Abu Dhabi: Four young Emirati women have taken to the roads to prove that if men can do it so can they.
Shayma Al Reyami, Wa'ad Al Mansouri, Amani Nasser and Maitha Jasem started their tour of the UAE yesterday. The first leg takes them to Al Ain in a car made famous by the Emirati Travellers Group, which toured around the world.
The women will go around tourist areas in Al Ain, documenting every thing on film. They will then go to Fujairah through Hatta and later to Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Sharjah and finally Dubai.
Shayma, group leader, told Gulf News: "We are the female version of the Emirati Traveller Group. The idea came from Awad Bin Mejren, the group leader."
'It means a lot to me'
In ancient times, she said women had lots of responsibilities in life. They played so many roles - there were no boundaries. "And as modern women, we have been promoted to senior positions. We now want to emphasise that we women can do what men do," she said.
It wasn't easy for Shayma's family to accept the idea of her being a traveller: "I convinced them because it means a lot to me."
On the other hand, things were easier for Wa'ad who got family support for her spirit of adventure. "It's not only about exploring tourist spots but it's about women's will to choose to do so," she said.
For Amani it's just a dream that has come true. She was a fan of the group and always wished to be a traveller. "I have got the chance to live my dream."
Big project
Maitha used to be a scout at school, so "travelling is usual for me". "Emirati women can reach higher levels and preserve their traditions too."
Ebrahim Al Dahli, editor-in-chief of Asfar, a travel magazine and organisers of the trip, said this is just a beginning of a big project that aims to prove that "Emirati women have the will to travel and tour the mountains and deserts". He said: "Other groups will tour different parts of the country later."
All the trips will be documented and broadcast on www.asfartvonline.net
By Eman Mohammed
© Gulf News 2008
