Special report: Summer signals camel racing season for Emirati owners

Between now and September, races will be held four times a month to test the talent and potential of two-year-old newcomers to the field. Early prep races are key for determining the young camels' future.

Butti Al Kitbi on his farm with one of his camels, just north of Dubai. His family is known for breeding camels. Lee Hoagland / The National

ABU DHABI // June may signal the beginning of summer but it is also a time for Emiratis to prepare for camel racing season.

Between now and September, races will be held four times a month to test the talent and potential of two-year-old newcomers to the field.

It’s a preamble to the major leagues and as such the prize purses are relatively small, about Dh500 to Dh700, with the main focus for trainers being on whether their camels are strong enough to enter the four major races or be set aside for breeding.

“These races are significant to prepare young camels (hagaieg) to participate during racing season from October to February and the Grand Finale in May,” said Sari Al Mansouri, an administrator at the Camel Racing Federation.

“Out of 20 camels, only around eight or 10 will be used for racing,” Mr Al Mansouri said.

Camel racing is one of the UAE’s oldest hobbies and one of the favourites, with the number of enthusiasts increasing every year.

“The younger generation is more interested in camels as a business,” Mr Al Mansouri said. “They breed and sell camels but still, more and more Emiratis are participating in the races.”

Last year, more than 10,000 Emiratis were involved in the Grand Finale, up 3,000 from the year before. Its attraction is not just the fun of the day but also the fact it boasts the largest prizes of the season.

“If it is one of the major races then you can win an expensive car or money,” Mr Al Mansouri said.

“The (prize purse in the) final round in the finale, for adult six-year-old camels, is Dh2 million.

“Owners can win two, three or even all the rounds and end up with several expensive cars.”

After each round samples are taken from the winning camels to test for performance enhancing drugs.

“Camel owners know the rules but every year we catch around two camels who have enhancement drugs in their system,” said Mr Al Mansouri.

There are almost 60,000 camels and 10,000 camel owners registered with the federation.

However, not just any camel can compete. Sudanese camels are banned from racing because they are lighter and faster than other camels, and organisers believe it would not be a fair competition if they were allowed to compete. These camels are used solely for breeding.

Ghanem Al Mansouri, 34, the uncle of Sari, has participated in racing since he was 15. This year his camel came second at Al Hosn race in March and won Dh20,000.

“We will never give up camel racing,” he said. “It’s in our blood.”

His father brought him into the sport, he said, and he hoped to one day introduce a son. For now, however, he is the father of a girl.

Camel racing is exclusive to men, and women are not allowed to participate unless they register their camels under the name of a male relative.

“This is a very traditional Bedouin sport which men consider as their own,” Sari Al Mansouri said.

“Many will be uncomfortable with women competing with them. Maybe in the long run but not for the time being.”

More on camel racing and trade in the UAE:

■ Former camel jockey fears being sent away from his Dubai family

■ UAE camel trainers prefer robot jockeys

■ Camels not just a hobby for Dubai's bin Loomya clan