Looking for an authentic and exciting experience during your stay in Dubai? Immerse yourself in camel racing in Dubai, the traditional sport of the Arab Emirates and a living reflection of Bedouin cultural heritage.
Camel racing plays a key role in preserving Bedouin traditions. Not only do they reward breeders, they also keep Emirati culture alive. Camel racing is more than just a sport - it is a living heritage.
These events have a tangible impact on the local economy, generating jobs and attracting tourists every year. In addition, the emirate actively supports this traditional industry, giving a valuable boost to regional craftsmanship and enabling traditional skills to be passed on. Camel racing is both an economic and cultural asset for the country.
Enjoy the unique experience of camel racing in Dubai, where ancestral traditions meet high-tech advances. Organize your stay now to immerse yourself in the heart of this Emirati heritage - a full immersion in the local culture, where you'll be treated to a vibrant and authentic spectacle, the guardian of an age-old tradition. Don't delay - adventure awaits you on the slopes!
Camel racing has deep historical roots. They are linked to the Bedouin's ancestral way of life and embody a genuine festive heritage: a social practice associated with dromedaries at the heart of the culture.
Here's a comparative overview of the evolution of camel racing, from traditional practices to the age of robot jockeys:
| Aspect | Traditional races | Modern racing |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | Camels ridden by jockeys (originally children) | Camels controlled by robot jockeys |
| Jockeys | Often children, with reported cases of exploitation | Lightweight, remote-controlled robot jockeys |
| Regulations | Fewer regulations, ethical issues surrounding jockeys | Strict regulations, child jockeys banned since 2002 |
| Technology | Limited, relying on the jockey's skill and the camel's training | Use of GPS, walkie-talkies, heart rate monitors on robots |
| Animal welfare | questions about camel care | Robots designed specifically to minimize weight and avoid injury to animals |
| Awards | Prize in cash or kind (variable) | Financial prices reaching several million dirhams, top-of-the-range cars |
Clearly, the introduction of robot jockeys has had a significant impact on animal welfare and the tourist appeal of racing. Guided remotely, these robots can monitor the camels' performances, and this revolution combines ethics and spectacle in the world of racing.
To fully experience camel racing, you can choose between a self-guided tour or an organized tour. Local guides offer undeniable advantages for unlocking all the secrets of this traditional sport.
To make the most of your visit to camel racing in Dubai, here are a few important tips to follow for a rewarding and respectful experience:
Opt for an outfit: Modest clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are recommended for the sake of local culture when visiting camel races.
Early bird: Camel races usually start at dawn, so it's best to arrive early to make sure you don't miss any of the action and atmosphere on the racetracks in Dubai.
Respect photo restrictions: It's important to find out about photography and video rules, as the use of flash photography is often prohibited to avoid frightening the camels and disrupting the smooth running of the races.
Follow the safety instructions given by the organizers and keep a reasonable distance from the tracks to avoid any accidents, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators.Check food permits: Find out what food and drink is allowed on site, as certain restrictions may apply, and plan accordingly to make the most of your day at the camel races in Dubai.
By following these simple recommendations, you' ll help ensure that your visit to the camel races is a harmonious experience that respects local traditions.
Entry fees vary: premium options are available for those who want a privileged experience. Family passes can be an interesting option; compare the different packages to make the most of this traditional sporting event in the Arab Emirates.
There are several options for getting to the camel races from central Dubai. You can opt for shuttle buses or simply hire a 4×4 if you prefer to be self-sufficient in the desert. As the journey can be long, you'll need to allow for a little extra time.
To help you organize your trip, we offer you this detailed comparison of available means of transport:
| Transport | Cost | Duration | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cab | Varies according to your position | Dependent on traffic jams | Comfort and time freedom |
| Tourist Bus | Daily package | Varies according to itinerary | Guided tour with strategic stops |
| Chauffeur-driven car | More expensive | Traffic-dependent | Top-of-the-range service |
On-site amenities include food stalls, toilets and shaded areas for rest and relaxation. And good news: you can buy souvenirs to keep a record of your experience at the camel races... a great opportunity to take home a souvenir of the atmosphere.
Camel racing in Dubai is much more than just sporting entertainment. It's a true institution, an Emirati heritage. These modern events perpetuate Bedouin tradition - the camel once played a central role in daily life. These races are therefore an unmissable part of your trip.
Beyond the spectacle, discover these places where history and speed merge, offering a truly unique experience in the heart of the Emirati desert.
Also located in Abu Dhabi, this track offers a host of exciting races and cultural events, the perfect opportunity to capture the characteristic excitement that surrounds camel racing in the United Arab Emirates.
Al Wathba Camel Race Track
Located in Abu Dhabi, this track is another iconic venue for camel racing, offering an authentic immersion into Emirati culture and this age-old discipline.
Al Marmoom Racing Track
This track, under the aegis of the Dubai Camel Racing Club, is the largest in Dubai. It is the venue for flagship competitions during annual cultural events, and is located some 30 minutes' drive from the city, near the heritage village of Al Marmoom.
Camel racing is often described as an authentic immersion in Emirati culture. Spectators appreciate the unique atmosphere, mixing tradition and modernity with robot jockeys and trained camels. The experience is original, disorienting, and remains a lasting memory.
A common misconception is that races are held every day. They take place at specific times, often early in the morning, and depend on the season. It's also common to underestimate the distance of the site from the city: it's best to plan transportation in advance.
At Visiter Dubai, we recommend attending a race during the winter season, between November and March. Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere before the start. If you're curious, some sites also allow you to visit the paddocks and learn more about camel breeding.
The price of a racing camel varies widely. On average, a camel can sell for around 7,000 USD. That said, champion racers can fetch upwards of one or even two million USD.
In 2010, an Emirati bought three camels for the record sum of $6.5 million, including one for a record price of $2.7 million, a second for $2.4 million and a final one for $1.35 million.
Winning camels can pocket cash prizes worth millions of dirhams. Some competitions offer tens of millions of dollars in prize money.
The saddle (tarik) is placed in front of the camel's hump and secured by a strap under the animal's belly. To mount, it's best to approach the camel from the left when it's lying with its legs bent.
It's important to choose a tour operator that takes animal welfare seriously. Safety is paramount: make sure the camel is well trained and that the saddle is safe and comfortable.
For a camel trip, we recommend comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably in natural fabrics such as linen or cotton, and in bright colors to avoid attracting the sun's rays. It's best to wear clothing that maintains body temperature, with long sleeves during the day.
For footwear, opt for sports shoes, hiking boots or comfortable sneakers if you plan to walk in the sand. The Sahrawi chèche is an essential accessory for a desert look and for blocking out the sun and dust.
At Visiter Dubai, we fell in love with this private safari in the red dunes of Lahbab. It's an activity we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable desert experience. The mix of thrills (thanks to dune bashing!), moments of calm on camelback, and cultural immersion at Al Khayma camp is simply perfect. A special mention for the barbecue dinner under the stars, which brings the day to a magical close. Whether you're a couple, a group of friends or a family, this activity ticks all the boxes: comfort, a change of scenery and an impeccable welcome.
