interview

Camel racing

Many things have changed since the past and camel racing happens to be one of them.  The sport originated from the desert countries and the UAE is amongst the leaders of this sport. An interview with a camel trainer and owner named Mr. Salem stated that in the past camel racing was more of a leisure activity without any proper management, but now it has become a well-renowned sport in the whole world and a well-established business. The camel racing business brings people from other countries to participate with their own camels, especially people from neighbouring GCC countries. Whilst, before camel racing was between people in the same area. Plus, there are prizes for the camels to come in first, second, and third position, whereas there was no such system in the past. Mr. Salem said that camel racing was done in the desert area without any start to finish line. However, now there are tracks for each camel and multiple laps for the camels to complete. In the olden days, the camels that were racing were also used as a vehicle for people to travel. The difference now is that the camels for racing are only used for racing and they are not supposed to waste their energy anywhere else. Additionally, many people were not able to afford more than one camel, but now one person can have up to 100 camels if he wishes. Mr. Salem went on to say that in the past children and teenagers were allowed to camel race, especially from foreign countries. Although this has now changed; a ban was implemented in 2002 that prohibited minors to participate as jockeys. Therefore, a new way of camel racing has sprung up and it uses robot jockeys to manoeuvre the camels. Mr. Salem explained that the robot jockeys are basically motor engines that allow the owners of the camels to control them through a walkie-talkie like system. Nowadays, Mr. Salem mentioned that there are more Emirati men that are training. Camel racing has become part of the UAE’s cultural heritage which will remain as a good source of income for many.