Seventeen young people entered Global Village on Sunday after a 200-kilometre camel ride into the past.
They embarked on their 12-day odyssey of discovery with little but the camels beneath them, navigating by the sun and stars and surviving on the minimal supplies that would have been available to their ancestors.
The group spent most the time with no access to phones or technology, and stuck to a strict schedule.
The day would start with fajr prayers, followed by coffee and breakfast. The riders would then prepare the camels with an hour-long walk before mounting them for the first two to three hours of the day’s ride.
Finding a tree for shade during the hottest part of the day was crucial, although the relief would not last long as they would be back on the camels riding until sunset, before setting up camp and cooking dinner.
With them was the seasoned Yemeni voyager Ahmed Al Qassemi, 53, a veteran of more than 40,000km of travel around the world.
Next year he plans to embark on the traditional trade route of the Silk Road, which would see him add to the 40 countries already travelled on camelback.
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Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
