UAE is known for camel racing by everyone all around the world. This guide contains information for anyone planning a trip to the UAE with camel race Abu Dhabi in mind.
Everything starting from race schedules, tickets, places to watch and insider tips, this guide contains all the assistance you need. There is more information about camel racing to get a better understanding about the sport.
The native emirates have held a special place for camels since the early days. They are considered as a symbol of wealth even today. Camel racing was a way of celebrating something special back in history. With time it has become one of the wealthiest sports in the world.
The winners usually receive cash rewards estimated roughly from 1 million USD onwards. With this demand camels are bred with the intention of battling each other in came races. They are not just used for camel rides which tend to be very slow paced.
With the popularity of this sport UAE has 15 camel race tracks currently. These are fully equipped with all the modern technology to attract tourists from around the world. The time between October to March is usually considered the season for camel racing.
One of the major camel racing events held in Abu Dhabi takes place over two days. The Al Wathba Racetrack in Abu Dhabi has two special tracks , one for the camels and the other for the camel owners to follow by car. This is one of the best places to watch camel racing that guarantees a memorable experience.
The Al Wathba camel racing federation showcases camel racing as a part of UAE’s heritage while promoting it by raising awareness among the world. It also acts as the organizing body between all camel races held across the UAE.
BBC Wild Arabia has made a documentary featuring camel racing. You can watch all the camel racing events that take place in Abu Dhabi through AL Rayyan TV.
Camel racing in Abu Dhabi usually takes place over the winter season. The races usually take place on weekend mornings and also some on UAE public holidays. The main event is held in Abu Dhabi with other camel races taking place all over the UAE.
Camels are treated very highly in the UAE with racing camels having an even higher place. Being one of the richest sports in the world, winning camels usually receive cash awards varying from 2000 AED to 200,000 AED. This sport is widely known all across the middle east, but has more popularity in the UAE. These racing camels are valued from 1 million to 6 million AED.
Camel races usually start at 6.30 a.m but can also take place in the afternoon.
The 2 locations can be found in the above google map.
You can simply drive to the AL Wathba Camel race track using a normal car. It can even be added to your AL Wathba Tour.
Ever wondered who the jockey on top of these camels are? They are actually controlled by robot jockeys. It is done through a pack that is attached to the hump of the race camels. This is very different to the ancient practices of Bedouins as camel racing has a more modern touch nowadays.
Back in Bedouins during ancient times, small boys were used as jockeys to ride on camels. These boys were usually outsourced from Pakistan or India. However with the increasing awareness of human rights, this particluar practice was viewed as child labour. So from 2005 onwards robot jockeys replaced child jockeys in the camel racing industry.
These robot jockeys are controlled by the camel owners. They usually ride on a 4x4 vehicle along a separate race track in every camel race. They voice their commands through speakers and control the whip through a remote.
With the advancement of technology many things related to camel racing have been modernized. Normally when a camel race is about to start, a group of men would lift up the gates and run off before the race starts. Now it has also been automated along with monitoring the camels in a race and nutrition control ; especially the robot jockeys used on camel racing.
These were invented in the UAE with the system of communication between the camel owner and the robot. During the initial process of making this robot, the Swiss also collaborated. However this prototype was considered heavy as the ideal robot should weigh between 2 - 4 kilograms. This has been in the industry for almost 14 years.
You can get more details about camel race times, dates, locations and rates by contacting Arabiers during Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Read our latest guide on things to do in Al Wathba to plan your trip to the very best with Arabiers.
In association with:
Pay us 135 currencies in seconds
Currency
© Copyright 2024 Arabiers. All Rights Reserved.
