• A handler directs camels equipped with robot jockeys to the starting gate before a race, at Dubai's Al Marmoom heritage village, on Friday, April 9, 2021. AFP
    A handler directs camels equipped with robot jockeys to the starting gate before a race, at Dubai's Al Marmoom heritage village, on Friday, April 9, 2021. AFP
  • The UAE's camel racing season typically runs until April, with events taking place on Friday and Saturday mornings. AFP
    The UAE's camel racing season typically runs until April, with events taking place on Friday and Saturday mornings. AFP
  • Handlers set camels equipped with robot jockeys for a race. AFP
    Handlers set camels equipped with robot jockeys for a race. AFP
  • Most race days begin at 6am, and visitors are advised to arrive early. AFP
    Most race days begin at 6am, and visitors are advised to arrive early. AFP
  • The traditional sport of the region began as a social element of events such as weddings, but professional competitions took off in the 1980s. AFP
    The traditional sport of the region began as a social element of events such as weddings, but professional competitions took off in the 1980s. AFP
  • Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP
    Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP
  • A camel taking part in a race has his eyes covered in a traditional keffiyeh scarf. AFP
    A camel taking part in a race has his eyes covered in a traditional keffiyeh scarf. AFP
  • Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP
    Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP
  • A Qatari participant sits in his car during a camel race. The track becomes a gathering place for thousands of handlers and camel owners from around the Gulf during the racing season. AFP
    A Qatari participant sits in his car during a camel race. The track becomes a gathering place for thousands of handlers and camel owners from around the Gulf during the racing season. AFP
  • Camels equipped with robot jockeys race. AFP
    Camels equipped with robot jockeys race. AFP
  • Dubai’s biggest camel race track is located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area. AFP
    Dubai’s biggest camel race track is located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area. AFP
  • The race track is located off the Dubai-Al Ain road, about 40 kilometres from Dubai.. AFP
    The race track is located off the Dubai-Al Ain road, about 40 kilometres from Dubai.. AFP
  • A view of the track at Al Marmoom heritage village. AFP
    A view of the track at Al Marmoom heritage village. AFP
  • Safety rules have been introduced to safeguard the health of staff and members of the public due to the pandemic. AFP
    Safety rules have been introduced to safeguard the health of staff and members of the public due to the pandemic. AFP

Gulf

Camel racing in Dubai's Al Marmoom heritage village - in pictures

The racing season usually runs until April with meetings on Fridays and Saturdays

The National

April 09, 2021

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