Zayed National Museum exhibition takes visitors through over 7,000 years of camel history

AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)

The UAE’s deep connection with the camel, a cherished symbol of its culture and heritage, comes to life in an exhibition at Zayed National Museum. Exploring the animal’s historical, cultural and social significance, the exhibition traces its journey from the wild to its place at the heart of Emirati life.

Titled “Tracks Through Time: The Camel in Society, Trade and Art”, the exhibition brings together archaeological discoveries, historical objects, archival images and oral histories, narrating how camels became essential companions and helped shape communities across the Arabian Peninsula.

In an interview with Aletihad, Moaza Matar, Director of the Curatorial and Collections Management Department at Zayed National Museum, said the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through camel history, connecting discoveries from thousands of years ago with traditions and practices that remain an important part of Emirati society today.

“The archaeology presented in the exhibition offers fascinating insights into more than 7,000 years of camel history on this land,” said Matar.

Wild camel remains found at archaeological sites across the country reveal how the animals’ physical characteristics changed over time, offering insights into their gradual transition from wild animals to domesticated companions, she said.

“Archaeological discoveries, including early representations of camels, reveal the growing importance of domestication and the close relationship that developed between humans and camels. By the Iron Age, around 3,000 years ago, domesticated camels had become an essential part of daily life, providing communities with milk, meat and hides, while also transforming how people travelled, traded and established settlements across the Arabian Peninsula.”

Matar noted that these discoveries offer more than insights into the camel’s practical uses. They also shed light on the lasting relationships built on generations of knowledge, respect and trust.

“Over thousands of years, this bond helped communities adapt to the challenges of their environment and gave rise to cultural traditions that remain an important part of Emirati identity today.”

Among the notable finds on display are wild camel remains from Baynunah in Abu Dhabi, dating to the Neolithic era between 4500 and 4000 BCE. These are on loan from Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition also features Bronze Age camel remains from Al Sufouh in Dubai, dating to between 2500 and 1300 BCE, on loan from Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

“Al Sufouh has yielded more evidence of wild camel hunting than any other known archaeological site in the world,” she said. 

Matar noted that beyond their practical importance, camels became deeply connected to the lives of communities, shaping their knowledge, traditions and cultural practices.

“Over generations, this relationship gave rise to a rich heritage rooted in the understanding, care and appreciation of camels, a legacy that continues to form an important part of Emirati identity today.”

She noted that Zayed National Museum brings together the values of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and hisdeep respect for the environment, wildlife and camels, which remained an important part of his life.

“Sheikh Zayed understood the importance of knowing our past to better understand our present and shape our future. By exploring the history of camels on this land, we can better appreciate why they continue to hold such a prominent place in Emirati identity and the importance of preserving this heritage for future generations.”

The exhibition also highlights the enduring importance of camels in contemporary Emirati culture, including Mazayna, traditional camel beauty competitions, and Masrah, the customary early-morning departure of herders and their camels.

“We want visitors, particularly younger visitors, to look beyond what they already know, discover new perspectives, and gain a greater appreciation of the knowledge, values and traditions associated with camels that have helped shape the Emirati identity and continue to be passed on to future generations.”