Jaguars undergo test of survival with overnight Liwa camp, near the Dubai Campus

For centuries, the nomads and Bedouins have travelled through the Western Region by camel, stopping at nightfall to rest. So what better way to experience the magic of the Empty Quarter than to camp?

The SP Jain Jaguars camped out for two extraordinary days on the 20th and the 21st January at the Empty Quarter, traditionally known as Rub' al Khali, which is the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, encompassing almost a third of the Arabian Peninsula. The sight of sand dunes towering up to hundreds of meters high is an image all students agreed that they will never forget. Students were exposed to a natural environment, allowing them to practice their survival skills, encounter a place with no construction, pollution or traffic noise. There was only the desert as it has been for hundreds of years: the glowing sun, untouched sand dunes, herds of camels and the occasional Bedouin tent.

“The overnight camping trip was so much fun, we survived in the natural environment by pitching up our own tents, making a fire, going dune bashing, having an open BBQ and learning about the Bedouin culture and having a night trek in the desert. I think it brought us closer as a cohort and I’d definitely recommend this experience to my future peers” – Student, BBA

“The best part of the camp was the night trekking – climbing steep sand dunes, meditating and laying under the stars was not just a way for quenching our adventurous spirit but it was just so tranquil and a perfect opportunity for self-realization” – Student, BBA

“The best part of the journey to Liwa was camping under a canopy of 1001 stars! the stillness and peace are unmatched and for the first time I was able to listen and appreciate the sound of true silence!” – Student, BBA