The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome a new generation of culturally grounded leaders through the launch of the inaugural Marba’aniya Camp, running from January 16 to January 25, 2026. Hosted at Al Bait Metwahhid Camp in Madinat Zayed, within the Al Dhafra Region, the initiative offers an immersive journey into Emirati heritage, values, and leadership, designed specifically for young people aged 12 to 15.
Launched by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with the Emirates Scout Association, and in strategic partnership with the Department of Community Development and the Department of Education and Knowledge, the camp reflects a unified national effort to invest in youth as custodians of identity, culture, and social responsibility.
A living experience rooted in heritage and scouting
Marba’aniya Camp blends the authenticity of Emirati traditions with the structured learning approach of global scouting principles. Open to both citizens and residents, the program goes beyond conventional education by placing participants in a desert environment where learning is experiential, values-driven, and deeply connected to the land.
Through this approach, the camp nurtures national pride, teamwork, leadership, and self-reliance. It also aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Identity and Culture Strategy and the Adolescents and Youth Strategy, reinforcing a long-term vision of developing socially responsible individuals who remain connected to their roots while engaging confidently with the modern world.
Inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s enduring vision
At the heart of Marba’aniya Camp lies the philosophy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose belief in balancing progress with cultural preservation continues to guide national initiatives. His emphasis on safeguarding authentic traditions while embracing development serves as a cornerstone of the camp’s mission.
Participants are introduced to Al Sana’, the moral and ethical framework that has shaped Emirati society for generations. Through hands-on activities and guided reflection, young campers learn how values such as generosity, courage, loyalty, and chivalry remain relevant in contemporary life.
Reaching thousands through inclusive participation
The Marba’aniya Camp is expected to engage around 2,000 participants over its full duration. Of these, 300 boys aged 12 to 15 will take part in the overnight camping experience across two weekends, scheduled from January 16–18 and January 23–25. These participants will live, learn, and collaborate within the desert setting, fully immersed in the program’s educational and cultural framework.
Between January 19 and January 22, the Daily Visitor Program will welcome approximately 1,200 government school students, offering them a focused introduction to Emirati heritage, national identity, and civic values. In addition, around 400 daily visitors, including families and community members, will participate throughout the camp period, reinforcing the initiative’s inclusive and community-oriented spirit.
Heritage in motion at Al Dhafra
Organized to coincide with the 19th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival, the camp allows participants to explore a wide spectrum of heritage activities through daily visits. These experiences include camel beauty competitions, camel milking contests, Saluki and Arabian horse shows, and traditional cultural performances.
Interactive activities such as falconry displays, traditional tea preparation, coffee gatherings, and Shillat Al Dhafra performances enable participants to engage directly with Emirati customs, transforming heritage from abstract knowledge into lived experience.
The desert as an open classroom
Marba’aniya Camp positions the desert not merely as a backdrop, but as an active learning environment. Participants are encouraged to observe, adapt, and reflect, gaining practical skills while developing resilience and environmental awareness. The program promotes Al Faz‘ah, the spirit of community initiative, alongside teamwork and personal responsibility.
Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Family, the camp also encourages family participation through designated visiting times and shared activities, strengthening intergenerational bonds and reinforcing the role of the family in preserving cultural identity.
Six core stations shaping identity and skills
The camp experience is structured around six core stations that integrate heritage education with practical scouting skills. Zayed’s Legacy explores the UAE’s historical journey and leadership values, while Emirati Sana focuses on majlis etiquette and traditional coffee practices.
At the Desert Life Skills station, participants learn camel riding and essential desert survival techniques. Additional stations include Camping Skills, Desert Observation and Star Gazing, and Scouting for Sustainable Development, emphasizing environmental stewardship, sustainability, and humanitarian responsibility.
Overnight participants are divided into themed sub-camps named Courage, Generosity, Loyalty, and Chivalry. Their journey unfolds through structured phases, including Foundation and Scouting Identity Building, Desert Adventure, Back to the Roots, and Skill Empowerment and Sustainability.
Recognition, achievement, and lasting impact
The camp concludes with a graduation day that brings together participants and families for tree planting, traditional folk arts, and celebratory activities. Certificates and medals are awarded in recognition of commitment, learning, and personal growth.
Operating under the theme “Al Marba’aniya Camp: Our Heritage, Our Trust,” the initiative introduces a structured badge and medal system to motivate excellence. The Marba’aniya Camp Medal, the highest honor, is awarded based on educational achievement, participation in heritage workshops, and completion of specialized scouting badges such as Emirati Sana and Desert Insight.
Progress throughout the camp is tracked through a Camp Passport, where participants collect stamps for completed activities, fostering discipline, motivation, and a culture of achievement.
A heritage-driven pathway to future leadership
Marba’aniya Camp stands as a comprehensive national initiative that transforms heritage into a living guide for identity, ethics, and leadership. By immersing youth in authentic experiences that balance tradition with modern skills, the camp empowers participants to become confident contributors to sustainable development and future leadership.
In doing so, Marba’aniya Camp ensures that Emirati heritage is not only preserved, but actively lived, understood, and carried forward by the next generation.
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