OCRF's 2025-26 season to begin with camel race on Sept 20

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF), has announced the programme for the new camel racing season 2025-2026, which will commence on September 20 and 21 with the participation of a wide range of camel owners and trainers from across the Sultanate of Oman.

The OCRF’s Board of Directors approved a series of local events, beginning with the first race in the Wilayat of Barka (Al Fulaij track), the Wilayat of Adam (Al Bashayer) and the Wilayat of Sinaw (Al Abyad) on September 20 and 21, followed by the second race on October 4 and 5 at the same venues.

A traditional festival in the Wilayat of Thamrait will then be held from October 17 to 23, featuring competitive races alongside camel beauty (Mazayen) and milk competitions (Mahalaba).

The third race will take place from November 1 to 3 in the wilayats of Barka and Adam, while the fourth race is scheduled for November 15 to 17.

The season will also include the first main camel beauty competition (Mazayen) in the Wilayat of Barka from December 14 to 18.

The annual community festival (OCRF Final) will be held from January 10 to 15, 2026 with details to be announced later.

A traditional festival in the wilayat of Thamrait will be held from October 17 to 23.

In addition, the Ardah (traditional camel show) will follow in the Wilayat of Barka from January 18 to 22. The season will conclude with the second main (Mazayen) in the Wilayat of Al Musannah (Tawi Al Shawy track) from February 8 to 12, 2026.

As part of its partnership with the private sector, OCRF also announced sponsored races supported by Shell Oman and Occidental Oman.

Shell Oman will sponsor events in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate on October 8 and 9; and in Al Dhahirah Governorate on October 22 to 23.

Occidental Oman will support races in Al Wusta Governorate on November 12 to 13, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate on November 26 to 27; and Al Wusta Governorate again on December 20–21, with the season’s final sponsored race in Al Dhahirah Governorate on January 7–8.

OCRF urged all camel owners wishing to participate to complete prior registration through the electronic system and to adhere to the federation’s official regulations. Camels without approved electronic identification chips will not be allowed to compete, with all entries subject to veterinary and technical checks before the start of each race.

The federation also confirmed that the top 10 winners in each race will receive cash prizes, along with special in-kind awards such as cars, 'khanjars' (traditional daggers), swords and trophies in selected races, as part of efforts to encourage greater participation and preserve the prestige of the sport.

Shaikh Saeed bin Saud al Ghafili, Chairman of the Oman Camel Racing Federation, reaffirmed that camel racing remains a central part of Oman’s heritage and enjoys strong community and youth participation. He stressed that the diversity of venues and sponsorships reflects Oman’s commitment to safeguarding this tradition while promoting its economic and tourism value.