Camel diet, training... a tradition well preserved

MUSCAT: The Sultanate has been making pain-staking efforts to preserve many of its customs and traditions. Among these are the “camel jockeys” who participate in races and competitions, and the diet and training programme for camels.

After a long racing season, the owners determine when camels need be rested and decide on their diet and training. The time of rest for camels is also called the “period of vigilance”, during which the owners take all measures, including ensuring that the ground under them is soft and clean, so that camels get ample rest.

Obeid bin Saeed al Junaibi, a camel owner, said he prefers to keep his camels at home so that they are under observation of the person in charge. The period of vigilance helps camels prepare for the upcoming racing season. Al Junaibi said a meticulous training programme is devised for camels depending upon the type of competition they are participating in.