Al Ain Camel Racing Festival Returns for Spectacular Final Rounds
The 2nd Al Ain Camel Racing Festival will conclude with 150 races across multiple categories at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack, featuring substantial prize purses and celebrating the UAE's rich equestrian heritage.
The final competitions of the 2nd Al Ain Camel Racing Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, will take place from 3–8 October 2026 at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack. Organised by the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre under the supervision of the Camel Racing Association, the festival represents a significant celebration of Emirati sporting tradition and cultural heritage.
Comprehensive Racing Programme
The festival’s final competitions will encompass 150 races distributed across the various camel racing categories. The programme commences with 10 heritage races before progressing through the principal categories: Haqayeq (42 races), Laqaya (32 races), and 22 races each for Itha’a, Thanaya, Houl and Zomool. An additional 10 Romooz races—designated for Bakkar and Jeadan competitions—will run alongside the Houl and Zomool events on the concluding day.
Schedule and Verification Procedures
The organising committee has established a comprehensive schedule for camel inspection and age verification, with procedures commencing on 2 October for Haqayeq entries. Subsequent verification dates have been allocated for each category: Laqaya on 3 October, Itha’a on 4 October, Thanaya on 5 October, and Houl and Zomool on 6 October. Final inspections for Romooz race participants will occur on the morning of 3 October, from 6am to 7am.
Substantial Prize Distribution
The festival features generous prize allocations reflecting the event’s significance within the UAE’s sporting calendar. Winners of Bakkar Romooz races will receive a cup and AED500,000, whilst Jeadan Romooz victors will claim a rifle and AED400,000. On the festival’s final day, the winner of the Houl Open race will receive a sword and AED1 million, with the Zomool Open champion claiming a rifle and AED800,000.
Cultural Preservation and Legacy
The Al Ain Camel Racing Festival continues to fulfil a vital role in supporting camel racing as a competitive discipline whilst preserving authentic Emirati heritage and strengthening its presence amongst younger generations. The festival builds upon the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in championing camel racing and reinforcing its status as an integral element of the UAE’s national identity and cultural heritage.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office