Muscat: Adventurer Ahmed al Mahrouqi is commemorating the 54th anniversary of the Sultanate of Oman with a camel journey starting from Farq, just a few kilometres before Nizwa.
Speaking to the Observer from his campsite at Wadi Al Abyadh in the Wilayat of Niizwa, Ahmed said the the journey will take him from Farq to the Wilayat of Adam.
Two camels, Rahal and Thuraya, are accompanying him on the journey. "I needed to start my journey at 7 am, passing by the Oman Across Ages Museum in the Wilayat of Manah, going through Al Bashayeer, and finally reaching Adam, where I would conclude the journey at the Wali’s office in Adam," explained Ahmed.
He expressed his desire to celebrate the 54th National Day in a traditional manner. "Camel riding is a part of our heritage, and it is how our ancestors travelled," he emphasised.
Preserving this heritage also highlights the importance of camels. In the past, camels were referred to as the "ships of the desert" and served as a primary mode of land transportation. Camel caravans were well-known for trade, especially those carrying frankincense. Last December, the Islamic World Heritage Committee of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) added the Royal Camel Corps to the list of the Islamic World Heritage.
This international recognition acknowledges the role of the Royal Camel Corps of the Royal Court in safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of Omani breeds, caring for camels, and showcasing this ancient cultural legacy. Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization reported on "Camels: Heritage and Sustainability," an event held this month in Suhar, which celebrated the economic significance of camels in Oman and emphasised the importance of preserving and sustaining camel breeds.
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