Experience Camel Racing in Dubai
An Old-Fashioned Sporting Event
Safety Procedures for Robotic Horses
More Camel-Related Activities in Dubai
Overview
You've seen Dubai's bright and glamorous lifestyle, and now you want to try something new. You're tired of shopping, admiring the impressive architecture, and enjoying the food, and you want a taste of something new. Something specific to Dubai. When camel racing in Dubai is the solution. The government sponsors camel races, which provide camel owners with financial assistance. From late October until early April, the winter season, the races are conducted.
Typically, races take place on Thursdays, Fridays, as well as Saturdays. In the UAE, the camel race is a well-liked sport with modern racetracks. The majority of them are situated outside the city, and admission is free. However, cameras are not allowed; only binoculars are. Light drinks are provided. The King's Cup is Dubai's most sought-after award.
The sheiks' camels compete in the morning races just at Nad al Sheba racecourse. Camel racing is a highly competitive sport. Even global interest has been shown in the sport. Sheiks and jockeys as young as six years old are the owners of the camels. Despite the possibility of huge payouts to the winners, betting on camel racing is against the law.
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What is Camel Racing?
Camel racing has a long history, dating back to the time when Middle-Eastern residents of the area would gather for this traditional sport at celebrations and occasions like weddings. Camels would race against one another along a predefined course, just as horses do.
Anywhere from 15 to 60 camels may be racing against one another for prizes and cash during the day of a camel race. At the starting line, colorfully decorated camels wait in front of the gates and race as soon as they open.
The sound of the fans shouting for these camels as they race as their heads bob into a sand cloud fills the air with excitement. While driving around the racetrack in their SUVs, their trainers carefully follow the camels and provide commands to robotic jockeys mounted atop the animals. The prize presentation comes after races, which may take up to 15 minutes.
The camel races in Dubai are quite popular and seem to be a great tourist attraction. To bring the traditions of the area to the attention of visitors and tourists, the races held in the UAE even incorporate ancient practices, rituals, and folklore throughout the whole day of racing.
An Old-Fashioned Sporting Event
There is a deep-rooted bond between camels and the Emirati people. These animals were not only used as means of transportation through the huge deserts, but they also served as a consistent supply of food as well as milk for the local population. In addition to participating in athletic activities, they have been utilized for commerce.
The camel racing competitions that are now held in the UAE uphold the rich cultural traditions of the Emirati people.
Several aspects have changed dramatically throughout time, despite the continued popularity of camel racing. The growth of facilities in camel training, breeding, as well as research is a result of the potential for the victorious camels to walk away with the financial rewards of millions of dirhams.
Safety Procedures for Robotic Horses
UAE banned all young jockeys from riding camels in 2002 and welcomed lightweight artificial jockeys in their place. These robotic jockeys are mostly made of a metal frame with a cordless power tool coupled to a whip that stimulates the camel to go more quickly without injuring it.
These robots are painted in the team's colors and mounted on molded steel saddles that ride atop the racing camels.
Because of technological advancements, some trainers can equip their jockeys with additional functions without having to add weight that would slow back the camel. Included in these functions are a GPS to track the camel's whereabouts, a walkie-talkie so the trainer can communicate with it, and a heart rate sensor to check the camel's health.
When is Dubai's camel racing season?
A Dubai camel racing season normally runs from October to April at several camel racing courses located around the nation.
On weekends, events are likely to occur in the early hours, around 7:00 am. The Dubai races are held every weekday as well.
What initially started as an unorganized sport rapidly became a renowned worldwide racing competition. Numerous camel owners as well as race aficionados from the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries attend the camel racing events hosted in the UAE under the auspices of His Sheikh Hamdan ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai as well as Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
Where in Dubai Can I Watch a Camel Race?
Camel races are typically free to attend, but because they consistently attract big audiences, it is best to reserve seats in advance. On race day, arrive early for the chance to snap photos with the camels as well.
The Al Marmoon Dromedary Racing Track, which is close to the Al Marmoum Historical Site and is accessible through the Al Ain highway that connects to Oman, is the biggest in Dubai. Al Marmoom Heritage Celebration, the nation's annual heritage festival, includes camel racing every year.
Other camel races in the UAE
Other camel racing venues exist in the UAE besides Al Marmoom, including:
- Racetrack Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi
- Racecourse Al Sawan in Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah's Al Dhaid racetrack
- Ajman's Al Tallah Racetrack
- Racetrack Al Lebsa near Umm Al Quwain
Additionally, camel racing is a component of the yearly Al Dhafra Festival, which takes place inside the Abu Dhabi West Part every December. The Camel Mazayna, the festival's main event, attracts a lot of attention from across the world. It is the biggest heritage festival in the nation. The trip from Dubai to the festival's main grounds takes around three hours.
More Camel-Related Activities in Dubai
Without a photo of you riding a camel, your trip to Dubai would be completed. Additionally, there are other locations where you may get the ideal view of the desert ship. You may decide to receive one while taking a camel ride at The Beach JBR's beachfront while seeing the Palm Jumeirah while going on a safari, or even while feeding camels just at Camel Farm.
