The Year of the Camel: Saudi Arabia celebrates its most-coveted creature

Camels and Arabic poetry  

For the Arabs, poetry is a repository of their wisdom, a testament to their history, and a showcase of their creative talents.

And because of the camel's integral purpose and revered status in Arab society, Arab poetry is replete with references to the animal. As such, camels were elevated from mere desert-dwelling animals to powerful symbols with profound cultural significance. 

According to the writer and critic Dr. Ali Zaala, the ancient historian Ibn al-Nadim listed at least 20 books referencing camels. Unfortunately,  most of these books have been lost and have only been preserved through other works, such as Ibn Manzur's Lisan al-Arab.

This early interest in camels in Arab cultural writings highlights the significant role camels played in the lives and consciousness of Arabs.

It is particularly evident in pre-Islamic Arabic literature, which cannot be fully understood without a deep understanding of writings about the camel found in the poetry, prose, narratives, and proverbs of that time. 

The camel was seen as the symbol of the Arab man, a companion in difficult times and journeys, and a symbol of pride and heroism, Zaala explains.

"I forgot my worries when he brought a female camel with straps around her neck," one poet, Al-Mutalammis, wrote.

Al-Marqash Al-Akbar wrote about his difficult journey in the harsh desert with his camel.

"In a timeless desert, where the roses have withered away 

I rouse from my slumber 

And silently, 

I beckon my camel as the night grows darker."

Desert safari camel ride festival in Abqaiq Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Camels in contemporary Saudi culture 

Camels also hold significance in the modern era.

Poet and humanities researcher Abdul Hadi Saleh explained to Al Majalla that the animals represent authenticity and reflect Saudis' strong connection with their environment.

Camels have different names that reflect their different colours, markings, and unique traits. Each description serves a practical purpose, whether for ownership, racing, meat, or milk. 

Some Saudis keep camels for sport or other commercial activities, and some keep them for fun, as a hobby. Others are collectors of rare camel breeds. One of the top collectors of purebred camels was King Khaled.

There are two types of camels. The Al-Majaheem or Najdi camels are black in colour, while the Al-Maghateer have a tan, yellowish or even reddish colour.

Camels in art

Camels have always been a part of the Saudi arts scene, including fine art, drama, and poetry.

Saudi popular memory is filled with songs about camels, such as one by the late singer Mutlaq Al-Dhiyabi. This presence has remained strong throughout time, as seen in the contemporary Saudi film Naga, directed by Mishal Al-Jasser.

The film was showcased at the Toronto Film Festival and the Red Sea Film Festival, and it became one of the most-watched films on the Netflix platform. 

A still from the 2023 film Naga

Read more: Naga: How a film about a vengeful camel is inspiring Saudi women

Camels are often featured in art, photography and creative writing.

Dr. Rania Al-Ardawi, a professor of criticism and literature, says the Ministry of Culture's decision to honour camels this year highlights their rich place in Saudi identity, culture and heritage.

"This year's theme channels Saudi Arabia's rich culture and history, just as previous themes over the years — from Arabic calligraphy, poetry and coffee," she said.

The camel's role will be celebrated this year through a host of artistic and cultural activities as Saudi Arabia continues to showcase its rich traditions to the world.