Camel racing in Dubai – An ode to the UAE’s rich heritage
The history of Dubai’s civilisation can be traced back to Bedouins who used to consider camels, a source of transportation and sustenance. The use of camels is still very popular in the UAE, particularly in annual races. If you want to know more about these yearly competitions, we bring you the complete guide to camel racing in Dubai.
CAMELS AND RICH EMIRATI CULTURE
Camels have always been an integral part of the UAE’s heritage. They have played a significant role in various facets of Bedouin life, including:
- A source of food: Camel meat and milk were a source of food for Bedouins.
- A mode of transport: Back then, there were no cars or any other modes of transportation. So, camels were used to carry supplies from one place to another.
- A type of wealth: Bedouins considered camels as status symbols. They used to pay annual charity fees, zakat and bride’s dowries by giving off camels.
- Fabric wool: Bedouins used camel wool to craft clothes, rugs and tents. In fact, camel wool was used to make Agal, a square cotton scarf worn by Arab men.
- A source of entertainment: Bedouin tribes organised camel racing and camel beauty contests for decades. This Emirati tradition is still preserved in the UAE, with many racing competitions taking place under the patronage of the ruling families.
Without further ado, let’s learn the highlights of camel racing in Dubai.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF CAMEL RACING IN DUBAI
BREED OF CAMELS
Not all types of camels are selected for the race. Only the camels of the native breed of the UAE, Sudan and Oman are used for racing in Dubai. Prominent camels chosen for this popular sport include UAE’s Mahaliyat, Sudanese’s Sudaniyat, Oman’s Omaniyat and the inter-bred Muhajanat.
The main reason for their selection is that they run at a speed of 65 km per hour — faster than the camels of other breeds. Even when not running too fast, they can easily sustain a speed of 40 km per hour.
TRAINING OF RACE CAMELS
Training of camels starts at an early age. Their trainers make them exercise as well as eat a special diet, which consists of dates, bran and oats. Sometimes, they are also given cow’s milk as it provides strength and aids in muscle building.
As they grow older, authorities determine their health and age by looking at the size of their teeth. If the size aligns with the age parameter they have set, they select a camel for a race by marking them with special sprays.
CAMEL RACING SEASON
Although minor races take place throughout the year, grand racing events are held during the winter season — typically from October to April. The races occur mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.
PROTOCOL FOR CAMEL RACING IN DUBAI
Camels are taken to a state-of-the-art healthcare centre — Dubai Camel Hospital (DCH) where expert vets monitor their health and enhance their features through selective breeding.
The goal is to produce faster and stronger animals. This biological process takes place under the strict guidelines of the UAE Camel Racing Federation.
CAMEL RACE TRACKS IN DUBAI
AL MARMOOM DUBAI CAMEL RACE TRACK
Tucked away in the Dubai Camel Racing Club, Al Marmoom Racing Track is the most popular track for this traditional sport. You can go there to witness the race!
During the race, atop each camel is a robot jockey equipped with GPS, a walkie-talkie and a heart rate sensor, controlled remotely by the trainers. These trainers move in 4x4s, constantly hyping their respective animals to reach the finish line…and win the race.
AL KHAWANEEJ RACING TRACK
Al Khawaneej, a culturally-diverse community in Dubai, is home to a popular racing track – Al Khawaneej Racing Track. The track keeps the tradition alive by presenting a modern version of the sport.
DUBAI CAMEL RACING EVENT
AL MARMOOM HERITAGE VILLAGE FESTIVAL
Wondering, where to see a camel race in Dubai? Al Marmoom Heritage Village organises a grand heritage festival, featuring a camel race, in addition, to live concerts and traditional cultural shows. The annual racing competition attracts thousands of tourists from across the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia.
- The race starts with camels springing out of the door, in a bid to participate in the race. Their trainers follow their movements through SUVs.
- The race takes place in two rounds. The winning team walks away with luxury cars, trophies and cash rewards.
UPCOMING AL MARMOOM HERITAGE VILLAGE FESTIVAL DATES
- Camel racing Dubai 2023 dates: 6th – 18th April 2023
ENTRY FEES
You can attend the camel race for free.
For more information and updates about the upcoming racing events, you can reach out to Dubai Camel Racing Club.
FAQs
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ENJOY IN THE AL MARMOOM DESERT, APART FROM CAMEL RACING?
From bike trekking to exploring wildlife, there are many activities to indulge in Al Marmoom Desert.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MOTORSPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE UAE?
You can try quad biking and go-karting, apart from these motorsports activities in the UAE.
That concludes our guide to camel racing in Dubai. Aside from this high-octane event, you can look forward to these upcoming events in Dubai.
Would you want to try riding a camel in the arid dunes of the city? Seek assistance from Dubai safari companies.
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