Camel in the United Arabian Emirates: Camel and Culture - Term Paper Example

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………. 2 BACKGROUND STUDY OF CULTURE IN THE UAE……………………… 2 Food and Economy……………………………………………………… 3 Social Structure…………………………………………………………. 3 The Political Life………………………………………………………. 4 CLIMATIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN UAE…………………. 4 Climate formation in the Historical period………………………………. 5 Climate in UAE Today…………………………………………………… 5 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UAE’S CLIMATE, CULTURE AND CAMELS 6 Facts about Camels………………………………………………………. 7 The connection between the Camel and the Culture in the UAE Today 7 The source of transport, food and Hides…………………………. 7 Dowry and Gifts………………………………………………… 9 Form of entertainment, such as Camel Racing……………………. 10 Tourism Revenue…………………………………………………. 10 UAE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE: DUBAI ……………………………… 12 Renewable Energy and sustainability……………………………………… 12 Peaceful Nuclear Power …………………………………………………… 13 Energy Efficiency and Conservation………………………………………. 13 Transport…………………………………………………………………… 15 Building design…………………………………………………………...... 16 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………….… 17 Name: Tutor: Course: Date: Camel in the UAE: Camel and Culture Introduction The environmental history of the UAE goes way back to the societal cultural practices that have had a great influence on the environment and climatic change. Cities such as Dubai for instance are the major contributors of these changes especially due to the emissions of greenhouse gases. Dubai is one of the cities in the UAE, that is considered a desert and the formation of this desert is due to the erosion of the ice ages (Knox, Paul and Sallie 66) The government of Dubai has opted to develop numerous ways to cope with this environmental factor and this has led to the adoption of a number of cultural ways that fit this atmosphere. One of the most common adaptation is the reliance on Camels to the extent that they have become great contributors to the way of life (Knox, Paul and Sallie 68). The UAE, and particularly Dubai is historically known to attach both social and economic value in the keeping and rearing of camels (Peck 7). This is because the animal has from long ago been associated with the sourcing of food and milk and majorly for transport. In terms of transport, it is said to be conducive as it can go for long walks and with great patience in the most arid areas and for a long period of time (Müller, Sabine, Quednau, Kees, and Misselwitz 55). By looking at the climatic changes in the UAE, the developments that have come up to address these climatic changes and the overall culture (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 23). It is easier to understand the inter relations between the living things, nonliving things, the government and the overall change in the global market. Once these aspects are understood, it is easier to come up with an understandable concept about the cultural and social relationship between the people and the environment (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 24). This research paper will therefore look and the social, cultural and environmental factors that have led to the linking of camels as one of the core cultural traits of UAE citizens and the relation to the climatic change. Background Study of Culture in the UAE Food and Economy In the 1960s, food among the people in the UAE consisted of fish, rice, vegetables and meat from goats, sheep and camels. Today however, the diet has improved with the modern supermarkets and the importation of goods (Knox, Paul and Sallie 78). In most cases, the current culture in the UAE allows families to have lunch at two o’clock as is the traditional way. In other cases, the Muslim religion is taken seriously ensuring that all the slaughtering of animals is done in the “halal” way with forbidden rules against pork and alcohol (Muller, Sabine, Quednau, Kees, and Misselwitz 58). The Emiratis are good at welcoming guests which is often by offering coffee and dates as incense is burnt. The economic relationships have enables many other cultures to offer food and other luxurious meals of different ethnicities in individually established restaurants in the cities. The overall economic income in UAE is very high based on the different cities especially due to the exportation of crude oil and gas as the third largest source in the world (Knox, Paul and Sallie 83). However, since there is great competition by other oil mining countries, the government has tried to diversify the economy in tourism, transportation, such as the creation of airlines and the free trade zones (Müller, Sabine, Quednau, Kees, and Misselwitz 62). In the labor ministry, the government has been able to create attractive benefits to employees and especially those in education, the police, army and civil service. There is also allowance of immigrants to work in numerous occupations in the country. Social Structure The Emirati society is divided into a number of social categories. The main ones are first the nationals and the foreign immigrants (Knox, Paul and Sallie 85) The citizens are further divided into four classes, The ruling Sheikh family, the merchant class, the middle class and the low-income groups (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 27). The immigrants also have classes based on the hierarchy of their profession with the top professionals being those with international contract and earning huge salaries (Knox, Paul and Sallie 87). Then the middle range professionals are the teachers and the skilled technicians. Lastly, the low paid semi-skilled ones primarily of the Asian ethnicity are those employed for house or manual chores. The Political Life The UAE has a government comprising of the president, deputy, cabinet, security council and Judiciary among others. The Supreme council is made up of the rulers of the seven emirates and hold both legislative and executive powers (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 31). The cabinet ministers however are mainly from the ruling sheikh families. The Sheikhs are tasked with ensuring that all cultures are abided with and that the country is ruled smoothly. Climatic and Environmental changes in UAE Climate formation in the Historical period The formation of desserts explains a number of changes in the UAE such as the desert features and the creation of the Arabian Peninsula among others (Knox, Paul and Sallie 90). The dropping of the sea level due to the formation of the ice glaziers in the occurrence of the ice age is what has led to the falling of the sea level. The shallow seas have then resulted in the formation of giant gusts of winds that deposit eroded sediments from water and other microscopic marine fossils that expose sea beds with final deposition into the gulf (Knox, Paul and Sallie 95) The same gusts of wind have the ability to erode a mountain hence reducing the prospects of attraction of rain, cultivation, growing of trees and so many others initiatives that could reduce environmental degradation. About 5000 years ago, the climate slowly started to change with the appearance of drier and warmer atmospheres, diminished rainfall and dried up lakes. Another major change was that between Abu Dhabi and Saudi border, a river that existed between them dried up leaving behind one of the words largest flats, Forty miles wide at the mouth (Knox, Paul and Sallie 88). The extension of the same today is about two hundred miles into the desert as evidence of continued climatic degradation (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 22). Similarly, a river that flowed from the Hajar mountains also dried up, slowly as a seasonal river then slowly trickling into nonexistence. The inland riverbed is now filled with sand and is easily prone to silting up due to the sea river bed making it an estuart6 at the coast (Knox, Paul and Sallie 90) Dubai currently has a creek but with no river feeding it which is one of the rarest effects of climatic change. Climate in UAE Today Dubai today has a hot temperature of about 40 degrees and with very light rainfall averaging about 150mm a year (Peck 8). The seasonal changes also have reduced the precipitation to only three months of either January, February or March (Knox, Paul and Sallie 112) The humidity is overall mean and is about 60m percent in Dubai. This makes the winter months higher than the rest. The rain clouds in Dubai have been designed to about 300 meters above ground but most days are sunny all year round (Muller, Sabine, Quednau, Kees, and Misselwitz 68). Due to the high temperature and desert like climate, the winters are also of considerably high temperatures of 23 degrees. Below is a graph that shows a graph of the rainfall and temperature as recorded in Abu Dhabi, Dubai. Figure 1: Graph showing the annual measurement of rainfall and temperature in Abu Dhabi Relationship between UAE’s Climate, Culture and Culture Upon understanding the economic, social and political culture in the UAE, as well as the climatic state of the same, it is clear that the historical aspect of the place plays a major role (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 34). In this section however, the research will look at how the environmental history discussed resulted in the domestication and economizing of Camels (Muller, Sabine, Quednau, Kees, and Misselwitz 69). It is clear that the high temperatures and low rainfall levels of Dubai in particular, generally shows the possible environmental conditions of other emirates. To adapt to these climatic conditions therefore, one of the most important measure is the reliance and utilization of the camel. Looking at the historical background under the food and economic culture, it is clear that camels were since then efficient means of transport and greater source of meat and milk. The emotional connection to the animal is however still vivid to date (Khalaf 13). Before petroleum brought immeasurable wealth to UAE, without the malls, the skyscrapers and the modernized luxury cars, there was no other thing more priceless to an Emirati than his came (Peck 22). These facts about the camel below will help create a connection between the cultural aspects in Dubai and its importance. Facts about Camels The camel has two species: the one-humped dromedary which is the most common in the UAE and the two-humped Bactrian found in Northern Asia, Afghanistan and China. There are two breeds of camel bred in the gulf, the “Asayal” which is the local breed, light skinned in color and most common in the UAE (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 35). The “majheem” which is darker. The average lifespan of camels is between 40 years to 50 years but other live for slightly more and one in particular is documented of having attained 80 years of age. The hump, either one or two is very important because it stored both water and food. The camel can therefore survive in arid areas for long periods without food and water. The hump also enables them to take in so much water in such a short period of time, for instance, it can gulp 125 liters in 13 minutes (Peck 10). The Camel is a large animal with big strides hence very fast animals. They can travel up to 65 kilometers per hour. The connection between the Camel and the Culture in the UAE Today The source of transport Having looked at the facts about the camel, it is certain that the animal can be acknowledged as the ship and at the same time, the lifeline for the people living in arid areas. It is not only suitable for the living conditions but also an essential necessity to the owner (Khalaf 16). The animal is one of the best means of transport especially for a local tribesman who can ride it to the market, a date garden or to trade at a further place (Knox, Paul and Sallie 78). The animal being strong and large can also withstand gusty winds and the weight of more than one person making it essential in this case (Peck 16). Likewise, it can be loaded with good and other personal items and manage to pass through areas that not many other means of transport can manage making this method of transportation the most suitable to cut through deserts and enable swifter exchange and transportation. Source of food and Hides The rapid development of the cities in the UAE does not completely dismiss the milk and meat products derived from this animal (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 38). In most family in the lower hierarchy, the animal can be a good source of protein for a whole month and perhaps even the only meal served in wedding ceremonies and other rights of passages (Khalaf 19). In the same case, the animal’s hides can be used as a source of hides that can make simple bags, cool garments and other necessities. Dowry and Gifts As earlier stated, the ownership of camels is a prestigious thing in the UAE and therefore, they act as favorable gifts as dowry and other coming of age presents (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 44). This honors the cultural heritage in the UAE and creates a binding bond between families. Form of entertainment, such as Camel Racing Figure 2: Photo showing Camel Racing in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=camel+racing+in+dubai&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJquKI0JrMAhUkOpoKHe54C90Q_AUIBygB&biw=1600&bih=766#imgrc=-vVmF0kpYgm2wM%3A Camel racing is one of the greatest events since ancient times and was an unavoidable treat in ceremonies and celebrations This means that camel racing is one of the deep tradition and culture of the UAE (Al-Mansoori 22) It is conducted so as to preserve the cultural traditions of the Emirati and on the same day, other cultural aspects are incorporated. This includes the singing of the traditional folksongs among others (Khalaf 25). The sports council is also involved ensuring that the animals are treated fairly and the event has guiding rules and principles. It is held annually during the winter periods and is quite popular as promoted by Sheikh Zayed (Al-Mansoori 23). It is considered a very popular activity among the UAE community members since the sporting event is free, entertaining and unique. One of the common places where the event is held is the Al Ain Camel Market. Today, it is a professional sporting activity where people train and are paid based on their winnings such as cash prizes and unimaginable luxury cars. Tourism Revenue The Robotic Jockey camel racing sporting activity Firstly, Camel racing is not an ordinary sport and many people have flown from around the world to witness it (Khalaf 27). Today, due to the urbanization of Dubai among other countries in the UAE, there is the introduction of robotic jockey where a small robotic jockey is attached on a camel’s Humph and its controlled by a rider with a remote driving in cars along the race tracks (Al-Mansoori 24). This introduced sport created controversy in the 2000s when a ban was raised against the participation or use of children under the age of 15 years to play the game. The game has drawn visitors from all over the world and among the Arabs, has created a social activity that fosters greater unity, pride and better interrelations (Khalaf 33). Many people also purchase their own robots to carry to their countries and share their experiences creating better revenue for the country (Al-Mansoori 26). The awards are in millions hence the sport creates health competitions and really good use of the many camels in the UAE. Figure 2: Photo showing an army of robotic jockeys before a camel racing contest Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=robotic+jockey+in+dubai&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJquKI0JrMAhUkOpoKHe54C90Q_AUIBygB&biw=1600&bih=766#imgrc=-vVmF0kpYgm2wM%3A Figure 3: Photo showing the jockey once mounted on the camel humph Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=robotic+jockey+in+dubai&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJquKI0JrMAhUkOpoKHe54C90Q_AUIBygB&biw=1600&bih=766#imgrc=DpeJ7z5eHMak4M%3A Riding camels and tasting camel products There are numerous camels that are trained to give rides others to pose for photos hence visit from foreign individual ensure that they have sampled some of these fun activities (Peck 10). To most tourists, it is a unique experience and some pay a lot of money to even own a small camel that can be sold for 3000 dollars (Khalaf 35). In other instances, there are other areas that sell the products from these animals such as milk, meat and the stuff made from the hides (Al-Mansoori 26). The health benefits of this animal have been tested which is said to offer more than five times of a cow’s milk vitamin C. In other case, it is believed to have insulin properties and can help fight cancer, Alzheimer’s and hepatitis B. The milk is also delicious in a way. UAE action on climate change: Dubai The impacts of the climate change in the UAE is as rampant as it is in other parts of the world. However, the low lying coastal country faces more difficulties due to the preexisting high temperatures and lo rainfall expectations (Khalaf 42). Dubai is one of the world’s largest contributor of fossil fuels nonetheless and the products from this export has facilitated taking up of various actions to prevent further climatic deterioration and improve the overall standards of living for all (Fraser and Golzari 41). Among these actions are the use of renewable energy, the reliance on peaceful nuclear energy and power, the conservation of the environment in every way possible, the improvement of transport and lastly, the establishment of better building designs. Renewable Energy and sustainability Abu Dhabi and the UAE, has currently become the epicenter of development and use of renewable energy sources. Other countries that have seen this initiative have opted to take part in the same growth and development (Fraser and Golzari 43). For instance, in the UAE today, the leaders have established clean targets so as to reduce the noise and air pollution due to the urbanization and climatic change in the area respectively (Sayigh 2). Abu Dhabi leaders for instance show that there is realization of the roles played by oil and gas and hence with the profits, the country is determined to ensure that the future of Dubai and other UAE countries is safeguarded. Dubai has largely invested in the renewable energy industry as well by creating graduate level studies on the issue, researching on suitable technologies and seeking professional advice on how to handle the construction to produce a holistic outcome. A good example is that back in 2009, the Abu Dhabi government set out a commitment that by year 2020, at least 7 percent of the source of electricity will be renewable energy. Similarly, regarding solar energy, the same target has been set at 1 percent for 2020 and 5 percent by 2030 (Sayigh 2). Water also requires sustainability and due to the arid climate in the UAE, it is considered a very vital necessity. The countries have held international water summits to find out the best ways to conserve water and at the same time harness energy to create renewable energy (Fraser and Golzari 44). This shows that UAE is taking crucial steps towards ensuring the success and continuation of the country for the benefit of its citizens. Peaceful Nuclear Power Dubai’s experts believe that the future of Dubai energy will come 20 percent from nuclear energy and another 20 percent from coal-fired power plants. This is a decision centered upon the need to reduce the over reliance on oil and gas as the key sources of energy (Sayigh 4). This is both short term and long term solution that is centered toward the diversification of energy sources and creating alternatives that will ensure sustainability and growth to meet the demand. The move has already taken its form as there are contractors that are at work to build four civil nuclear plants (Fraser and Golzari 45). The government has shown that UAE will need over 40,000 megawatts of power by 2020 and for this reason, nuclear energy looks like the best option. To ensure that all the proper channels are followed, the government has established a supreme council; for energy to address the diversification of these sources of energy. Overall, coal which should be clean and a peaceful nuclear technology and energy is what the government intends to focus mainly on. Energy Efficiency and Conservation Dubai has launched a project that is dedicated to the saving of 20 per cent electricity consumption in a period of three years. For starters, to effect this initiative, the municipal; council has the mandate to replace all the lamp posts in the beaches and parks replacing them with solar powered ones (Fraser and Golzari 47). This project is mainly focused with the elimination of the nonrenewable sources of energy causing pollution in the country especially from the carbon emissions. The overall costs that will be saved from this project will be the elimination of about 400,000 per annum (Fraser and Golzari 52). The total number of projects will therefore include the replacement of the light bulbs with light-emitting diode and the construction of toilets using solar energy. In addition to this, the Dubai Municipality is determined to introduce a much better building energy efficiency system. This is mainly by introducing a law that will ensure all the standards of retrofitting properties are meant (Sayigh 6) There are minimum standards established under the Dubai municipality’s Green Building Regulations that were introduced in 2010 but are now mandatory for all new buildings. Similarly, there is a law that will govern the already existing buildings to ensure that the project is initiated in the same manner. Generally, all the construction of villas and other properties are expected to achieve the minimum requirements. Other UAE countries are similarly adopting projects that are beneficial to their countries. Other things that the government of the Dubai is responsible for is the creation of manmade green areas that have palm trees and grass creating a suitable environment despite the arid environment (Fraser and Golzari 55). A god example are the numerous palm island and other inland man made recreational facilities that creating cool atmospheres. Figure 4: Photo showing an example of a man made green area in Abu Dhabi Source:http://vision.ae/uploads/article_images/culture_images/x03_shutterstock_64055098.jpg.pagespeed.ic.6PySi_RLzJ.jpg Transport There are many initiatives towards reduction of noise and air pollution that have been adopted by the Dubai government (Sayigh 8). The use of underground trains is one of the best method and hence a number of other metro station are still in construction. The Dubai metro effect for instance refers to the large amounts of money used with the aim of improving the transport infrastructure (Fraser and Golzari 59). In addition, the initiative is aimed towards cutting down on congestion and reducing the overall impact of the air and noise pollution. This is a good project because the Dubai atmosphere is often polluted by the excessive dust and the emission of carbon gases that comes from the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels (Peck12). Figure 4: Photo showing the metro station and the different trains Source:https://www.google.com/search?q=image+of+the+Green+spaces+in+dubai&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiSz9Oj2prMAhVGNhoKHXSOCpUQ_AUIBygB&biw=1600&bih=766#tbm=isch&q=image+of+the+underground+transportation+in+dubai&imgrc=QfDpi5KqEl0pjM%3A Building design In addition to the high sky crappers, the islands, the green areas and other environmental friendly and sustainable projects, Dubai is taking further climate preserving measures such as the construction of the city inside the dome (Sayigh 12). This project referred to as the mall of the world is expected to cover about a 48-million-foot mecca, amusement park, hotels, apartment buildings, health resorts and parking. It is meant to create a pleasant environment, one that controls the effect of the climate change on those that participate inside it (Fraser and Golzari 60). This project looks like a grand show off of the great wealth in Dubai but regardless, it could be the only solution to the impending end of the world if global warming and climate change wins. Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p-lUp9sUFZw/maxresdefault.jpg From this initiative among many others, it is clear that the Arab counties are facing a huge challenge in the climatic change sector (Peck 9). Reasonable solution as seen above would be to come up with strategies that prevent chances of poverty and at the same time continued economic growth. The construction of this dome and the Burj Khalifa are there to serve the purpose of ensuring there is continued revenue if oil depletes same (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton, 25). Similarly, the environmental friendly mechanism that countries like Dubai are now determined to establish is yet again another favorable aspect that will create a guidance to the policies and guidelines suitable in the long-term. Conclusion The analysis in this research paper clearly shows that the relationship between the culture of the Emiratis and the keeping or rearing of camel is more or so based on convenience. The historical aspect of this research has shown that many people have relied on the usefulness of the camel primarily due to the features the animal has (Al-Mansoori 20). In addition to this, it is clear that the camel is also adaptive to the environment hence best suited for the said arid climate. This research has established that having these animals improved the people’s ways of life in terms of food and transport (Peck 11) Similarly, the research has shown that climatic degradation and the depletion of resources is what makes the animal reliable. The areas widely addressed are the impacts of climatic change on water, livelihoods, tourism, possible health, wellbeing, development, urbanization, transport and social developments. Further on, looking at other aspects of the camel-UAE connection, it is clear that there is more than just uses with this animal (Peck 14). There is evidence that the emotional connection drives the relationship because despite the current growth and urbanization of the city, the government and the people have not let go of the practices that majorly involve the same (Pierson, Terrence, and Heaton 27). In the course of the research, the strategies of the UAE to improve climatic conditions show that there is chances of eventual success or improvement of the environmental conditions. Overall, the research has shown that change in the UAE will be based on the effort of the people, the government, the projects promoting sustainability and the general preservation of culture as the rearing of camels in this case. Works Cited Al-Mansoori, Ahmed. The Camel and Camel Racing in the United Arab Emirates: The Role and Interaction between Traditional Sport and Society in Uae. University of Exeter, 2002. Print. Fraser, Murray, and Nasser Golzari. Architecture and Globalization in the Persian Gulf Region. 2013. Print. Khalaf, Sulayman. Poetics and Cultural Aesthetics of Heritage Revival in the Gulf: The Case of Camel Racing in the UAE: The Second Arab Gulf Conference on Folklore and Oral History, March 26-28, 2000. Al-Ain / UAE: Zayed Center for Heritage and History. ZCHH, 2000. Print. Knox, Paul L, Sallie A. Marston, and Paul L. Knox. Human Geography: Places and Regions in Global Context. New York: Pearson, 2011. Print. Muller, Sabine, Andreas Quednau, Kees Christiaanse, and Philipp Misselwitz. Charter of Dubai: A Manifesto of Critical Urban Transformation. 2012. Print. Peck, Malcolm C. Historical Dictionary of the Gulf Arab States. Lanham, Md: Scarecrow Press, 2008. Print. Pierson, Terrence K, and Camille Heaton. Environmental Successes and Challenges in the United Arab Emirates., 2014. Print. Sayigh, Ahmed. Sustainability, Energy and Architecture: Case Studies in Realizing Green Buildings. 2014. Print Read More