Our Working Wonders of the UAE series takes you to some of the country's most recognisable destinations to uncover the daily duties of the talented employees working there
Jodie Whileman had her sights set on working in the spa industry as a teenager – but now she is more likely to be checking camel fur for tangles.
The 36-year-old Briton is managing partner at The Camel Farm on the fringes of Dubai, overseeing a community that is home to tortoises, rabbits, donkeys, goats, turkeys and chickens.
Ms Whileman left an art and music studio management role to go full-time at the family-friendly visitor attraction this year.
Here, the mother-of-two tells The National about her authentic desert workplace and how a 2019 camel trek got her hooked.
How did your relationship with camels begin?
Sheikh Hamdan Heritage Centre [adjoined to the farm] is our partner and they have 30-40 camels. Every year they do a camel trek.
I saw an advert for it on Facebook and after reading it, I thought it was for three or four days.
We did 15 nights, in the desert, from the Saudi border to Global Village, 750km of which was on camelback.
We trained every day for six months, getting to know the camels, and learning how to put saddles on in the traditional “shedad” Bedouin style with blankets and ropes.
There were over 1,000 applicants and 12 of us ended up going.
On the first day of training, I got lost coming to the farm and didn't make it in time because it was already sunset.
How did you end up running The Camel Farm?
My personal life was difficult at the time and the training was my “meditation” which gave me an insight into the [UAE's] culture and people.
I remember reaching Global Village and realising that we were back to “real life”.
But I didn't want to give up on camels. Last year I was working full-time with an art and music studio and this offer came.
We got invited to do races and I had been coming to help with training. I was doing it as a side hustle/hobby and then they wanted me to take over.
We'd had an amazing season and managed to expand and build new features to the farm, so I decided to take the leap.
I came on board in August 2022 but I've been full-time at The Camel Farm since June this year.
I love the desert and camels, I'm a people person and business-minded too.
So the farm has evolved?
It's five years old now and a lot has changed.
We've rearranged enclosures and built a kitchen so we can have a full-time chef as we started doing evening grills, and more activities and promotions.
We now have a fully-fitted washroom and are more inclusive with wheelchair access.
By the end of this month, we're going to have overnight tents.
We're also trying to reduce plastic use, which is an issue in deserts and harmful to camels.
We ask everyone to bring reusable water bottles and we have a drinking fountain so they can refill.
We’re also reusing water, food and camel manure for the plants.
Have your animal numbers increased?
We brought in new animals and we also rescued animals such as rabbits, which people are unable to care for at home.
Our donkeys also came from a welfare centre.
We've got two big rescued tortoises; one had been run over and has a chipped shell.
A family reached out just before the summer and said they couldn't take care of a camel any more. They'd had him since he was six months old. He is now four and was tied to a tree.
We're trying to integrate him because he'd never seen another camel, so there's training involved.
In total, we have about 40 camels – 12 in the visitor section – five Omani goats, which are new to us this season, and around 15 other goats. We've also got four turkeys and pigeons.
We're not really a working farm, we're more about helping animals and taking care of them.
What happens on a daily basis?
Guides give tours of the farm and take visitors inside the closures for feeding, as well as teaching visitors about the animals.
We have a short camel ride inside the farm for children. The one-hour desert ride in the dunes is only for people aged 10 and above.
Our visitors are a good mix of tourists and people living here.
We don't have that many opportunities to be in nature or have these kinds of encounters with animals in Dubai. This is a way for us to allow people to do that.
We get people coming here who have been living in the UAE for 20 years and who have never been to the desert.
We also have returning customers.
I grew up in the countryside – in the North of England – and was often around farms. This is as close as I get to that but in the desert.
What are your duties?
I oversee the daily operations, ensuring the well-being of the animals, management of staff, and making sure everyone's schedules and duties are done. I also look after the training when we have new staff.
I don't do everything hands-on every day, but there's feeding, watering and cleaning the enclosures to be done. I arrange for veterinary care when needed. We've got the farrier in today.
I like to saddle the camels and sometimes take the desert rides, depending on how big groups are if we need more than one guide.
I also do the feeding, if we have baby animals. That season will be coming again soon.
There's also running our social media; that's our marketing, along with word of mouth.
Anything unusual you offer?
Camel hugging therapy.
We take people inside an enclosure with some of our friendliest camels. They do some grooming and get to know the camels on a more personal level. When they come out … everyone's so relaxed.
Camels have different personalities and they are very calming.
People can think of camels as aggressive, or that they spit. They're not that way unless you annoy them. I enjoy seeing people overcome being scared of them.
There's one in particular that I'm in love with called Hanan. She comes over inside the enclosure and rests her head on my shoulder.
Does your 2023 workplace surprise you?
Yes, and some people are surprised to see a blonde British woman working at a camel farm in the middle of the desert.
When I left school I did a beauty therapy sciences diploma and worked in spas for a while. I wanted to open my own spa, so I got a business degree.
The plan was to come here, save some money, go home and build a business … I just never made it back.
I have to pinch myself sometimes when I'm driving here in the morning, coming past the desert. I feel very privileged.
Tips for taking the metro
- set out well ahead of time
- make sure you have at least Dh15 on you Nol card, as there could be big queues for top-up machines
- enter the right cabin. The train may be too busy to move between carriages once you're on
- don't carry too much luggage and tuck it under a seat to make room for fellow passengers
UAE SQUAD
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
Profile
Company name: Marefa Digital
Based: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Number of employees: seven
Sector: e-learning
Funding stage: Pre-seed funding of Dh1.5m in 2017 and an initial seed round of Dh2m in 2019
Investors: Friends and family
Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah Group Two (PA) US$55,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: Rasi, Harry Bentley (jockey), Sulaiman Al Ghunaimi (trainer).
7.05pm: Meydan Trophy (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,900m; Winner: Ya Hayati, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
8.15pm: Balanchine Group Two (TB) $250,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Magic Lily, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
8.50pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
9.25pm: Firebreak Stakes Group Three (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
10pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m; Winner: Eynhallow, Mickael Barzalona, Charlie Appleby.
Pakistan Super League
Previous winners
2016 Islamabad United
2017 Peshawar Zalmi
2018 Islamabad United
2019 Quetta Gladiators
Most runs Kamran Akmal – 1,286
Most wickets Wahab Riaz –65
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
MORE ON INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE
RESULTS
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200
Winner: Miqyaas, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Untold Secret, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Shanty Star, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Alkaamel, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Speedy Move, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm: Handicap Dh175,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Quartier Francois, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
The specs: 2019 BMW X4
Price, base / as tested: Dh276,675 / Dh346,800
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 354hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,550rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.0L / 100km
FA Cup quarter-final draw
The matches will be played across the weekend of 21 and 22 March
Sheffield United v Arsenal
Newcastle v Manchester City
Norwich v Derby/Manchester United
Leicester City v Chelsea
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS & THE ECONOMY
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium (Malacca, Malayisa)
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia scheduled for October 10
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
The biog
Age: 23
Occupation: Founder of the Studio, formerly an analyst at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Education: Bachelor of science in industrial engineering
Favourite hobby: playing the piano
Favourite quote: "There is a key to every door and a dawn to every dark night"
Family: Married and with a daughter
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Seoul from Dh3,775 return, including taxes
The package
Ski Safari offers a seven-night ski package to Korea, including five nights at the Dragon Valley Hotel in Yongpyong and two nights at Seoul CenterMark hotel, from £720 (Dh3,488) per person, including transfers, based on two travelling in January
The info
Visit www.gokorea.co.uk
The biog
Family: wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren
Reads: Newspapers, historical, religious books and biographies
Education: High school in Thatta, a city now in Pakistan
Regrets: Not completing college in Karachi when universities were shut down following protests by freedom fighters for the British to quit India
Happiness: Work on creative ideas, you will also need ideals to make people happy
A Bad Moms Christmas
Dir: John Lucas and Scott Moore
Starring: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Susan Sarandon, Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines
Two stars
The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3 (Sterling 46', De Bruyne 65', Gundogan 70')
Aston Villa 0
Red card: Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
