Celebrate World Camel Day
June 22nd marks World Camel Day, and we are here to celebrate the significance of these beautiful creatures of the desert.
Camel, in the early years, would carry people across deserts in blistering heat in search of water as they are so resistant and well equipped to deal with the desert hardship. Due to their endurance, strong bodies, special toe formation and ability to conserve water men always used them to rally from one point to another in a time when there were no runways. Their huge bodies would carry them and their goods and protect them during blistering sandstorms. An interesting fact is that Camels have a special eyelids feature which protects their eyes during these desert sand storms. Besides as a “ship of the desert” camels are a source of wool, meat and milk. They are a symbol of wealth, a form of currency, to pay part of the dowry when women are given in marriage between tribes and families and have become a huge symbol of Emirati heritage.
Still today Camel meat is a popular delicacy, the wool is used for all sorts of shawls, clothing and carpets, their skin is used as leather to create saddles, shoes, and waterproof bags, whilst the milk is a rich source of protein, fats and other important ingredients. Arab Scientists have found proof that camel milk and camel urine positively contribute to treating blood cancer and helping aid children with autism. A Dubai company has created a brand of camel milk and camel chocolates to be sold in supermarkets and tourist shops where it is earning further recognition for the importance of this wonderful and very strong animal.
Since many years Camels are participating in races, breeding programs and beauty contests, earning esteem and financial security for their proud owners. Besides their many uses and advantages, camels have proven themselves to be above all animals whom people come to love for their strong and protective character and are animals you can build on.
Fun Fact: Did you know that a camel was once used by Google to help map the Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi? Raffia, the 10-year-old camel became the first animal to aid in Google’s Street View Trekker cameras in 2014*.
Written by: Monica Bruno
