Saudi camel-whisperers use 'special language' to train herd - in pictures

The mode of communication has recently been listed by Unesco and helps to form a special bond between man and herd

A herder Hamad Al Marri's camels respond instantly to his cries and gather behind him to walk together across the Saudi desert. All photos: AFP

This special mode of communication, known as Alheda'a, was inscribed last month on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage

A skilled camel herder can use his voice alone to soothe an animal, make it kneel and even signal a change in direction as they trudge through the desert sands, said the UN cultural agency.

The special language highlights the deep traditional connection between camels and inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. The bid for UNESCO listing was submitted jointly with Oman and the UAE

A Saudi camel herder leads his animals during the annual King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rumah desert, northeast of the Saudi capital Riyadh, on January 10, 2023. - Some herders use a mode of communication with camels, known as Alheda'a which was recently inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the deep traditional connection between camels and inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)

According to Unesco's description of the practice, the herders train camels to recognise the difference between right and left, to open their mouths when asked and to kneel down to be ridden

Herders have been using the special mode of communication for centuries. Their children pick up the skill while accompanying adult family members on daily trips in the desert

Saudi herder Mansour Al Qatula learned about Alheda'a by watching his father and grandfathers communicate with the camels

'We have inherited the care of camels for more than 200 years. Now my children love it, and they frequently ask to come here, and their voices are known as well,' Al Qatula said

Earlier this month, Al Qatula brought his camels to the seventh edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which aims to promote the camel as an essential component of Saudi heritage

Participants in the beauty contest competed for prizes totalling 350 million riyals ($93 million)

The dromedaries were judged on attributes including their lips, necks, humps and colouring

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