Camel racing is a traditional sport that has been practised for centuries in the Arabian Peninsula, believed to have started in the 7th century and organised by Bedouin tribes as part of cultural events, ceremonies and celebrations. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a keen supporter of camel racing and spent time with his grandchildren watching a camel race in Abu Dhabi. Camels are often referred to as the “ships of the desert” and have helped nomadic Bedouins survive for centuries.
The UAE became the leading country for camel racing in the 1980s with the popular racetrack at Nad Al Sheba. A major innovation in the UAE camel racing scene was the introduction of robot jockeys controlled by camel owners and groomers. Robot jockeys were first used in competitions in 2006, replacing human jockeys under the age of 16 for safety reasons. The goal was to adhere to international regulations while preserving the traditional character of camel races.
In recent years, camel racing has gained popularity among the diverse expat community in the UAE, including women expats who have become expert riders, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport. German adventurer Jana Schmiedel is one example of a female camel jockey who developed an interest in the sport after befriending a local Emirati family. Emirati women jockeys, Khawla Al Balooshi and Hakima Ghaith, made history as the first Emirati female camel riders to participate in a race in Dubai in 2021.
The UAE’s first all-female camel racing team completed a challenging 100km ride to Wadi Rum, Jordan, after competing in Saudi Arabia’s debut women-only camel race. The Emirati tradition of camel racing continues to thrive, with the sport being promoted to different people and cultures around the world. The UAE has not only kept alive the centuries-old tradition of camel racing but has also embraced inclusivity, allowing women and expats to participate and excel in the sport. The legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan lives on through the continued popularity and evolution of camel racing in the UAE.
