Camel racing is a traditional sport practiced for centuries in the deserts of Arabia, North Africa, and Central Asia. The history of camel racing can be traced back to Bedouin tribes, who have been breeding and racing camels for thousands of years. Camels were used for transportation, as well as for racing and betting.

Camel racing first originated in the 7th century on the Arabian Peninsula. At the time, it was just an informal part of cultural events and ceremonies like weddings and birthdays.

In the past, camel racing was a simple and informal event, often organized by Bedouin tribes to settle disputes or entertain themselves. However, with the modernization of the Gulf states, camel racing has evolved into a more organized and professional sport.

As major cities began to arise in Gulf Countries in the late 20th century, camel races became fewer and far between. Noting the loss of this heritage sport, the Gulf countries' rulers made a conscious effort to revive the camel races.

Camel Racing History In Saudi Arabia

The first official camel race was organized in Saudi Arabia in 1964 as part of the Heritage Festival.

The early decades of the oil revolution in the 1960s and 1970s in the Middle East saw an increased marginalization of camels and Bedouin herders.

Saudi Arabia's King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, afraid that the camel is slowly being erased from the Arab heritage, allowed the festival to include a camel race

This 12-mile-long race (19 km) proved to be a massive success and became a regular part of the Heritage Festival.

10 years later, in 1975, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia inaugurated such races, and camel racing became an entirely professional sport, paving the road for its development in other countries.

Fast forward until today, and huge races and camel festivals are being organized in Saudi Arabia, some with multi-million prizes.

Saudi Arabia organizes five camel races annually.

Camel Racing History In UAE

During the 1980s, United Arab Emirates became the leading country to organize camel racing competitions. At the time, a local camel committee was formed to manage and coordinate the races. The first races were organized at the Nad Al Shiba racetrack in Dubai.

Dubai's famous Nad al-Sheba camel racetrack was built for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum in 1986 and was considered the most famous and beautiful camel track in the world before it was demolished in 2009.

In the 1990s, camel racing was getting more and more popular and gaining bigger financial support, encouragement, and involvement from the UAE's ruling families.

This led to the first Camel Racing Association (CRA) in 1992. Its goal was to institutionalize, formalize, and develop regulations on camel racing.

In UAE, seven camel races are organized annually, and there are over 15 camel racing tracks.

Camel Racing History In Qatar

The first camel racing competition in Qatar was in 1973, where 300 camels participated. The race was organized near today's Al-Shahaniya area.

The first racetrack that was used in 1974 was Al Rayyan Square.

In 1990 the Al-Shahaniya camel racetrack was built in Ash Shahaniyah.

The camel racing competitions take place from October to February, with the main competitions in March and April where the winners get the prestigious Golden Sword of the Father Emir at the end of the camel racing festival.

Qatar organizes around 12 camel races per year.

Out of other Arab countries, Oman organizes nine races yearly, Bahrain five races, and Kuwait around seven races.