Traditional Camel Races Kick Off

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The traditional camel races for human riders have officially begun as part of the 10th edition of the Nasser bin Hamad Falconry and Hunting Season.

In the Al-Qa’dan category, the Al-Morooth team claimed first place, led by rugby player Faisal Salem Al-Maamari, who outpaced his teammate Mutab Mubarak Abdul Latif, also representing Al-Morooth, to take second place. The Al-Maamari team, led by rugby player Salem Amer Al-Maamari, finished in third place, followed by the Dullah Al-Naimi team, represented by rugby player Abdullah Hassan Al-Shaer.

Camel racing will continue as part of the Nasser bin Hamad Falconry and Hunting Season until next week, featuring rounds for the Cup of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

Alongside camel racing, the season also includes falconry competitions, purebred Arabian horse races, and other heritage events. More than 30 riders participated in the races, which were held for the Cup of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. The races, staged south of the Bahrain International Endurance Village, featured two categories—the Sitting and the Bakkar—over a distance of 5,000 meters.

In the Bakkar category, the Al-Maamari team dominated, claiming first place with rugby player Salem Amer Al-Maamari. His teammate, Hazaa Mohammed Al-Maamari, secured second place, while third place went to owner Mohammed Ab.

Better to Know

In many countries, robot jockeys have replaced human riders in traditional races. These lightweight, remote-controlled robots, often equipped with whips and speakers to transmit the trainer’s voice, help guide the camels while ensuring their welfare. However, Bahrain continues to preserve the unique tradition of human riders in camel races, keeping the heritage alive in a way that few other countries do!