Camel racing season to open with 42 races

Waleed al Jahwari

Muscat: The highly anticipated 2025-2026 camel racing season will officially get underway on Saturday, with the first races hosted across three major tracks: Al Felaij in the Wilayat of Barka, Al Bashayer in the Wilayat of Adam and Al Abyad in the Wilayat of Sinaw.

The opening day of the season, September 20, will feature 42 races staged simultaneously across the three venues — Al Felaij, Al Bashayer and Al Abyad — following an identical schedule and timing. The programme begins with 14 morning heats for the ‘Hagayeg’ category (two-year-old camels) over a distance of 2 km at each track, followed by nine races for the ‘Lagaya’ category (three-year-old camels) over 3 km. In addition, the Al Felaij track will host three races for human riders over a 2 km distance, with special prizes including a car for the winner and cash awards for the top 10.

The second day, Sunday, will also follow a unified schedule across all three venues, featuring 28 races for the ‘Elythaa’ (four-year-old) category over 4 km, with four heats at each track in the morning session. Afternoon competitions will highlight the ‘Thanaya’ (five-year-old) category with five races over 5 km, as well as three races for the ‘Al Hawl’ and ‘Al Zamoul’ categories (six years and above).

Organised by the Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF), the new season will include a variety of competitions such as the annual community festival, the prestigious Mazayen (camel beauty) contests, Mahalaba (milk competitions) and the Ardaha (traditional camel show), highlighting Omani heritage. Six additional races are planned in partnership with Shell Oman and Occidental Oman across Al Wusta, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah governorates, as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting community sports.

(L) Shaikh Said bin Saud al Ghafili, Chairman of OCRF.

Shaikh Said bin Saud al Ghafili, Chairman of OCRF, expressed pride in the continued growth of camel racing nationwide, noting that the season introduces a renewed focus on locally bred camels, known as 'Al Telad'. “We have created dedicated categories for Al Telad camels to encourage owners to showcase the finest Omani bloodlines. This is part of our strategy to promote sustainable breeding and to motivate the younger generation to preserve this proud heritage”, he said.

The OCRF emphasised the importance of electronic registration for all participants, confirming that camels without an approved electronic identification chip will not be allowed to compete. The federation’s technical teams are continuing pre-season visits to install chips and verify data to ensure a smooth start.

Prizes this year include cash awards for the top 10 finishers in each race, along with cars, khanjars (traditional daggers), swords and trophies in select events, all aimed at motivating camel owners and trainers to participate on a wider scale.

Camel racing remains one of Oman’s most popular traditional sports, drawing large crowds and contributing to the local economy through trade in livestock, fodder, veterinary services and other support industries. The OCRF expects record participation levels this season, particularly from young owners eager to compete and showcase the best of their family-bred camels.