Experience Dubai's Middle Eastern Cultural Event: What Camel Racing Is Like!

Sometimes, people forget that Dubai is a city built in the desert. However, behind the glamorous skyscrapers, you will feel everywhere that the UAE is a true desert country, deeply connected to the ancient Bedouin culture. And where there is desert, there are camels. From weekly camel races to camel milk chocolate, visitors have many ways to encounter the 'ships of the desert.'

Camel racing is a traditional sport beloved by locals and tourists alike. This sport has undergone changes, ensuring modernity while preserving its traditional essence. In 2002, races switched to using robot jockeys, with handlers following in SUVs and honking loudly to spur the camels to go faster. Prize money now reaches tens of thousands of dirhams; winners of major races can also receive luxury cars and other special prizes.

Currently, the world's largest camel breeding base, Camelicious, is located on the outskirts of Dubai. It covers 15 square kilometers and houses 9,000 camels. A variety of camel milk products are produced here, such as the so-called 'national milk of Dubai' in a purple box, as well as camel milk soap, shampoo, body wash, skincare products, chocolate, protein bars, ice cream, and more. The Dubai Royal Camel Racing Club is located here. The main venue has two floors: the first floor houses offices and a dairy product area, while the second floor offers an elegant viewing area with a wide view of the races. Within the complex, there is not only a milk production factory, a camel racing club, and camel hair processing, but also activities like interacting with camels and experiencing farm life.

The Dubai Royal Camel Racing Club is currently the only camel racing venue in the UAE open to tourists. It has streamlined the traditional competition format, simplifying the rules to present camel racing culture in a more accessible way. Traditional races differentiate between various categories, numbers of camels, and entry standards, which often lead to longer race durations, overly long tracks, too many events, and high weather requirements. However, the Dubai Royal Camel Racing Club can operate all day and in multiple time slots. The viewing platform is fully air-conditioned, and the entire race is recorded and live-streamed for an intuitive and immersive experience.

This emerging new Dubai tourist attraction is perfect for a family outing. Let loose and watch these adorable racing camels sprint with astonishing speed!