Hail region's ancient camel connection celebrated in 'Year of the Camel' in Saudi Arabia

Camels have long played a vital role in the history and culture of the kingdom

Published: February 25, 2024 17:23 Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor and with inputs from SPA

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Hail: Situated in the northern reaches of Saudi Arabia, the Hail Region holds a distinctive bond with the camel. The province, home to Jabel um Sinman at Jubbaha and other World Heritage Sites recognized by the UNESCO as rock art, boasts thousands of ancient Thamudic inscriptions depicting camels. Image Credit: SPA / X

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These inscriptions, dating from the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, adorn the rocks, depicting camels and underscoring their pivotal significance in the lives of the region's inhabitants for millennia. Image Credit: SPA / X

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camels have held a crucial place in the history and cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia and the broader Arabian Peninsula, serving as the principal mode of transportation and facilitating trade and communication across the vast desert landscapes. Image Credit: SPA / X

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Camels played a pivotal role even in pilgrimage journeys. The Darb Zubaydah (Zubaydah trail), a historic pilgrimage route linking Iraq to Makkah and a heritage site submitted to the UNESCO tentative list in 2022, is a testament to the role of camel in transportation. Image Credit: SPA / X

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Thousands of pilgrims traversed this route, passing through Hail region, on camel back. Image Credit: SPA / X

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While modern technology has transformed transportation drastically, camels remain deeply cherished in Saudi society. The Kingdom declared 2024 the "Year of the Camel," honoring this unique heritage. The aim is to preserve and celebrate this precious animal for future generations. Image Credit: SPA / X

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As part of the year-long celebration, Hail will host a series of camel festivals that will enable camel owners, breeders, and enthusiasts to showcase prized animals and engage in various activities related to camel culture. Image Credit: SPA / X

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