The full story of the real caveman and the fabrication of the tale.

Arabian Sea - Exclusive

Special - Socotra On February 27, 2019, the man known as the "real caveman" in the Socotra archipelago, locally known as "Al-Kahel Sa'alaf," passed away after many years of living a primitive lifestyle amidst the remote terrain of the island, far from the media spotlight and promotional tales. Sa'alaf is considered one of the popular symbols in Socotra, known among the locals for his isolation and unique lifestyle that he maintained until his death. Locals circulated photos and memories about him, noting his simplicity and close connection to nature. In a related context, sources explained that the man known today as the "caveman," named Abdullah Salem, was merely a simple fisherman before Sa'alaf's death. According to information, a British tourist played a significant role in presenting Salem as an extension of the caveman, in an attempt to create an attractive story for tourists. This was picked up by some media outlets without verification, contributing to Salem's widespread fame. Activists from Socotra confirmed to the "Aden Al-Ghad" newspaper that the character of "Abdullah Salem" is not a true extension of Sa'alaf, but rather his story was fabricated for promotional and tourism purposes, while Al-Kahel Sa'alaf remains the real figure who lived a primitive life for decades, and the island bid him farewell in silence and loyalty.