Who wants to marry a 'romantic nomadic traveler' in UAE?

Abu Dhabi - The suitable candidate must be addicted to riding and taking care of camels; be willing to eat wild plants and foods.

Here's a shout out to all the single ladies: "Do you want to spend a life with a 'romantic nomadic traveller' and live in the desert happily ever after?"
Make no mistake, this is no phony marriage proposal. An Abu Dhabi-based American expat is "dead serious seeking a lifelong companion to live a traditional full-time nomadic Bedouin way of life in the UAE and beyond."
"The suitable candidate must be addicted to riding and taking care of camels; be willing to eat wild plants and foods; be willing to travel the UAE desert using only compasses and stars and to live in a goat hair tent whole-year round," the guy, who wants to be called Ibn Al Najoom (Son of Stars), earnestly tells Khaleej Times.
Ibn Al Najoom's partner criteria are as follows: "She must speak classical Arabic and English; must live a simple life, be a minimalist person, very kind to strangers, very creative, open minded, and must have a deep connection to nature and the natural world."
Since it will be a challenging life, the potential partner "must also be open to not having kids or adopting kids," he adds.
Who, then, is Ibn Al Najoom? What does he look like? Well, he wants to keep information about him under "romantic suspense" for now. His age, height, skin colour, religion, occupation are all anonymous because he believes that "true love would see beyond one's age, height or skin colour."
He describes his occupation as a "nomadic wizard" (without exaggeration, he says). He doesn't own a smartphone and he has a certain dislike of modern technology, but does have a complete set of traditional nomadic gear, including an old compass, sextant, traditional spikes and rope, Bedouin tent and so on.
The GPS doesn't really work effectively in the desert anyway, he adds.
Ibn Al Najoom knows how to navigate the intricate sand dunes using the stars, and the direction of the sun and wind. His landmarks are mountains, big rocks and desert oases and his living area is on a much wider and grander scale, spanning from the Arabian Gulf coast to the Hajar Mountains and the Empty Quarter.
Born adventurer
How did he arrive to the UAE? "I came to the UAE by bus from Oman, as I was living in Oman before my life began in the UAE more than two years ago. But I had a more thrilling travel from the US to Oman: I made a three-and-a-half-year sailing voyage from my home town in Southern California to Oman, nearly all by wind."
What brought him to the UAE? The UAE, he says, is a land gushing with ancient knowledge, cultures and a heritage that stretches back before its folkloric myths.
"It has always been the old ways of life that inspired me most to come to the Arabian Gulf and especially to the UAE. It's extraordinary how many resources and how much attention the government and its inhabitants push for the preservation and promotion of its heritage and culture. Something I surprisingly didn't find in Oman," he shares.
"I witnessed more Bedouin tents, more camels and more traditional Arab culture here in the UAE than I ever did in Oman. I love the traditional Arabian culture. I love the opportunities this country brings and shares with the whole world. I love the beautiful desert environment and Emirati dates," he adds.
Ibn Al Najoom says he always wanted to live a life surrounded by nature, harvesting wild foods, making crafts all day; having birds, foxes and lizards as his friends, along with his human friends and family.
"It's a rugged life, but it's a life with so much beauty, knowledge and passion. The Arabs have been navigating the desert for thousands of years by horses, donkeys and camels in perfect harmony with the universe. It's an untold life that I know brings rich satisfaction and happiness in people if they only gave it a try," he notes.
Wandering companion
Going back to his search for a life partner, he says: "Wandering Arabia alone can have its charm, but eventually, I would get a bit lonely. I would love to share the years of traditional skills and knowledge I learned with someone as my equal in the wild.
"So, wherever you are, Arabian Beauty, the camels are waiting and those Arabian stars are waiting for us to follow them. If this is a life you want, your ancient nomadic soulmate is waiting for you," he concludes.
And if you are the right candidate, how do you get in touch? Ibn Al Najoom opted not give any contact details. He says interested candidates can contact Khaleej Times for more information.
"I will send a questionnaire and if they pass the questionnaire, they can write me a handwritten letter with their contract information. I will then reply to each passing candidate with a handwritten letter, and it can be the start of an enchanting nomadic and romantic life."
angel@khaleejtimes.com  

• Abu Dhabi