Along the shores of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates, a unique seasonal tradition unfolds each year between September and December. Racing camels are guided into the waters of the Arabian Gulf for a therapeutic saltwater bath, a practice passed down through generations of camel owners and handlers.
The saltwater is believed to help heal cuts, scratches, and skin irritations that camels often develop during training and racing. As the animals enter deeper waters, handlers swim beside them, guiding and reassuring them through a process built on trust and familiarity. What appears to be a simple bath is, in reality, a carefully maintained ritual that combines traditional knowledge, animal care, and cultural heritage.
This long-term documentary project follows the complete journey-from leading the camels into the sea and swimming alongside them to moments of rest, recovery, and return to shore. The images reveal both the physical scale of these desert animals and the intimate relationship they share with their caretakers. Half-water perspectives and aerial views offer a unique visual interpretation of a practice rarely seen outside the local community.
More than a story about camels, this series explores the connection between people, animals, and the environment. It highlights a living tradition that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world, preserving a cultural practice that reflects patience, compassion, and respect for one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most treasured animals.
This ongoing project has been documented over several years, capturing a remarkable ritual where healing, heritage, and human-animal connection meet at the edge of the sea.
