In a First, UAE Launches Al Ain Camel Racing Festival With 605 Races, Cash Prizes & More
In a move that connects heritage with innovation, the United Arab Emirates has launched the first-ever Al Ain Camel Racing Festival, a sprawling celebration blending cultural pride with competitive spirit. Set against the backdrop of the Al Rawda Camel Racetrack, this momentous event promises 605 high-octane races, generous cash prizes, and months of festival action, cementing camel racing’s place in the UAE’s future.
The festival will run from 4 July to 9 October 2025, evolving into a cultural cornerstone that reflects the UAE’s desire to honor its past while racing toward the future. Held under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this event is more than a traditional sport—it is a nationwide celebration of heritage, unity, and perseverance.
Organized by the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre in collaboration with the Camel Racing Association, the festival elevates this historic sport to new heights. Spearheaded by the vision of Sheikh Zayed, the aim is to showcase the vibrancy of Emirati traditions in a modern setting. The event is set to become a bridge between generations, carrying forward a legacy deeply rooted in Arab culture.
The festivities are structured around three dynamic preliminary rounds, culminating in a thrilling grand finale in early October. Each of the 605 races will test the speed, stamina, and training of participating camels while igniting fierce competition among trainers, owners, and riders. With cash awards at every stage of the festival, the stakes are higher than ever and promise an impressive level of performance and commitment.
But this festival goes beyond the racetrack. At its heart, it serves to unite communities, celebrate the UAE’s rich cultural heritage, and reinforce the nation’s respect for its deep tribal roots. As excitement builds across the region, the Al Ain Camel Racing Festival is poised to become one of the UAE’s most symbolic and eagerly awaited events.
In an age of rapid change, this festival is a powerful reminder to slow down and reconnect—to honor the past even as we race into the future.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
