Celebrating Bedouin heritage
An annual camel festival keeps a fast-modernising country in touch with its culture.
By Catherine Mazy
Their humps covered with colourful blankets, the camels circling the track at Al Dhaid aren’t just there for the races. They’re carrying proud Bedouin heritage into the future.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, created the Festival for Purebred Arabian Camels 11 years ago to keep the fast-modernising country in touch with its roots. The festival, which rotates among the seven emirates, was held in the oasis town of Al Dhaid, Sharjah, from December 25-30. Al Dhaid is no stranger to camel races—its track hosts races throughout the winter months.
The competition involved 174 rounds, with prizes including not only money and trophies but also rifles and swords. Heritage events included grooming and milking in celebration of the dromedaries’ role in desert life. The festival affords visitors a rare glimpse of Bedouin life and traditions; it also gives some 400 camel owners from seven countries an opportunity to connect.
Photo: Karim Sahib / AFP via Getty Images
