• A herd of camels walk past the UAE flag. WAM
    A herd of camels walk past the UAE flag. WAM
  • The animals are a major symbol of the UAE's cultural heritage, in everything from providing transport and sustenance to status and entertainment. WAM
    The animals are a major symbol of the UAE's cultural heritage, in everything from providing transport and sustenance to status and entertainment. WAM
  • In the days before 4x4s, camels were vital for traversing the country's desert. WAM
    In the days before 4x4s, camels were vital for traversing the country's desert. WAM
  • The animals also provided tribes with milk and meat, which remain popular delicacies, and wool for making clothes, rugs and tents. WAM
    The animals also provided tribes with milk and meat, which remain popular delicacies, and wool for making clothes, rugs and tents. WAM
  • Camels have also served as status symbols and forms of currency, used to pay bridal dowries and zakat almsgiving. WAM
    Camels have also served as status symbols and forms of currency, used to pay bridal dowries and zakat almsgiving. WAM
  • In addition, camels have provided entertainment over the centuries, through races and beauty contests offering lucrative prizes. WAM
    In addition, camels have provided entertainment over the centuries, through races and beauty contests offering lucrative prizes. WAM

Gulf

Camels stride out across the UAE desert - in pictures

The animals are a major symbol of the UAE's cultural heritage

The National

June 23, 2021

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