From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates
The authors examine the transformative impact of technological advancements on the customary traditions associated with camels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with Emirati camel owners/breeders, focusing on the effects of innovations in breeding, racing,...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Heritage |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/5/165 |
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| author | Robert M. Bridi Adriaan De Man |
| author_facet | Robert M. Bridi Adriaan De Man |
| author_sort | Robert M. Bridi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The authors examine the transformative impact of technological advancements on the customary traditions associated with camels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with Emirati camel owners/breeders, focusing on the effects of innovations in breeding, racing, beauty contests, and heritage preservation. The findings reveal that genetic technologies have reshaped camel husbandry by enhancing desirable traits, while introducing commercialization. In camel racing, robotic jockeys, biometric monitoring, and GPS tracking have revolutionized training and competition, making the sport a highly regulated, technology-driven industry. Similarly, camel beauty contests have been influenced by genetic selection, aesthetic standards, and controversial cosmetic enhancements. While these advancements have increased the economic value of camels, they have also altered traditional perceptions, raising concerns about the commodification of Emirati heritage. Additionally, online platforms and digital tools have facilitated the global promotion of camels, fostering connections between owners/breeders and enthusiasts, while introducing new modes of engagement. The study demonstrates how technological progress both preserves and challenges the customary traditions associated with camels, offering insights into the intersection of modernization and cultural heritage in the UAE. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6bcde36ad11944bfb2c06a1cf733594a |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2571-9408 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Heritage |
| spelling | doaj-art-6bcde36ad11944bfb2c06a1cf733594a2025-08-20T01:56:16ZengMDPI AGHeritage2571-94082025-05-018516510.3390/heritage8050165From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab EmiratesRobert M. Bridi0Adriaan De Man1Department of Geography and Urban Sustainability, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab EmiratesDepartment of Tourism and Heritage, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab EmiratesThe authors examine the transformative impact of technological advancements on the customary traditions associated with camels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with Emirati camel owners/breeders, focusing on the effects of innovations in breeding, racing, beauty contests, and heritage preservation. The findings reveal that genetic technologies have reshaped camel husbandry by enhancing desirable traits, while introducing commercialization. In camel racing, robotic jockeys, biometric monitoring, and GPS tracking have revolutionized training and competition, making the sport a highly regulated, technology-driven industry. Similarly, camel beauty contests have been influenced by genetic selection, aesthetic standards, and controversial cosmetic enhancements. While these advancements have increased the economic value of camels, they have also altered traditional perceptions, raising concerns about the commodification of Emirati heritage. Additionally, online platforms and digital tools have facilitated the global promotion of camels, fostering connections between owners/breeders and enthusiasts, while introducing new modes of engagement. The study demonstrates how technological progress both preserves and challenges the customary traditions associated with camels, offering insights into the intersection of modernization and cultural heritage in the UAE.https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/5/165camelheritageculturetechnologyUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| spellingShingle | Robert M. Bridi Adriaan De Man From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates Heritage camel heritage culture technology United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| title | From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates |
| title_full | From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates |
| title_fullStr | From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates |
| title_full_unstemmed | From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates |
| title_short | From Heritage to High-Tech: The Impact of Technology on Camels in the United Arab Emirates |
| title_sort | from heritage to high tech the impact of technology on camels in the united arab emirates |
| topic | camel heritage culture technology United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2571-9408/8/5/165 |
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