Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the fourth edition of the Sharjah Ruler Camel Racing Festival has officially kicked off. Organized by the Sharjah Camel Racing Club at the Al Dhaid Camel Racing Ground, this exciting event runs until Friday. The festival showcases strong competition, featuring 38 heats on its opening day, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of camel racing in the UAE.
Thrilling Competitions on Day One
On the inaugural day, the “Haqayeq” category drew remarkable attention with dynamic races spread across 38 heats. The morning session featured 28 heats, each covering a distance of 3 kilometers, while the evening saw an additional 10 heats of the same distance. Four primary heats captivated the crowd, showcasing exceptional performances from various competitors. The first main heat for female camels (Haqayeq Abkar) saw “Rihajan,” owned by Khaled Hamdan Ghanem Al Falahi, claiming the Sharjah Ruler’s Cup, along with a prize of 30,000 Dirhams. Meanwhile, the second heat for male camels (Haqayeq Jadan) was won by “Shird,” owned by Said Mohammed Ali Umir Al Rasheedi, earning the coveted Sharjah Ruler’s Gun and a prize of 25,000 Dirhams.
The third heat for local female camels awarded a cup and 20,000 Dirhams, while the fourth heat for local male camels featured a traditional dagger and a cash prize of 20,000 Dirhams, adding to the excitement of the day. With a perfect blend of heritage and modern competition, the day was filled with celebratory moments for both participants and spectators alike.
Support and Recognition
Abdullah Mohammed Ma’dan bin Huwaydan Al Kutbi, Chairman of the Sharjah Camel Racing Club and head of the organizing committee, expressed deep gratitude for the continuous support from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. He noted the significance of this festival, which is being held for the fourth consecutive year at Al Dhaid, emphasizing the commitment to preserving Emirati heritage through such events.
Al Kutbi stated, “The festival enjoys substantial participation from camel owners across the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with a total of 126 heats scheduled over five consecutive days.” This year, the excitement has reached new heights, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to witness the racing spectacle and celebrate the spirit of tradition woven into the tapestry of Emirati culture.