The battle of Qarqarm, fought nearly 3,000 years ago in what is now northern Syria, is notable for two things.
According to Assyrian texts, it was the first time that the Arabs were recorded as a people. And the Arab king, Gindibu, led his men into war on the backs of what may have been as many as 1,000 camels.
Camels have since had a long and distinguished military record. They played a large part in the military successes of the Prophet Mohammed and were also part of the all-conquering legions of Rome.
Napoleon used them to conquer modern day Syria and Egypt and camel regiments also helped maintain the grip of the British Empire over northern Africa and what is now Pakistan and India.
The camels and soldiers in these photos carry the echoes of empire, but are in fact the Pakistan Desert Rangers. The animals were adopted barely a year ago.
Mechanisation seemed certain to doom the camels corps to history, but a decision was made to find them a new, ceremonial role.
Based in the Punjab, the result is what is claimed to be the world’s only camel-mounted bagpipe band in which the riders play possibly the only instrument whose sound is more alarming than that of the animal on which they sit.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Director: S Shankar
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The%C2%A0specs%20
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
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Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The Bio
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Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
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Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
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Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Key facilities
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