Abu Dhabi's 'Actif', a subsidiary of the Emirates Foundation, has launched the national initiative 'Masrah' during an introductory workshop held at the foundation's premises in the Canal area of Abu Dhabi.

The event, attended by representatives from government entities, community organizations, and logistical and media partners, is part of comprehensive national efforts to support community initiatives throughout 2025, which has been designated as the 'Year of Community'.

The workshop highlighted active participation from various stakeholders, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the Abu Dhabi Media Office, the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development, the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, the Ministry of Defense, the 'Nafes' program, Abu Dhabi News Network, the National Search and Rescue Center, PureHealth, Abu Dhabi Media, the National Archives and Library, the Federal Geographic Information Center, and the Abu Dhabi Police, along with various academic institutions and private sector partners.

The workshop emphasized collaboration and integration between public and private sectors and underscored the essential roles of media, logistics, and cultural initiatives in supporting the 'Masrah' initiative.

'Masrah' is a unique initiative embodying a national vision aimed at instilling authentic Emirati values within the youth and recalling the lifestyle experienced by the founding fathers through a field journey that connects culture, identity, and physical activity.

The initiative reflects the Emirates Foundation’s commitment to reinforcing concepts of belonging and social responsibility through live experiences that reconnect the new generation with its historical and cultural roots, presenting their natural and human environment in a modern and inspiring manner.

Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of the Emirates Foundation, stated that the 'Masrah' initiative represents the vision the foundation believes in: real empowerment begins with a sense of belonging, and community partnerships are the primary engine for positive change.

He expressed pride in those contributing to transforming this idea into a national experience that resonates with pride and commitment.

Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairperson of the 'Actif Abu Dhabi' initiative, noted that 'Masrah' is not merely a project but also a message to every young man and woman that our past serves as inspiration for our future, emphasizing that health transcends the physical realm to include a spirit connected to a profound identity and authentic community awareness.

He described the initiative as embodying the essence of 'Actif Abu Dhabi' and translating its vision into reality.

'Masrah' aligns with national priorities aimed at building a more connected and cohesive society, combining physical activities such as walking and camel riding with experiential heritage that mirrors the lifestyle of ancestors in a desert environment.

This approach enhances youth understanding of their culture and evokes feelings of pride and attachment to their homeland.

Participants in the 'Masrah' experience will cover a distance of up to 1,000 kilometers across various natural environments in the UAE, engaging in daily walks that mimic ancient modes of travel and fostering a spirit of patience, discipline, and cooperation among participants.

In the context of the 'Year of Community', 'Masrah' serves as a practical platform for translating the year's objectives into tangible steps, empowering youth to become ambassadors of national identity and pioneers in conveying knowledge and values to future generations through a rich experience that leverages their physical, psychological, and cultural potentials.

Beyond being a geographical journey, the initiative represents a voyage in consciousness, belonging, and cultural interaction, demonstrating the youth's ability to assimilate the past and invest it for the future.

This opens avenues for community participation through events, cultural narratives, and media engagement.