UAE | Heritage and Culture
UAE camel festival keeps culture alive
A tradition that was initiated by Shaikh Zayed has been passed down to the new generation.
- By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
- Published: 23:39 December 26, 2008
- Image Credit: Ravindranath/Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: There has been a deliberate and concerted effort to promote and preserve the Bedouin culture, an expert said.
"When oil was discovered in the late 60's, Bedouins who used to make their living raising animals switched to government jobs or started their own business. They lost interest in animals. They sought to improve their quality of life," says Saeed Rashid Al Mazroui, who is in charge of Asayel camels judging committee at the Al Dhafra Camel Festival in the western region.
Al Mazroui has lived close to Bedouin culture for the better part of his life - as he is originally from the western region - where people still value the traditional life, raise camels, goats, cows and falcons in addition to planting palm trees.
"When Shaikh Zayed became ruler of Abu Dhabi he supported the Bedouin and gave out money for each animal that was kept; Dh200 for each camel, Dh50 for a goat and Dh100 for a cow," he said.
This support helped people to hold on to their origins and preserve the heritage.
"Traditions were protected from dying out and people also were protected from losing their identity," he added.
The generosity of the ruler encouraged even non-Bedouins to start raising animals and value the traditions. "Even university students would keep animals while going about their normal study programme."
Native people
Later on, Shaikh Zayed started camel racing that offered high prizes and also created Mazayin beauty competition that has become popular in the region.
Al Mazroui considers the Al Dhafra Camel Festival currently underway in Madinat Zayed as another step to maintain the authentic culture of the native people.
"The whole western region is flourishing and the animal market has grown since then. What is more important for us is that the event has over the years brought people together from all over the world," he said.
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