We were not able to attend a camel race in Dubai since the season was finished. Fortunately, we found the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center – the first licensed camel riding school and home of the first women’s camel racing team in the United Arab Emirates.
Because of the heat later in the day, we had to arrive by 6:30AM. We were able to capture some sun and moon photos on the way.
Photo by Nolan.We then started passing caravans of racing camels with their human (and camel trainers) heading out for their first of twice-a-day training sessions.Our first glimpse of robot jockeys. The place was deserted when we arrived so we wandered around and found this comfy waiting area.Unfortunately, there were only 3 spots available so only the kids were able to ride. Unlike other camel riding places catering to tourists, they don’t put two riders on one camel as it’s too heavy for them.There are two kinds of camels: the Bactrian (two humps) and the dromedary camel (single hump, aka the Arabian camel). The majority of camels in the world are dromedary camels and they are all domesticated.Fat is stored in their humps to help them survive in the desert. Camels can survive without water for over a week.Funny face aside, they also have double rows of super long eyelashes that filter the sand from their eyes.And they can close their nostrils to keep out the sand. They have adapted well to living in the desert!This one is fit for camel beauty competitions – another serious business here as first prize can be upwards of $30 million. Some characteristics they are judged on are long droopy lips, a big nose, upward curling eyelashes, and posture. These long-legged animals can sustain speeds of 40 km/hr and can sprint up to 65 km/hr. A race is typically 10km.A combination of a frame, straps and rolled blankets are tied around the hump to level it, and voilà, the camel is saddled and ready for its rider.The kids checking out the saddling action and discussing the amount of camel droppings they’re potentially walking on (you ride barefoot).The guide said “you mount the camel on the left, hold on, arms straight and lean back because the bottom goes up first and you don’t want to fall off the front. When the camel is up, you can relax.”And off they go! There was another rider in the group – she’s from Australia and has been living in Dubai for over 10 years. She rides every week.They rode to the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track, which is where the racing teams train daily, and where races are held during race season (October to April). The guide explained that owners/trainers drive beside their caravans, evaluating their camels to determine if changes are required to their special diets, how they are running, and how well they will race. Camel racing is very serious business here!Camels retire around the age of 10, and become trainers of the young camels. Young camels are not allowed to race until after 2 years of age.Lara is riding Forest, Felix is riding Driver, and Nolan is riding Shamu. Here’s a closer look at the robot jockeys. The robots replaced child jockeys (for safety reasons and to reduce child exploitation). The robots are about 2-3 kg in weight, and are made of aluminum. They have walkie-talkies attached so owners can send commands to the camels; and they also have a remote-controlled whip. The whip is attached to a modified power drill.
This is very very neat!
Must have been an unusual experience. Good thing they are domesticated, and no one fell off!