The International Book and Publishing Fair shed light on the nomadic Heritage by organizing an event titled “Nomadic Culture: Challenges of Documentation and the Prospects of Digitization." The gathering aimed to form a comprehensive vision to document and revitalize this legacy, recognizing that the nomadic lifestyle and its unique tools are integral parts of the region’s collective memory.

In many parts of the Arab world, nomadism was once a way of life, an enduring symbol of freedom, adaptability, and a deep-rooted connection to the desert. However, the tools and practices of nomadic communities, especially the traditional Rahil (saddle or travel gear), are now facing the threat of extinction. As modern technologies and urban development reshape our societies, the cultural identity of desert nomads is fading, preserved only in memory, scattered oral histories, and limited use in isolated areas.

Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi from the UAE, representing Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, shared her country’s experience in preserving nomadic traditions. She focused on the journeys taken by Emirati nomads from the coastal regions to the desert interior—voyages rich in rituals, oral poetry, and social customs. These experiences have been carefully documented as part of a larger effort to ensure the continuity of Bedouin culture, despite the forces of modernization.

Cultural researcher Ibrahim Al Hassan emphasized the need not only to archive this heritage but also to evaluate its place within today’s digital age. He noted that the documentation of nomadic traditions has moved beyond pens and paper; it now embraces modern digital platforms that make preservation more dynamic and accessible. Through virtual archives, interactive maps, and digital storytelling, the essence of nomadic life can be recorded and relived by future generations.

The traditions of the desert nomads, once sustained through oral transmission and physical tools like the Rahil, now depend on deliberate cultural preservation strategies. By combining traditional knowledge with innovative technologies, countries like the UAE are taking meaningful steps to keep the nomadic spirit alive. As the world continues to change, it is only through such efforts that the legacy of the desert can remain a living part of Arab identity.