Photos from Our World

Camels of the Abu Dhabi Emirate

Camels have always been important in this part of the world since they were domesticated, more than 4000 years ago. The Arabian camel is a dromedary, with a single hump (fatty deposit) on its back, as distinct from the two-humped Bactrian camel of Central Asia. The camel provides milk and meat, is a beast of burden and confers prestige on its owner. Camel races are popular throughout Arabia: camels can run at up to 65 km/h in short bursts and sustain speeds of up to 40 km/h. The word "camel" comes from the Arabic "Jamal", derived from the triconsonantal root signifying "beauty". The average life expectancy of a camel is 40 to 50 years.

There are various camel farms in Abu Dhabi Emirate and a busy market about 20 km from Al Ain, near the border with Oman. Camels from throughout the region change hands here, including fine racing camels from Saudi Arabia. For tourists there are camel rides, short trots around, with a bearded old man on foot guiding the beast. Not exactly like Lawrence of Arabia!

	Chewing camel	Young camels	Riding a camel	At Tourist Camp
	Camel market	Inquisitive camel	Two young camels	Young camel drinking
	Prospective buyers	Waiting to be sold	Braying camel	Portrait of a camel

Click on the map to select a continent...

Search this site or the web: Custom Search