Al Ain Camel Racing Festival Returns with Grand Finals in October

The prestigious 2nd Al Ain Camel Racing Festival concludes with 150 races across six categories at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack, featuring substantial prize purses and celebrating Emirati heritage.

The final competitions of the 2nd Al Ain Camel Racing Festival, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, will commence on 3rd October and continue through 8th October 2026 at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack. The festival is organised by the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre under the supervision of the Camel Racing Association.

The programme encompasses an impressive 150 races spanning the principal camel racing classifications. Heritage races will open proceedings, followed by progressive competition through Haqayeq, Laqaya, Itha’a and Thanaya categories, culminating in Houl and Zomool competitions. The festival will also feature 10 Romooz races, with two races allocated to each primary category on the final day.

Comprehensive Competition Structure

The breakdown includes 10 heritage races, 42 Haqayeq races, 32 Laqaya races, and 22 races each for Itha’a, Thanaya, Houl and Zomool categories. The organising committee has established a meticulous schedule for camel inspection and age verification, commencing at 6 am to 7 am at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack for Romooz race participants. Category-specific inspections follow, with Haqayeq procedures on 2nd October, Laqaya on 3rd October, Itha’a on 4th October, Thanaya on 5th October, and Houl and Zomool on 6th October.

Substantial Prizes and Honours

The festival recognises excellence through substantial awards reflecting the prestige of camel racing. Winners of Bakkar Romooz races receive a cup and AED500,000, whilst Jeadan Romooz race victors are awarded a rifle and AED400,000. On the closing day, the Houl Open race champion receives a sword and AED1 million, and the Zomool Open race winner receives a rifle and AED800,000.

The Al Ain Camel Racing Festival continues its mission to champion camel racing as an authentic expression of Emirati cultural identity. Through this celebration, the festival reinforces the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in elevating camel racing and strengthening its place amongst younger generations. The event exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to preserving traditional heritage whilst securing its relevance within the nation’s contemporary cultural landscape.

Source: WAM