Get ready for camels, culture and competitions.
When you think of the Middle East’s desert landscapes, camels strolling across the golden dunes come to mind. These gentle giants make regular appearances on road trips to the northern emirates and are a major symbol of Bedouin life and local Emirati heritage. And now, the spotlight is truly on them as Al Ain gears up to host its first-ever Camel Racing Festival.
Announced by the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Al Ain Camel Racing Festival is set to debut at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack. Taking place from 4 July to 9 October, this event is organised by the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre and supervised by the Camel Racing Association, as part of the country’s mission to preserve and celebrate a sport that’s cherished in Emirati culture.
Al Ain Camel Racing Festival will feature 605 races spread over three rounds, culminating in a grand final round in October. There will be dedicated competitions with trophy awards across various age categories, making it a thrilling event for both seasoned racers and beginners.
But beyond the competition, the festival delves deeper. The event aims to preserve Emirati heritage by supporting camel racing, ensuring that younger generations remain connected to the UAE’s cultural fabric. In the region, it’s not just a sport, but an element of national identity, which is why it’s essential to keep the tradition alive.
With the inaugural Al Ain Camel Racing Festival in full swing, the region is excited to see what’s in store and enjoy this sporting event with complete zeal and fervour.
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