The History of Camel Racing
Camel racing on the Arabian Peninsula, the native habitat of the dromedary (one-humped camel), can be traced to at least the early Islamic period in the 7th century AD. Along with horse racing, camel racing has long been a folk sport practiced by Arabs at social gatherings and festivals. In the mid-20th century, camel racing began to be organized as a formal sport. Rules and regulations were established, and camel racing’s popularity spread to Africa, India and Australia.
In the Arab countries of the Middle East the sport became extremely popular, spawning its own training, breeding, and research industries. Camels are now specially raised for the track, using carefully controlled methods of breeding, training, and nutrition. A well-bred racing camel with an excellent track record can sell for a high price, often in the millions of dollars.
A camel is slower than a racehorse in a sprint but camels have greater endurance and can maintain a speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) for an hour.
Child Jockeys Banned - Replaced by Robots
Historically, camels were controlled by child jockeys, but allegations of human rights abuses led to worldwide bans on underage labor. In modern camel racing, camels are controlled by remote-operated robotic whips. In 2002, the United Arab Emirates was the first to ban the use of child jockeys under the age of 15, followed by Qatar in 2005.
Robot jockeys comprise a modified electric drill, a small audio speaker and a plastic sheath wrapped in cotton that becomes the robot’s whip.
At the start of a race, the camels break into a run as the gate is lifted. Simultaneously, a fleet of SUV’s takes off after them alongside the racetrack, with each camel’s owner riding in the passenger seat so that he can clearly see his animal. Using a remote-control key fob (like those used to operate a car) and a walkie-talkie, the owner can give voice commands and steer and whip the camel when appropriate.
Modern-day racing camels, with robotic jockeys, at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club in 2019. (Photo courtesy of adventurerfamily.com)
Back to 1988 - The Race Begins
March 11, 1988: And they’re off! © Mark Lowey.
In a chaotic jumble of jostling camels and jockeys, the race began. The faster animals soon distanced themselves as the pack spread out. For the next eight minutes, or so, racers galloped down the back stretch on the far side of the track as they headed for the final curve.
A pickup truck, mounted with elevated seats in the bed for judges and a camera man, kept pace with the leaders on a dirt path just inside the rail.
Confusion on The Home Stretch
Around 50 meters from the finish line and just beyond the blue entrance gate, several of the lead camels inexplicably ignored their jockeys and turned away from the finish line. They were heading for the gate. Did their homing instincts kick in at the wrong time? Did the leader stray and the others followed? Were they tired, thirsty, and determined to end the race right then?
Perhaps not for the first time, a knowledgeable racetrack attendant appeared out of nowhere and, equipped with a stout camel stick, managed to redirect the leaders in the correct direction. The stragglers were back on course, but they had wasted valuable time. Others took the opportunity to pass them up.
Rounding the final turn. © Mark Lowey.
The leaders go astray at the last minute. © Mark Lowey.
A racetrack attendant encourages the racers to get back on course. © Mark Lowey.
Read More ABout Oman Camel Racing
The Exciting Finish
Frothing at the mouth with white, foamy saliva and with their riders franticly whipping their hind quarters, the camels crossed the finish line. The appreciative crowd cheered as they passed the grandstands. The camels and jockeys had performed well, and a new winner was crowned that day.
Galloping down the home stretch. © Mark Lowey.
Racing towards the finish line. © Mark Lowey.
The Winner! © Mark Lowey.
Kuwait Racing Today
These days camel racing takes place every Saturday from October to April. The races start around 1 p.m. and continue for two or three hours. Additionally, the club stages a week-long camel racing festival in February of each year. During the week-long festival, six to eight preliminary races are run each day and the grand final takes place on the last day. In a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, camel rides are offered, and the club house provides free food to all.
The venue has been relocated approximately 20 kilometers west of Ahmadi and renamed the Kuwait Camel Racing Club.
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