Palace guards riding 'ship of the desert' unique sight in Qatar

From Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif

DOHA, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- After about two weeks the first post-COVID-19 pandemic Asian Cup tournament opened here, the number of competing teams has decreased, and some fans are packing up to return to their respective destinations.

However, there is still much to see and do for those still here, including a very unique sight — a group of guards riding camels in front of the Amiri Diwan, the centre of Qatar's government, also known as the royal palace of Qatar.

Against the backdrop of the blue sky and the majestic skyline of the city of Doha, the palace guards ride the most special and majestic camels on the palace grounds in the morning and evening, symbolically patrolling the palace area to protect their Emir.

It is also a showcase of Qatar's heritage and traditions.

Camels are the most important animals for Qatar, forming part of the country's heritage and traditions as they have been used as a means of transportation for many years.

Camels are also known as the 'ships of the desert' because they are the only animals that can carry goods and travel for long periods in the desert with little or no water and very little food.

There are stables in Souq Waqif, one of the tourist attractions here, where the palace guard camels are placed almost throughout the day and are guarded by certified caretakers.

Despite their status, tourists can still see these animals up close and take pictures.

The Asian Cup tournament here has entered the Round of 16, which will begin tomorrow, with the host team, also the defending champions, among the teams continuing their journey, along with Japan, South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and two representatives from Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Malaysia, making their first appearance on the Asian Cup stage since co-hosting in 2007, were eliminated in the group stage.

The Harimau Malaya squad coached by South Korean Kim Pan Gon finished at the bottom of Group E after losing 0-4 to Jordan, 0-1 to Bahrain, and recording a 3-3 draw against two-time champions South Korea.

-- BERNAMA