Oman’s camel racing heritage has been brought to life in a new exhibition

Oman’s camel racing heritage has been brought to life in a new exhibition that tells the story of the region’s most ancient competition through black and white photographs.
‘Camel Ardha’ by Oman-based photographer Hil van der Waal is giving audiences at the Bait Al Baranda glimpses of the close relationship between Omanis and the storied ‘ships of the desert’, exploring the close bond between man and mammal through more than 40 photographs.
Speaking to the Times of Oman, van der Waal said, “This series of photographs began around 2016. The idea was to capture something unique — such as the Camel Ardha, a tradition that is uniquely Omani and has maintained a strong position in the Sultanate’s heritage.
“It’s incredible. Bedouin from all over Oman gather once a year in Al Fulaij racing track. At other moments in the year, it is also held in other locations, like Bidiyah. They come from Duqm, Thumrait, the Wahiba Sands, Jalan, and the Batinah — they come from all over to race and keep this tradition alive.”
The photographs were taken at the Al Fulaij race track in the Wilayat of Barka, where van der Waal was able to work with the many camel riders, owners and enthusiasts.
“It was a wonderful experience. No one had any issue with me taking photos. Most were pleasantly indifferent and did not mind me getting very close to them. Others were very happy to have their pictures taken, and would pose for me. My interaction with them, around coffee and the track, was absolutely fantastic,” he added.
For van der Waal, it is his fascination with the people of Oman and their customs that keeps him returning to the races.
“Because I am a Dutchman, the way they dress and camel racing is very different and exotic. I particularly love the way they continue to appreciate a tradition that has been passed down for so long,” he added.
Van der Waal’s photographs also illustrate that skill trumps expensive equipment.
Photography, he said, is “really about your own eye and the connection you make with your subject.
“Of course a good camera helps, a good lens helps. They are not on the market for nothing. But the impact of such equipment can be overrated.
“You can make beautiful pictures with nearly any camera. It all depends on you. It’s just framing and look to see if its clean. If there is something you don’t want in the picture, move closer. Go make contact with your subject. If you make a portrait, don’t do it secretly. Just go to somebody and ask if you can have a portrait. If they say no, fair enough, and if they say yes it is lively, you can make a very expressive photograph.”
That expressiveness can be seen in image after image, as van der Waal’s photographs of camels, riders and bedouin spring to life.
On the secrets behind his ability to connect with his subjects, he said, “In the first place it starts with shaking hands, being there, exchanging smiles, just asking how somebody is — ‘keif halik’. The first connection is to take it easy, absorb their rhythm. Don’t be in a hurry. “If you go to the Camel Ardha, feel the pace of the event. Be there, be present. That means that within an hour you will start noticing different things, getting in the proper mindset. It can be a challenge because there is so much going on.
“Keep calm and try to be with them, try to be connected. Don’t bring your ego, and respect, respect, respect them. “Don’t think about the connection too much. It will come. Just ensure you have the right vibe and there will always be a connection.”
Van der Waal is also pleased that the exhibition coincides with Camel Ardha’s recent recognition on Unesco’s intangible heritage list.
“That this ancient tradition will be given an even greater place in society thanks to Unesco’s recognition makes me very happy, and I am thrilled that my photos can share this tradition with others.”
With the exhibition set to conclude on January 31, van der Waal is happy his work will have a chance to bring the atmosphere and intensity of Camel Ardha to audiences in Muscat.
“I am very pleased that the exhibition has happened and that this series has a place in such a beautiful building in Oman. It is Omani, for the Omanis. I am just a medium in-between, so to speak.
“When I succeed in bringing the atmosphere of the race, because I am so close, I am very happy. The only thing I would now like is for someone to join me making it into a nice photo book with some nice text about the history of this tradition. That is something I would really like to do before leaving Oman,” added van der Waal.