – 14, 2017. This women-only walk is a 125KM hike stretching from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi that aims to retrace the steps of the Emirati women who made this journey twice yearly not so long ago.
50 women to trek on paths of Emirati women
January 22, 2017
Five days, 50 women and 125km of desert sand! The ensemble makes up the Women’s Heritage walk, a non-profit initiative by a sisterhood of trekkers in the UAE.
The women-only trek that will be held from February 9 to 15, will retrace the steps of Emirati women who used to undertake such arduous journeys in the past through the arid desert between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi in search of cooler climes.
From Caracal Challenge desert trek to bike tours, a look at local excursions that mix heritage and fitness
November 03, 2016
On November 11, about 400 participants will test their endurance in the Caracal Challenge, a 15-kilometre walk through Abu Dhabi’s Al Khatim desert. Encompassing dunes of between 10 and 15 metres high, the six-hour trek is held partly at night, with guides using the moon and stars for navigation, and requires a high level of fitness. More than a physical workout, the event is also a learning experience that ties in with conservation efforts. It teaches participants about the UAE’s natural environment while raising funds for the Emirates Wildlife Society-World Wildlife Fund, which helps protect land-based species and interconnected environments across the GCC.
HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honours participants in the Women’s Heritage Walk - hotel and rest
March 14, 2018
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance, attended the honouring ceremony of 43 women, who succeeded in completing the 4th edition of the “Women’s Heritage Walk”.
Retracing History: UAE Women walk their ancestral route - euronews
March 09, 2018
Passionate about reconnecting with the region’s heritage, fifty women prepare to trek 125kms through the UAE’s desert, to mark International Women’s Day and celebrate the legacy of Bedouin women.
Footsteps into the past - 50 fearless women are set to walk 125km to Abu Dhabi from Al Ain - oasis living magazine
March 01, 2018
The Women’s Heritage Walk (WHW), a 125km women-only desert trek, is set to launch its fourth edition on International Women’s Day this year on 8 March. The hike stretches from Al Ain’s Al Bada Resort & Spa to a private falcon camp in Abu Dhabi and aims to retrace the steps of the Emirati women who made this journey twice yearly not so long ago.
50 women begin historical heritage walk
March 01, 2017
Fifty women have begun a historical journey today through the desert from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi.The 120-kilometre walk, supported by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, will trace the footsteps of generations of Emirati women. The female participants also trained for six days
The Women’s Heritage Walk completes its third edition of its 125 KM female only trek in the desert
February 15, 2017
“The idea for the walk is actually a recreation of an Emirati tradition from years ago,” says Jody Ballard. “During the months when their husbands were away on months-long pearling trips, the women of Abu Dhabi would travel from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain on foot in search of cooler weather. When I read about this journey while researching my latest book Whispers from the Sand, I knew that this incredible trek had to come to life again as it was a beautiful show of strength and sisterhood. The current Women’s Heritage Walk aims to build 4 pillars: culture & heritage, health & wellness, women’s empowerment, and community building. We believe that by experiencing this journey, the 50 women who will enter the desert with us will come out after 5 days of physical exertion and personal reflection to create positive impact on their families, friends, and the wider community. This is the true essence and beauty of the Walk.”
Fifty women start 120km walk through sand dunes
February 09, 2017
Abu Dhabi: Fifty women from 20 nationalities aged between 24 and 64 years on Thursday embarked on a six-day 120km trek through sand dunes from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi.
In its third edition, the Women’s Heritage Walk retraces the footsteps of Emirati women who undertook such expeditions twice a year on foot and on camel through the arid desert between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
UAE: 50 women to start 120km walk in the desert
February 08, 2017
Abu Dhabi: Fifty women will begin a gruelling journey of 120km from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi on Thursday to trace the footsteps of generations of Emirati women.
The third annual Women’s Heritage Walk, which will end in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday [February 14], honours the traditions and customs of the UAE by following an ancient path that was travelled twice a year, offering a unique perspective into the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and experiences of Emirati culture.
Women’s Heritage Walk will start in Al Ain on Thursday and will see women travel through the desert to arrive in Abu Dhabi
February 08, 2017
Abu Dhabi: Fifty women will begin a gruelling journey of 120km from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi on Thursday to trace the footsteps of generations of Emirati women.
The third annual Women’s Heritage Walk, which will end in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday [February 14], honours the traditions and customs of the UAE by following an ancient path that was travelled twice a year, offering a unique perspective into the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and experiences of Emirati culture.
Retracing history with the Women's Heritage Walk
February 01, 2017
On February 9th, a group of 50 Emirati and expatriate women will venture into the desert to cross the 125km expanse between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, by foot.
A strenuous five-day experience, the bi-annual Women’s Heritage Walk retraces the historical trek of Emirati ancestors who helped sculpt this country, imbuing today’s women with the same strength, resilience, and tenacity found in their predecessors.
Women to trace traditional footsteps across desert for heritage walk
January 22, 2017
AL AIN // Twice a year, Emirati women would cross the 125 kilometres of desert between Abu Dhabi island and Al Ain, on foot and by camel.
Now more than 50 women of various nationalities are set to do the same in this year’s Women’s Heritage Walk, a five-day trek across the desert to honour a tradition that stretches way before the UAE’s foundation.
The Women's Heritage Walk Gears Up For The Third Edition Of Its 125KM Female-Only Trek In The Desert
January 19, 2017
Never underestimate the power and strength of a woman. More than 50 ladies are in the final stages of preparation for an annual walk to retrace steps of Emirati women of years gone by.
Taking place from February 9-14, the Women’s Heritage Walk 2017, is a female-only 125km hike from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi. It an arduous trip that follows the path of Emirati women who made the journey twice a year in search of cooler climes while the men of their villages were away on month-long pearl diving trips.
A symbol of the UAE and their family’s achievements: What the flag means for these Emiratis
November 02, 2016
On National Flag Day, people all over the UAE will be celebrating the achievements of this country by waving the UAE flag. But for these three Emiratis, the national flag holds particular significance, not just as a symbol of their country but as a symbol of their own – or their family’s – achievements. Here, they explain why they will be flying the flag proudly today and what it represents for them.
Etihad Inflight Magazine
Madam Magazine
Women follow in the footsteps of Sheikh Zayed
March 07, 2015
ABU DHABI // A group of women have paid tribute to the strength and endurance of Emirati families of the past by walking 140 kilometres through the dunes from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi.
The 30 women left Al Bada Resort in Al Ain a week ago, sleeping at makeshift Bedouin camps along the way, before arriving tired but exhilarated at Zayed Centre in Al Bateen yesterday.
Emirati Hessa Al Jaberi, 28, admitted to having very sore feet after walking an average of 25km a day.
30 women to embark on a 140km heritage trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi
February 24, 2015
Jody Ballard, 58, a women’s wellness coach from the American state of Montana who runs Strategic Wellness Systems and Escape Events, has organised the trek. She was first inspired after moving to Abu Dhabi four years ago and watching the British explorer Adrian Hayes cross Al Maqta Bridge by camel. Hayes had just traversed the 1,600km Empty Quarter desert, following in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger’s journey of more than 60 years before.
30 women to embark on a 140km heritage trek from Al Ain to Abu Dhabi
February 24, 2015
Jody Ballard, 58, a women’s wellness coach from the American state of Montana who runs Strategic Wellness Systems and Escape Events, has organised the trek. She was first inspired after moving to Abu Dhabi four years ago and watching the British explorer Adrian Hayes cross Al Maqta Bridge by camel. Hayes had just traversed the 1,600km Empty Quarter desert, following in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger’s journey of more than 60 years before.