A new camel racing festival will take place in Sharjah during the forthcoming season.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, ordered Dh6 million be allocated to stage the event, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday.
The festival is to take place in Al Dhaid Square during the 2022 to 2023 racing season.
Issa Al Hazami, chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, thanked the Ruler for his support and said it will further boost the sport in the emirate.
Mr Al Hazami said the council will now work with the Sharjah Camel Racing Club on the season's programme.
Camel racing is a cherished tradition in the UAE and has been a central part of life here for centuries.
The weekly races held during the winter months attract huge numbers of visitors.
Big financial prizes are also up for grabs.
Camel jockeys race in the UAE National Day Camel Marathon - in pictures
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Camel jockeys compete during the annual UAE National Day Camel Marathon at Al Marmoom Camel Racing Track in Dubai on January 14. All photos: EPA / Ali Haider -
This edition of the marathon marks the UAE's 50th National Day that was celebrated on December 2. -
The race was organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre in conjunction with the Arabian Camel Festival. -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, is patron of the event. -
Jockey Kassab Al Ahbabi on camel Lattam reacts after winning the marathon. -
Jockeys line up to compete in the annual event. -
Some camels needed a little persuading to join the starting line. -
Jockeys wait for the race to start. -
And they're off: the 50th anniversary race begins. -
A jockey races to the finish line. -
Riders head off into the sunset after the race.
