The first military commander who utilized the camel as a fighting element was Napoleon Bonaparte. He realized the camel was superior to the horse in its ability to endure the harsh desert environment.
In 1757, the British used camels in their fighting forces in battles in India and Afghanistan. In 1839, the camel was taken to North America by a U.S. Marine officer. Edward Bill led an exploratory trade route expedition of covered wagons from Fort Apache, Arizona, to the Colorado River at the California border. Bill's expedition was famous because it was made by the first camels to inhabit the American desert since prehistoric times.
In 1843, the camel was introduced to Australia where it still exists in large numbers.
The camel exists in varying numbers in all parts of the Arab world. Camels also are found in the western area of the Ganges River in India, as well as in Pakistan, southern Iran and Turkey.Camels always have been the most prevailing domestic animal in the Arab world, and an important element of life in the United Arab Emirates.
A 7,000-year-old camel fossil drawing was recently discovered on Umm Al Nar island near Abu Dhabi. With its countless and remarkable characteristics, the 'ship of the Desert' as the camel is affectionately called, has gained great respect among the Arab people. This faithful friend has lived with them, carrying people and loads between remote desert areas that no man-made vehicle could have ever reached.
The camel gave the Bedouins pure milk, which fed everyone. Its services varied in times of peace and war. Desert tribes also depended on camels more than they did any other animal. The camel has been an integral part of desert life and survival. Also the close relationship between as Arab and his camel has been embodied in many popular stories, legends, poems and songs.
In addition to transportation, the camel has provided the people of the United Arab Emirates with many staples, including meat, milk and wool.
Specialized references confirm that the types of camels found in the United Arab Emirates, along the Arabian Gulf coast, and in Oman are some of the world's best breeds.
They include Al Wara, Dhabyan, Soghan, Momaiter, Al Osafer, Samhoon, Dheeban and Mosaihan. These breeds still may be found across-bred with other breeds, they have maintained their pedigree. Other racing camel breeds include Al Wariya, Bint Dhabyan, Al Khamriyah, Toug, Mehna, Al Shatotiya, Al Shamtiya, Alia, Laghzaila, Al Tayyara, Al Mesk, Elhke, Zaafarana, Tafra, Dbais and Shola.
