The “Reemas for the Presidency Camels Wins the UAE Sword at the Al Marmoom Finale” event recently showcased the rich heritage of camel racing in the UAE, marking another significant milestone for the sport. This year, the festival witnessed fierce competition, remarkable performances, and the celebration of legacy as various participants vied for prestigious titles. Under the glowing lights of the Al Marmoom racetrack, the atmosphere was electric, reflecting the passion and dedication of all involved in this cherished tradition.
Celebrating Heritage and Achievement
On the final day of the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chairman of the Camel Racing Federation, alongside Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Camel Racing Club, awarded the winners amidst a crowd of enthusiastic spectators. The event drew attention not just within the region but also attracted international guests, all eager to witness the thrilling conclusion of the festival.
In an impressive display of speed and skill, the camel “Reemas” from the President’s Camel Racing stable, under the guidance of trainer Sultan Mohammed Al Weheibi, clinched the coveted “UAE Sword” for open female camels, clocking a remarkable time of 11:57:0 minutes. This achievement marks the fourth consecutive year in which “Reemas” has upheld the dominance of the red emblem.
Competition Highlights Across Categories
The open male competition saw “Al Rayyan” from the Sheikhaniyah stable triumph, under trainer Farhan Mohammed Hamad Qari Al Marri, securing the golden rifle after completing the 8-kilometer course in 12:02:4 minutes. In addition, “Ab’ad,” also from the Sheikhaniyah stable and trained by Jaber Salem Farhan Al Marri, earned the dagger for local female camels, finishing in 12:02:7 minutes.
The evening commenced with “Al Dheeb,” presenting “Shaddad” for the local males, recording a time of 12:21:7 minutes and setting the tone for the remarkable athletic displays that followed. With the presentation of trophies and prizes, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan proudly accepted the “UAE Sword,” acknowledging the exceptional achievement of “Reemas” and trainer Sultan Mohammed Al Weheibi.
A Global Gathering of Enthusiasts
The event also highlighted the significant presence of international tourists, witnessing a fusion of cultures at the Al Marmoom racecourse. On the evening of April 2, numerous visitors arrived via the open-top “BIGBUS” tour service, eager to immerse themselves in the traditions of camel racing.
As the races got underway, onlookers from various nationalities filled the main platform, capturing the thrilling moments of the “UAE Sword” with their cameras. Their presence underscored the transforming status of the Al Marmoom finale as an internationally recognized heritage and tourist destination, characterized by a celebratory atmosphere that drew admirers of this iconic sport.
Significant Commercial Success at the Auction
As the final events of the festival wrapped up, the thirteenth edition of the Al Marmoom auction saw a noteworthy closing, with the last evening showcasing 70 top-quality camels. The standout sale of the evening featured a female camel sired by “Al Faris – Al Aasifa,” which was sold to Mohammed Al Mehairi for 600,000 dirhams, illustrating the dominance of the “Al Aasifa” lineage.
Another highlight included a female camel from the bloodline of “Al Muhandis – Ba’ir Hamad Rashid bin Ghadir,” purchased by Mohammed Hamad Saeed Al Hashimi for 280,000 dirhams. This final night of sales symbolized the remarkable local breeding quality and the confidence that trainers place in these esteemed bloodlines, enhancing the legacy of the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival.
Building Strong Partnerships for Future Events
Abdullah Ahmed Farraj, Director of Media, Marketing, and Events at the Dubai Camel Racing Club, praised the long-standing partnership with Al Tayer Motors, highlighting it as a model of support for national initiatives and heritage events. He stated, “We take pride in our historical relationship with Al Tayer Motors, which has transcended traditional sponsorship to symbolize our commitment to preserving Emirati heritage on a global scale.”
He expressed gratitude for the unwavering vision of Sheikh Hamid Al Tayer, acknowledging the significant impact this collaboration has had on the success of the “Al Marmoom Finale 2026.” With heartfelt thanks to all teams involved, he concluded with a promise of continued excellence in future camel racing seasons at Al Marmoom, a true haven for tradition and camel racing enthusiasts.