OCRF launches third camel race in Haima

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF), in cooperation with Occidental Oman, organised an exciting round of the 2025–26 camel racing season on Thursday at Haima track in Al Wusta Governorate.

The Haima race formed part of the annual programme of the OCRF, organised in collaboration with the private sector, including Occidental Oman and Shell Oman, to promote camel racing in the concession areas (oil and gas fields) to strengthen the role of national companies in supporting traditional sports.

The competitions will start with six rounds for the Hagayeg category, two year old, over a distance of 3 km.

In the presence of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas (C) the agreement was signed by Shaikh Said bin Saud al Ghafli (R), OCRF Chairman, and Thamer Dawood (L), Deputy Executive President at Occidental Oman.

Two rounds will be held for the Lagaya category, three-year-old, over 4 km.

The Elythaa category, four-year-old, concluded the day’s action with two rounds over 5 km, marked by fierce competition. The main round winner received shields, while the top 10 finishers in each category were awarded monetary prizes.

The 2025–26 season has so far included several races sponsored by the private sector, reflecting strong national support for preserving Oman’s camel racing heritage.

Shell Oman sponsored the opening events in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate on October 8–9, and in Al Dhahirah Governorate on October 22–23.

The race, supported by Shell Oman, was held in Ibri on October 23.

Occidental Oman supported the races in Al Wusta Governorate on November 12–13 and will sponsor the upcoming rounds in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate on November 26–27.

Meanwhile, Shell Oman will sponsor the Al Wusta races on December 20–21, followed by the final sponsored event by Occidental Oman in Al Dhahirah Governorate on January 7–8, 2026.

The OCRF urged all camel owners wishing to participate to complete their registration electronically and adhere to the federation’s official regulations. Camels without approved electronic identification chips will not be allowed to compete, and all entries will undergo veterinary and technical inspections before the start of each race.

The race, supported by Shell Oman, was held in Ibri on October 23.

Oman Camel Racing Federation signed an agreement with Occidental Oman Incorporated on Monday, to sponsor the 2025–26 camel racing season, in the presence of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth.

The agreement was signed by Shaikh Said bin Saud al Ghafli, OCRF Chairman, and Thamer Dawood, Deputy Executive President for Social Responsibility, Communications and Public Affairs at Occidental Oman.