Events Local 2025-12-19T01:25:50+00:00

The 'Al-Siyaha' Tradition at the Dhafra Festival in the UAE

At the Dhafra Festival in Zayed City, camel owners use a unique method called 'Al-Siyaha' — shouting the animal's name to attract its attention during judging. This ancient ritual demonstrates the deep bond between human and camel, allowing the animal to stand out and showcase its beauty to the judges.


The 'Al-Siyaha' Tradition at the Dhafra Festival in the UAE

The Mazayna platform in Zayed City, the third stop of the Dhafra Festival, is witnessing a large turnout of camel owners and enthusiasts of traditional competitions. The air fills with shouts, known as 'Al-Siyaha', used by owners to motivate their camels during the judging process. These calls, made by the owner or a close friend, are the camel's name shouted at the top of its voice. This causes the camel to straighten up, raise its head proudly, and feel a sense of calm due to the owner's proximity. This unique interaction helps the camel stand out from the others. Camels are able to recognize their owner's voice, distinguishing it from among dozens of other shouts in the crowd. When the 'Siyaha' stops, the camel stops responding. This form of communication is a well-known tradition in camel competitions, especially when the animals are being judged by a panel. It serves to energize a camel that may be becoming lethargic, prompting it to lift its head and showcase its beauty to the judges, thereby securing maximum points. Remarkably, camels possess an incredible ability to locate their owner's voice, even amidst a cacophony of hundreds of other sounds.