Al-Shaddad: A traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert
Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment.
Crafted from curved wood and fixed to the front and rear of a camel's back, the shaddad is supported by a cushion placed between the wooden arcs, ensuring balance and comfort during long journeys. It served as a vital companion during nomadic travel, trade expeditions, and the transportation of passengers and goods over vast, rugged terrain.
Its design varies based on function, with one type designated for riding and another for carrying heavy loads — underscoring the profound bond between humans and camels, the indispensable icons of desert life.
Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad remains a fixture in cultural and heritage displays, often featured as a decorative piece in guest areas and traditional markets. It serves as a symbol of authenticity and a tangible link to ancestral roots.
This artisanal innovation reflects the resourcefulness of ancient communities in utilizing local materials to create practical tools that reflect sustainability, innovation, and a cultural identity centered on the camel as a symbol of endurance, strength, and adaptability.
Today, the shaddad endures as a unique heritage icon, carrying a powerful message about the importance of preserving folklore and honoring its symbols in cultural forums, reinforcing values of self-reliance and harmony with nature.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
22 minutes ago
- Arab News
Shaddad: Traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert
RAFHA: The 'shaddad' stands as one of the oldest artisanal innovations in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as an essential tool in Bedouin life, SPA reports. Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment. Crafted from curved wood and fixed to the front and rear of a camel's back, the shaddad is supported by a cushion placed between the wooden arcs, ensuring balance and comfort during long journeys. It served as a vital companion during nomadic travel, trade expeditions and the transportation of passengers and goods over vast, rugged terrain. Its design varies based on function, with one type designated for riding and another for carrying heavy loads — underscoring the bond between humans and camels, the indispensable icons of desert life. Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad remains a fixture in cultural and heritage displays, often featured as a decorative piece in guest areas and traditional markets. It serves as a symbol of authenticity and a tangible link to ancestral roots, SPA reports. This artisanal innovation reflects the resourcefulness of ancient communities in using local materials to create practical tools that reflect sustainability, innovation and a cultural identity centered on the camel as a symbol of endurance, strength and adaptability. Today, the shaddad endures as a distinctive heritage icon, carrying a powerful message about the importance of preserving folklore and honoring its symbols in cultural forums, reinforcing values of self-reliance and harmony with nature, SPA reports.
Arab News
5 hours ago
- Arab News
Al-Shaddad: A traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert
RAFHA: The 'shaddad' stands as one of the oldest artisanal innovations in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as an essential tool in Bedouin life. Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment. Crafted from curved wood and fixed to the front and rear of a camel's back, the shaddad is supported by a cushion placed between the wooden arcs, ensuring balance and comfort during long journeys. It served as a vital companion during nomadic travel, trade expeditions, and the transportation of passengers and goods over vast, rugged terrain. Its design varies based on function, with one type designated for riding and another for carrying heavy loads — underscoring the profound bond between humans and camels, the indispensable icons of desert life. Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad remains a fixture in cultural and heritage displays, often featured as a decorative piece in guest areas and traditional markets. It serves as a symbol of authenticity and a tangible link to ancestral roots. This artisanal innovation reflects the resourcefulness of ancient communities in utilizing local materials to create practical tools that reflect sustainability, innovation, and a cultural identity centered on the camel as a symbol of endurance, strength, and adaptability. Today, the shaddad endures as a unique heritage icon, carrying a powerful message about the importance of preserving folklore and honoring its symbols in cultural forums, reinforcing values of self-reliance and harmony with nature.
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Radisson Hotel Group strengthens presence in Middle East with strategic team expansion
Radisson Hotel Group has promoted Elie Milky to chief development officer for Middle East, Cyprus, and Greece, reinforcing its commitment to doubling the wider regional portfolio to over 150 hotels and 50,000 keys in operation and under development by 2030. Milky, who marked 15 years with the company last month, has steered many of the group's headline deals across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, helping make the Middle East one of Radisson's fastest-growing markets. Under Milky's leadership, Radisson is scaling its development and feasibility teams, adding specialist analysts and project managers to enhance deal sourcing, underwriting, and technical support. The team is based out of Dubai with regular visits to Riyadh, Cairo and across the region, ensuring on-the-ground support for owners as large-scale tourism investment accelerates. A key pillar of that team is Ayman Ezzeddine, who joined Radisson in early 2024 as director of development for the Middle East with special focus on Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Over the past 18 months, Ezzeddine's market analysis, owner relations and deal structuring have led to several deals and a strong pipeline for upcoming signings, reinforcing Radisson's owner-centric approach. Commenting on his new role, Milky said: 'The region is moving at record speed. With Ayman's effort and our expanded development and feasibility bench, we're ready to deliver high-quality hotels, resorts and serviced apartments that create jobs, diversify economies, and meet investor expectations across every segment.' In the last 12 months, Radisson has strengthened its footprint across the region. Two new Park Inn hotels, Makkah Thakher Alsharqi and Makkah Thakher Algharbi deepened the group's presence in the holy city along with a recent opening in Riyadh and Madinah as well, while November 2024 welcomed Park Inn by Radisson Hotel and Apartments Kuwait, the brand's second property in the country. Looking ahead, Radisson Collection Residence Riyadh, the brand's third address in the Saudi capital, is set to open in Q4 2025. Recent signings extend the pipeline even further: Radisson Collection Residence Amman Abdoun and Radisson RED Amman Downtown introduce both brands to Jordan, and two more Radisson RED hotels are slated for Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE. Altogether the Middle East portfolio now approaches 100 hotels in operation or development, keeping Radisson on course for its 2030 growth target of over 150 properties and 50,000 keys.
