Camel calls evoke the desert memory at Sharjah Heritage Days

February 15, 2026 / 5:53 PM

Sharjah24: In a scene where the echo of footsteps blends with the pulse of poetry, the sound of ‘taghrooda’ rose across the squares of Sharjah, carrying attendees into the expanses of the early desert, where the camel’s call had for centuries been the language of travel and a companion on the journey. As the caravans passed among the visitors, the audience relived a vivid page of Bedouin memory, with songs resonating as if time itself were retelling its story.

Caravans sing, and the audience listens

The squares hosting Sharjah Heritage Days were transformed into an open-air theatre as camels passed by, chanting verses of ‘taghrooda’ in time with their steps. Visitors gathered around the procession, listening intently and capturing the moment on camera. This interactive presence offered a rare opportunity to experience one of the oldest oral arts associated with Bedouin life and their journeys.

Globally recognised human heritage

Taghrooda enjoys a firmly established cultural status, having been included in the list of intangible cultural heritage since 2012, for embodying social values such as companionship, generosity, and human connection in desert environments.

A living art at the heart of the event

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that the presence of taghrooda at the events reflects a commitment to presenting Bedouin arts in their natural context—not merely as a heritage display, but as a living memory, a human voice tied to the land and the journey through time.

The desert speaks anew

Through this integrated auditory and visual scene, taghrooda reclaimed its presence as a vibrant art form, bridging generations and connecting the past with the present. In this way, the squares of Sharjah Heritage Days continue to serve as open spaces that revive the spirit of the desert, where poetry is still sung, journeys recounted, and memories renewed.