Returning to our roots this National Day

The UAE grew from the desert. What better way to celebrate than by going back to the country’s roots, with a true escape to nature?

As the UAE’s 54th National Day approaches, many of us pause to reflect on what it truly means to call the UAE home. For all the remarkable progress we see today, the country’s story began long before its skyline took shape. It began in the desert, in the quiet resilience of Bedouin life, in the traditions shaped by the land, in the sense of belonging to the community and in the deep connection between people and the world around them. 

At Sand Sherpa, we believe there is value in returning to these roots as they remind us of the heritage that continues to shape the UAE’s identity. The desert becomes a living classroom where the principles that built this nation remain relevant even today: resourcefulness, community, respect for nature and an understanding of the land’s rhythms.

The experiences we offer are shaped by this belief. A camping trip becomes more than a getaway when it brings guests closer to the history of the desert and inspires a sense of community. Stories of Bedouin life, traditional cooking practices, guided hawk walks and encounters with the UAE’s wildlife are moments that reconnect us with the knowledge that sustained generations. They invite us to slow down, observe, listen and understand how deeply culture and nature are intertwined.

Moreover, this year, the announcement that 2026 will be the UAE’s Year of the Family adds another layer to that reflection. The foundation of Bedouin life was built on unity, shared responsibility and the strength that comes from being part of a close-knit family or tribe. At Sand Sherpa, we see how meaningful it is when families step away from daily routines to reconnect with each other. A night in the desert creates space for conversations often lost in busy weeks, bringing families together in a setting where distractions fade.

In a world that moves quickly, these moments of grounding feel increasingly important. They allow families and communities to share an experience that is both peaceful and meaningful. They remind us that the desert is not a backdrop to modern life in the UAE, but its foundation.

This National Day, going back to the desert is a way of honouring that foundation. It is a way of recognising where the country has come from and the heritage that continues to guide its future.