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Emirati traditions

Alheda'a: Calling the Camels

Alheda'a is a polyphonic oral expression, sometimes with gestures or instruments, that herders use to talk to their camels. Its rhythm draws on poetry. Herders use it to lead herds to water, food and milking, and to gather them quickly in danger such as sandstorms.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year on the UNESCO list
20221
Year on the UNESCO list
Countries on the listing
31
Countries on the listing

Alheda'a: Calling the Camels

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic الهدّة
UNESCO list Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Year on the list 2022
Listed by Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

Source: UNESCO: Alheda'a, oral traditions of calling camel flocks1

What the camels learn

Each herder has a repertoire of sounds the camels know. Herders train them to tell right from left, to open their mouths when asked, and to kneel down to be ridden.1

Passing it on

The practice builds a strong bond between camels and herders, and among herders. Children learn it by joining adults on their daily trips.1

Sources

  1. UNESCO: Alheda'a, oral traditions of calling camel flocks
  2. UNESCO: United Arab Emirates, elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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