For many centuries, Qataris have held camels in great esteem, and this attachment is rooted in a variety of social, livelihood, and economic reasons. Camels provided them with food through their meat and milk, clothing and shelter from their hides and wool, and fuel from their droppings. The significance of camels is also reflected in the Quran, which mentions them in several verses. A popular saying in Qatari culture expresses their importance: “Their hides are tents, their meat is food, their dung is fuel, and their price is gold.”

Given the historical significance of camels, it is not surprising that today, Qatar organizes camel races, hosts festivals dedicated to camels, and even holds beauty contests to select the most majestic camels. These events are a celebration of the cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of the Qatari people.