Riyadh: Standing tall and proud by his large colourful tent near the Auction Area of the first official King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival, Jaber Al Tamim oversees the sale and purchase of camels.
As the Riyadh Suq Shaikh, he yields great influence in the realm of camels and his vast knowledge and expertise are often sought by lawyers and judges in cases of accidents involving camels, by ministry officials when dealing with camel issues and by members of the tribes in any matter regarding the animals.
No transaction is conducted without Al Tamim’s approval.
“I have done this for decades and I am proud to be of service,” he says.
“Camels are a blessing. They are a very important part of our being. They have had a highly significant role throughout the history of the region and in the building of our nation. The country has become united thanks to the brave men who went from place to place on the backs of camels. Camels are associated with the birth of the nation, and it is perfectly normal that we take care of them that we look after them and that we celebrate them,” he tells Gulf News.
For Al Tamim, the relationship between a camel and its owner is sacred.
“Camels are often as dear to their owners as their own sons and daughters. Each camel is a member of the family and we feel for them like we do for our children. Many owners refuse to sell their camels when they are sick. They do everything to get them cured.”
As he speaks, an audience grows around him as he passionately discusses the topic.
“Have you ever tried camel milk?” he asks someone in the crowd smiling.
He squats on the carpeted floor and pours some in a small bowl for his guest to try.
Camel milk is the closest form of milk to that of humans, he explains.
“It has been used as medicine for centuries by tribes that roamed these areas.”
