Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is finalizing its preparations for the second Desert Caravan Challenge, in which it will send two groups of adventurers, each consisting of 15 people, on a 12-km camel riding challenge on Feb. 6 and 7.
The two caravans will kick off from outside the historical mosque near to Bait Al Imam (House of the Imam) in Zekreet, winding their way through the scenic desert sand and will stop for breaks at locations near Richard Serra sculptures at Ras Brouq, QTA said in a press release issued on Wednesday.
More than 1,000 men and women from more than 25 nationalities applied to take part in the challenge. QTA selected 15 for the first day of the challenge and another 15 for the second day. Most of the participants are citizens and residents of Qatar, with some participants from other GCC countries as well. The tour will last four to five hours before ending in the Zekreet village. Participants will have the chance to experience the wonderful Qatari hospitality in tents put up in the middle of the desert.
QTA is organizing this challenge in cooperation with Qatar Museum Authority, while Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Souq Waqif boutique hotels, Regency Travel and tours, and Qatar International Adventures are the event's sponsors.
 QTA Chief Tourism Development Officer Hassan Al Ibrahim expressed his delight at organizing the second edition of the event, which draw interest from people of various nationalities, especially Qatar and the GCC. "We expect this year's challenge to be even more thrilling, especially that there are number of participants from the GCC, which reflect the uniqueness of Qatar as a world-class destination with deep cultural roots," he said.
The challenge is embodying citizens' desire to support tourism in Qatar and develop a modern and sustainable tourism sector with deep cultural roots. The Desert Caravan Challenge is intended to show the authentic Arab hospitality particularly that all organizers and sponsors, as well as trainers and tour guides, are Qataris.
Located near Dukhan region on Qatar's western coast, Zekreet contains breathtaking natural views, historical sites, and ruins of ancient cities. The 18th century Zekreet Fort has a distinctive design, allowing visitors to observe and detect the two different construction stages over which it had been built.
The event is part of QTA's efforts to diversify tourism products in Qatar, shed light on Qatar as a world tourism destination with deep cultural roots, promote historical landmarks such as Zekreet Fort and UNESCO world heritage site Al Zubara fort, and showcase the beauty of the Qatari desert and nature.