Skip to main content

UAE camel racing to resume following a five-month hiatus

The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of camel racing, coupled with precautionary guidelines, which is among the most popular sports in the Gulf with prizes sometimes reaching millions of dollars.
RTX4PFDJ.JPG

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced in May the resumption of camel racing in July after the coronavirus crisis suspended the sport of millionaires. 

Camel racing has been part of the UAE’s heritage for many decades with camels being regarded as companions and prized by the Bedouins. “Owning a camel depends on the breed, but it can cost up to $200,000 a year to run a camel farm with about four camels. Again it depends on the kind of camels — some cost more than others,” Abdullah al-Falasi, director of marketing and media partnerships and events for the Dubai Camel Racing Club, told Al-Monitor by phone.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.