By Olga Velikaya
Instagram: face_a_story
“I’ve been riding camels since I was 5,” said Bader eagerly. “Sometimes, it can be challenging to tame a camel, but I love participating in races.” Along with many other camel owners and jockeys, he seemed determined, enthusiastic, and jubilant. The atmosphere at the racetrack in Ibra, Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate, was not of competition but rather of unity and brotherhood. What usually appeared as a plain track in the open field was transformed into a festive celebration on the race day.
On Al Ardha day, everyone looked their best for the occasion: little girls were dressed in colourful, often matching traditional Omani dresses, men wore crisp white dishdashas and turbans, and their silver khanjars (traditional daggers) glittered in the sunshine. Even the camels were draped with vibrant decorative clothing and bright tassels. People from across the Sultanate stood along the racetrack in a spirit of community and cheer. Although the race was predominantly attended by men, there was a special place with chairs dedicated to women and children. In addition to eating snacks and watching the show, the kids sang and recited poems.
At 2:00 pm, the race was in full swing. Hundreds of viewers were so immersed in the action that they didn’t seem to mind the midday heat or the air thick with swirling dust and sand. Camel riders, mostly young and light built, demonstrated their expertise in dealing with and taming the animals. At the starting line, the camels often moaned, bellowed loudly, and tried to escape. Spectators always had to be on high alert and move aside quickly if needed. Racing at full speed, the jockeys tried to sprint side by side, join their hands, perform daring manoeuvres, and even stand on camels’ backs.
Though the majority were male, there were two female racers who received a double support and applause whenever they passed through the crowd. Everyone also happily cheered for a few father-son duos, either riding together or separately.
Suhail, a young Omani, was taking care of camels between races. “A camel can be taught to race when it is at least 3 years old,” he explained, standing next to the female camel called Samha. “Female camels are better for racing because they are fast and powerful.” The camels usually ate grass, grains, and dates, but they had a different diet during the racing season. For example, honey was added to their water for extra energy. The prices for camels ranged from RO 1,000 to RO 20,000. I was caught completely off guard when Samha gently nudged my head, asking to be petted on the neck.
Waiting for her turn, she calmly looked up through her exceptionally long, thick eyelashes. Except when they were forced to bend down, the camels seemed true to their laidback, slow demeanour. However, as soon as the riders made them kneel, they began to protest and tried to break free.
Life in Arabia could not be imagined without camels. These “ships of the desert” were used for transportation, food, celebrations, and traditional events throughout history. Typically, a camel and horse racing season in Oman started at the end of September and lasted until late March, with races taking place in Bidiya, Al Khabourah, Sohar, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and other locations.
Four years ago, Horse and Camel Ardha races were inscribed to the Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By encouraging the younger generation to learn and participate in these traditional shows, Oman continued to preserve its invaluable heritage.
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