Alheda'a is an oral polyphonic expression in which herders communicate with their camels through gestures and musical instruments. Arabian camels, or desert ships, are commonly encountered across the Kingdom. Historically and culturally connected to the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times, the camel is a symbol of a traditional nomadic lifestyle. As a source of livelihood, food source, and means of transportation, they are regarded by their owners as lifelong companions. As the "ships of the desert", camels have long been an essential mode of transportation in Saudi Arabia. Their owners are deemed important and camel breeding has become a lucrative business.
According to Jasser al-Harbash, CEO of the Saudi Heritage Commission, there are many rock carvings of painted camels telling the story of their use in war or trade. According to the UN cultural agency, an experienced camel herder can even use his voice to signal a change of direction as they trudge through the desert sands together. To direct herds through the desert or pasture to an area for drinking, feeding, and milking preparation, the herder uses a unique repository of sounds the camels are accustomed to through rhythmic expression, inspired by poetry. In cases of immediate danger, such as sandstorms, Alheda'a can also be used for quick assembly. Their camels are taught to distinguish right from left, to open their mouths when they are asked, and to kneel down when riding. As a result, camels and their herders form a strong bond. Families and communities pass it along, with children accompanying adult family members on daily excursions.
There is a long history of camels being associated with Saudi heritage, which led to the establishment of the Camel Club. National origin and identity are also showcased annually through the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival and the Crown Prince Camel Festival. A competition known as "Mazayeen Al-Ebl" gives camel owners the opportunity to win up to $100 million. In addition, there are races known as "Al-Hijn" that usually attract large crowds of spectators. There are many terms related to camels that owners and herdsmen use, from their origins to gender, age, color, and even the way they drink water. Camels are commonly known by three names: "Al-Hejin", "Al-Baeerand" and "Al-Fahel". "Rakyeb" is the name given to camels that transport women and goods. The term "Asayel" refers to those who compete in beauty contests. The young female camel is called Bekra, while the older camel is called Fater.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/alheda-a-oral-traditions-of-calling-camel-flocks-01717) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camel_Heda%27a) (https://www.rfi.fr/en/health-and-lifestyle/20230119-saudi-camel-whisperers-use-special-language-to-train-herd) (https://www.wafyapp.com/article/camels-lifelong-companions-of-bedouin-arabs)