In the middle of Saudi Arabia’s expansive deserts, 70-year-old Rakiya Al Ruwaili has enchanted the country with her deep relationship with camels. A widow for many decades, she reports to have found serenity, meaning, and companionship among her camel herd — a relationship created after decades of loneliness and tenacity.
Rakiya, who resides far from the hustle and bustle of urban cities, cares for her camels with unparalleled devotion and love, referring to them as her “children” and friends. Videos and photos of her walking alongside her camels gently or feeding them manually have gone viral on social media, garnering praise from all over the Kingdom.
Her tale has generated a surge of interest in traditional Bedouin ways of life, with numerous people applauding her strength and independence. Cultural observers point out that Rakiya represents the long-standing connection between Saudis and the desert — particularly among women who have kept heritage alive quietly through grit and poise.
“I’m happy,” Rakiya says, gazing out over the silence, sand, and gentle beat of hooves. Her story, now highlighted by national media, is more than a personal experience — it’s a testament to the lasting bond between humans, nature, and heritage in Saudi Arabia.
