Life & Style | People
Tradition flies high
Born into a family steeped in Arabic culture and traditions, Khalid Bin Dhabbooi developed a love for his ancestral practices from a very young age.
- By Ruqya Khan, Freelance Writer
- Published: 23:54 November 13, 2008
- Image Credit:
Born into a family steeped in Arabic culture and traditions, Khalid Bin Dhabbooi developed a love for his ancestral practices from a very young age.
As a teenager, he accompanied his father on desert trips. There, he learnt falconry and horse riding.
He also perfected the art of fishing and swimming.
"These have been the basic skills of our nomadic past. I feel every national must possess these abilities and pass on the passion for these to his children. My peers showed less interest in these activities – they were more inclined towards owning sports cars and playing computer games. So I set out to make a difference among the citizens of tomorrow."
Khalid began by offering horse rides to children at Modhesh Fun City. For the last 11 years he has been at the venue with his horses and falcons in a bid to get children acquainted with these creatures of power and beauty.
"I would bring my first and only pony to the premises and give children rides on it in the evenings," he says. "Steadily, my business grew and so did my resources. Now, by the grace of God, I own about 66 horses, 20 camels and five falcons. I also have a llama, a few cats, turtles, snakes, crocodiles, sheep, cows and rabbits.
"Even as a child, I loved animals which is why I grew into this business. I feel like I have given back to society by developing my love for my work."
Khalid runs his own business under the Small Horse Corporation banner. His animals are a regular feature at venues like Global Village, Rigga Street (during the Dubai Shopping Festival) and Modhesh Fun City (Dubai Summer Surprises). He also rents out his horses and ponies for birthday parties and small-scale events. Most of his regular young customers know him as the "horseman".
They not only love the enthusiasm that he has for his work but also appreciate that he allows them to feed and pet the animals. "From among the many places that I take my animals to, Modhesh Fun City is my favourite.
It marks the beginning of my trail and I choose to return to it year after year because this is a place where both residents and tourists come.
"It is a great opportunity to teach the people about these birds and animals. I want the people to be better acquainted with these beautiful beings; they are harmless when trained well," he explains.
"Children like to ride ponies and also get their pictures taken. However, most of them are initially scared of the falcons. They are hesitant to allow the bird to perch on their hand but with a little encouragement the task is accomplished. The most exciting activity is to feed falcons. I just love seeing the faces children make as they hold out the scraps of meat for the birds to eat. Some are reluctant to handle raw meat so instead hold out chips and popcorn," he says.
Khalid hopes that his children will take his effort to greater heights. He says: "To me, this business is a means of taking the traditions of this nation forward. I never sought profit in my earnings – the success came with the blessings of my family and friends. This is part of my heritage and legacy.
I want to pass on this passion to the coming generations.
"Basic traditions like horse riding, falconry, swimming and shooting are losing their hold and I want to keep them alive through my career. Each smile of a child signifies a fear overcome and a bond created. It's what keeps me on track with my work."
More from People
More from Life & Style
The complete magazine
Life & Style editor's choice
-
Ten simple ways to love yourself
Just a few small changes to your day can make a big difference
-
Style story: Make waves with beachwear
Life's a beach in this summer's gorgeous new swimwear
-
2012 Ford Focus: Smashingly good
The all-new Focus turned Imran Malik Hulk-green with rage at one point
