Saudi camel-whisperers use 'special language' to train herd

Saudi herder Hamad al-Marri communicates with his animals during the recent King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Rumah desert, northeast of the Saudi capital Riyadh. Photo: AFP

The cries of camel herder Hamad al-Marri mean nothing to the untrained ear, but his animals respond instantly, gathering behind him to walk together across the Saudi desert.

The mode of communication, known as Alheda’a, was inscribed last month on Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the deep traditional connection between camels and inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula.