Texas Stadium Implosion in HD with Live Sound

The Traditional Role of Camels in UAE Society

A longtime resident of Texas, David T. Ball took part in Urban Dare, a local Dallas version of Amazing Race, for two consecutive years. Also passionate about travel, David T. Ball has explored locales around the world including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While in the Middle East, he had the memorable experience of riding on a camel. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a long history of camel husbandry, with the animal traditionally used for transport and as a source of milk and food. Camels were provided as a part of the dowry among Bedouin tribes and were also acceptable as payment of Zakat, or the annual payment that those within the Muslim culture provide to those who are needy. 

Within Arabic culture, camels take different names as they progress through the years with a 1-year-old camel known as Hewar and a 2-year-old called Fateem. This naming system progresses up through 6 years old. At this point, the adult male camel is called Baeer and the female adult is called Nagah.

While some ancient customs survive among Bedouin, including ritual camel sacrifice at festival times, the main cultural role of the camel in modern UAE society is for racing. A major pastime in the country, it is conducted under the patronage of the royal family.