When you picture a camel herder, you might imagine an elderly pensioner tending to animals on a farm in Abdali or Wafra, or perhaps a cinematic figure in a far-off desert, living in tents. For Mohammad Al-Ajmi, 32, and his cousin Abdulrahman Nahar, 30, the reality is far different — and far more vibrant.

Their connection to the desert runs deep, rooted in childhood memories. Every spring break, their family would gather at their late grandfather’s desert camp. Unlike their peers, Mohammad and Abdulrahman didn’t ride buggies, as their families disapproved due to safety concerns, the damage to local vegetation and the risk of startling camels. Instead, they forged a bond with the desert’s rhythms and traditions.

After their grandfather’s passing, Mohammad and Abdulrahman chose to carry forward his legacy by raising camels — not as retirees, but in the prime of their lives. Their reasons are manifold: Honoring the tradition of camel herding, seizing the energy of their youth and passing down valuable life skills to the next generation.

Mohammad Al-Ajmi with his camels in winter and summer.

They aim to encourage social skills, nurture an appreciation for nature and offer an alternative to the pull of video games and tablets. “We’re not against iPads or video games,” Mohammad explained, “but we want to share the desert’s gifts — wonderful memories and life lessons — with the new generation.”

In 2021, Mohammad and Abdulrahman embarked on this lifelong journey, driven by shared passion and trust. “It couldn’t have been done without Abdulrahman,” Mohammad said. Their partnership allows them to balance their passion with other responsibilities. Their first step was selecting the right camels, a task made seamless by Abdulrahman’s keen eye. They started with five camels, housed on the family farm, and by the following year, their herd grew to ten, prompting the need for a dedicated campsite.

Despite challenges like limited financial incentives and inadequate infrastructure for camel herding in Kuwait, Mohammad and Abdulrahman remain undeterred. Their camp has welcomed fellow desert enthusiasts, international visitors and aspiring herders. They aspire to deepen their involvement in camel herding, improve the desert environment and participate in regional camel competitions, which have gained a strong following among Kuwaiti youth. “We aim to add value to Kuwait by enriching our heritage and supporting self-sufficiency in strategic food reserves,” Mohammad said.

Abdullah AlKhaifah, a counselor with a master’s degree in psychology, underscores the broader significance of such pursuits. “Hobbies provide a space for stress relief, creativity, self-expression and self-actualization,” he said. “By embracing them, we honor our cultural roots and take meaningful steps toward a deeper connection with ourselves.”