Na 01 SEP Al Marmoom camel race

The National
  • Camel handler, Rahim Daad, from Pakistan, who is preparing the camels for racing at Al Marmoom camel race track, Dubai. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Camel handler, Rahim Daad, from Pakistan, who is preparing the camels for racing at Al Marmoom camel race track, Dubai. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Camel races, such as those at Al Marmoom camel race track, have resumed
    Camel races, such as those at Al Marmoom camel race track, have resumed
  • The camel race circuit closed earlier this year to limit the spread of Covid-19
    The camel race circuit closed earlier this year to limit the spread of Covid-19
  • A handler at Al Marmoom camel race track in Dubai wearing a face mask
    A handler at Al Marmoom camel race track in Dubai wearing a face mask
  • The sport requires handlers to work closely together to saddle camels and guide herds from farms to track
    The sport requires handlers to work closely together to saddle camels and guide herds from farms to track
  • During the race season, the track becomes a gathering place for thousands of handlers and camel owners
    During the race season, the track becomes a gathering place for thousands of handlers and camel owners
  • A handler at the Al Marmoom camel race track in Dubai
    A handler at the Al Marmoom camel race track in Dubai
  • The first races have started back up with safety precautions
    The first races have started back up with safety precautions
  • Face masks must be worn by camel handlers
    Face masks must be worn by camel handlers
  • Some handlers came from Dubai once they tested negative for Covid-19
    Some handlers came from Dubai once they tested negative for Covid-19
  • Many camel handlers live together on farms
    Many camel handlers live together on farms
  • Mohammed Saleem, 38, a camel handler from Pakistan who was raised in the UAE
    Mohammed Saleem, 38, a camel handler from Pakistan who was raised in the UAE