MUSCAT, FEB 15: The UAE’s Hamloula, Hadbah, Al Anood and Al Faydah emerged victorious on the final day of the eighth edition of the Al Bashayer Festival for Purebred Arabian Camel Racing 2025, held on Saturday afternoon.
The closing ceremony at Al Bashayer Arabian Camel Racecourse in the Wilayat of Adam was presided over by His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan.
As one of the most prestigious sporting events in the Sultanate of Oman, the festival attracts a significant number of camel owners and trainers from across the GCC. The event, supported by HH Sayyid Asaad, aims to promote equestrian sports in Oman while preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
“The festival reinforces Oman’s deep-rooted traditions in line with Royal directives. It fosters an integrated sports environment that encourages younger generations to embrace our authentic customs,” HH Sayyid Asaad stated.
The six-day festival saw the participation of over 5,320 camels from across the GCC, competing in 84 races for prestigious prizes, including 20 cars, three daggers, three guns, seven cups, and the coveted golden and silver swords.
February 10: ‘Hagayeg’ (2 years old, 4 km) — 19 morning races with cash prizes for the top 10; 8 afternoon races featuring cars, a cup and a gun for winners.
February 11: ‘Lagaya’ (3 years old, 5 km) — 15 morning races with cash prizes; 7 afternoon races with five cars, two cups and a gun for winners.
February 12: ‘Yathaa’ (4 years old, 6 km) — 11 morning races with cash prizes; 4 afternoon races with four cars, two cups and a gun for winners.
February 13: ‘Thanaya’ (5 years old, 8 km) and ‘Al Hawl’ (6 years and above) — four races in each category with daggers awarded in the main rounds. Afternoon competitions featured human riders, including a 1,500m sprint and a 12 km main race with an SUV car for the winner.
February 14: Cultural events and exhibitions, including a Bedouin village, a marketing corner and an Entrepreneurs Exhibition with participation from women’s associations.
February 15: The grand finale featured four main races (8 km each) for the older category. Two races awarded SUVs and cups, while the winners of the final two races took home the golden sword and silver sword, each along with an SUV.
Final Day Results
Round Winning Camel Owner Timing Prize
1 Hamloula Hijen Al Riasa (UAE) 12:35.94 Al Bashayer Cup
2 Hadbah Mani bin Ali Al Shamsi (UAE) 12:34.12 Al Bashayer Cup
3 Al Anood Ali bin Khalifa Al Rumaithi (UAE) 12:45.56 Silver Sword
4 Al Faydah Hijen Al Riasa (UAE) 12:23.84 Golden Sword
The Al Bashayer Festival continues to stand as a beacon of tradition and sporting excellence, celebrating Oman’s deep connection to camel racing while strengthening regional ties in the equestrian world.
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