RIYADH, 7 August — Have you ever seen camels swimming in the sea and drinking sea water?
The question must seem a bit bizarre as camels, widely known as the ships of the desert, have little to do with the sea. Except, maybe in a sea of sand!
But in Al-Qahma, to the west of southern Asir region, one can see the captivating scene of camels moving in groups toward the sea, and swimming blissfully in its waters. This they do for the grass is green on the other side.... Onlookers, locals as well as visitors, gather to take in this splendid scene.
The dromedaries, which come from the village of Maghzel, move in herds of 20 or more and continue their journey toward the sea crossing the valleys and sands. When they plunge into the sea one can only see their heads above the water. For the uninitiated they present a picture of a large family of floating whales.
The camels swim for about 200 meters in four-meter-deep sea water to reach the nearby Hawiya island where they pasture in the lush greens before resting. Later, the herd moves on to Ain Umm Sherb, a water inlet which is well known for its sweet water, to quench their thirst.
The inlet in Ain Umm Sherb is created by fountains which spring from the sea water.
Ali Abdul Rahman Hadawi, a resident of Al-Qahma, told the Saudi Press Agency, that the water at Ain Umm Sherb is similar to well water.
“People in the coastal area drink from these fountains,” he said.
The fountains of Ain Umm Sherb have been known for more than a century. Their location was first discerned by camels.
Saeed ibn Omran, chief administrator of Al-Qahma, described the movement of camels to Hawiya island and then on to Ain Umm Sherb as a miracle of God. “It again signifies the greatness of God,” he added. (SPA)
