Saudi man reflects on unbreakable bond between camels and owners

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
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Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners. (SPA)
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Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners. (SPA)
Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners. (SPA)
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Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners. (SPA)
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Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi man reflects on unbreakable bond between camels and owners

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
  • In Saudi Arabia, the relationship between humans and camels is deeply rooted in history and culture

JEDDAH: Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners.

Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, love, and a deep connection that transcends language.

Stories abound of camels shedding tears when separated from their beloved companions, waiting patiently for their return, Saudi Press Agency noted in a recent report. 

In Saudi Arabia, the relationship between humans and camels is deeply rooted in history and culture. Camels have served as essential companions in the harsh desert environment, providing transportation, food, and companionship, the report added.

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, expressed his deep fondness for his beloved she-camel, Al-Na’amah. He described their relationship as one of trust, companionship, and mutual understanding.

Al-Adwani often spends time with his camels, tending to their needs, which forms a strong emotional connection.

“Every morning and evening, I feel compelled to visit my camels in their pastures. I want to be close to them, monitor their health, and ensure that they have enough food and water. I have a deep, affectionate bond with them, a connection that feels almost instinctive,” he told SPA in an interview.

His love for camels runs deep; he spends countless hours in their company and never approaches them with a stick.

“Our interactions are based on mutual respect and understanding. Al-Na’amah, in particular, responds to my voice and touch,” he said, adding that he uses a herding technique called Alheda’a, a UNESCO-recognized oral tradition that combines sounds, gestures, and sometimes music, to communicate with camels.

The bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula seem to have a profound understanding of their camels’ needs. They cannot imagine their lives without these loyal companions and this deep-rooted love is passed down from generation to generation.

“When we hear stories of loyalty among humans, we are reminded of the unwavering loyalty that camels show to their owners,” Al-Adwani said.

“They are incredibly beautiful creatures. Their graceful movements, their thirst for water, their kneeling posture, and the experience of riding on their backs are truly captivating.

“In Saudi Arabia, camels represent our history, culture, and heritage. Our kings and wise leadership have always valued and cared for camels, recognizing their economic importance and their role in preserving our national identity.”

The Camel Club, established by King Salman, has played a crucial role in promoting camel breeding, culture, and heritage.

The Ministry of Culture even declared 2024 the “Year of the Camel,” in honor of an animal seen as a cultural treasure, a pillar of national identity, and a valuable part of Arab heritage.


Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure
Updated 14 October 2024
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Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region: Windows into history, gates to adventure
  • There are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom, consisting of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas
  • Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations

RIYADH: At least 542 caves and sinkholes had been discovered in Saudi Arabia's Northern Borders region, offering a wealth of destinations for tourists, adventurers and researchers, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday.

Formed by geological processes, the caves and sinkholes of varying surface shapes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations, said the report, quoting Burjas Al-Falih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy and a speleologist. 

Cave tourism has seen a surge in popularity among tourists and adventurers in the Kingdom in recent years. Among the most famous are the Jabal Qarah in Hufuf, the Dahl Heet in Riyadh city, and the Shuwaimis cave in Hail region. 

Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations. (SPA)

Teams from Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife (NCW) have recently began examining caves in the Northern Borders region as part of its Caves Exploration Program, which began in 2022.

According to the center, there are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom, consisting of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas — evidence of a historical era that experienced prolonged rainy climatic conditions.

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views.

Al-Falih emphasized the importance of documenting cave explorations. 

By clarifying locations, types, and access, adventurers can explore these sites responsibly, preserving their components and avoiding tampering, he said. 

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views. (SPA)

Organizing official trips to these locations can also help ensure their protection, he added.

In earlier SPA report, Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, the chief executive officer of NCW, explained that the discoveries in the caves hold significant historical environmental value for the Kingdom.

“The cave ecosystems serve as a historical museum, providing evidence of the biological diversity that has existed in the Kingdom throughout various historical eras, as well as the spatial, environmental, and climatic changes in the Arabian Peninsula,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the center’s earlier discovery of Arabian cheetah mummies in a cave — with some skeletons estimated to be over 4,000 years old — provided the first evidence of the species’ presence in the Kingdom. 

Researchers from the center had also discovered rare bats and the remains of several extinct animals, he said.

The cave ecosystem is one of the rarest and most important of its kind in the world, recognized as natural heritage by UNESCO.
 


Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
  • The officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments. 


Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
  • The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia

CRETE, Greece: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part on Sunday in a joint naval-air exercise called Medusa 13, being held in Greece.

The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia, and aims to strengthen international military cooperation and enhance naval security, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Col. Naval Commander Fahd Al-Humaidi Al-Otaibi, the exercise commander, explained that Medusa 13 is designed to build alliances and foster joint security cooperation among participating nations.

The focus of the exercise is on executing joint combat missions using modern weaponry, coordinating between different units to counter unconventional maritime threats, and exchanging expertise in securing operational areas from various dangers.

The Saudi naval forces’ participation includes a range of units, such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s Ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will take place both on the Greek island of Crete and in key operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Medusa 13 will feature military operations, information operations, amphibious assaults, and a civilian evacuation scenario, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training. The joint exercise is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the naval capabilities of all participating nations while promoting regional security.


Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)

RIYADH: In a bid to boost food security and protein diversity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently hosted a workshop in Riyadh for broiler pigeon breeders.

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aimed to equip breeders with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise broiler pigeon production to 16 million birds annually, equivalent to 12,000 tons of meat.

By increasing production and adopting modern breeding techniques, the ministry hopes to boost food security and reduce reliance on imports.

The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with Saudi universities to conduct research that supports the productive and economic aspects of broiler pigeon breeding.

Broiler pigeon breeding is seen as a promising project in Saudi Arabia due to its contribution to food security and potential to preserve natural resources.

By investing in this sector, the Kingdom aims to achieve its national targets while promoting sustainable agriculture.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
Updated 13 October 2024
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
  • The two sides discussed various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest.

The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.