MUSCAT, NOV 3
Under the auspices of Basil bin Ahmed al Rawas, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Sports and Youth, Oxy Oman and the Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF) signed a partnership agreement, renewing their collaboration for the 13th consecutive year.
The agreement will support camel racing events across Al Wusta, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah governorates.
It was signed by Thamer bin Mohammed bin Dawood, Vice-President of Social Responsibility, Communications and Public Affairs at Occidental Oman (Oxy Oman), and Shaikh Saeed bin Saud al Ghufaili, OCRF Chairman.
The signing ceremony took place at IntercityHotel Al Khuwair in the presence of federation officials and Oxy Oman representatives.
The partnership aims to promote traditional camel racing and strengthen its presence in communities within the company's concession areas.
Basil al Rawas said the renewed agreement represented a successful partnership between the public and private sectors and sports federations, highlighting camel racing's cultural, social and economic significance in Omani society.
Nasser bin Issa al Maskari, Social Responsibility Manager at Oxy Oman, said the company's continued sponsorship reflected its commitment to preserving Oman's cultural heritage and supporting initiatives that contribute to sustainable social and economic development.
He added that the partnership had supported 42 races across several wilayats over the past 12 years, including Haima, Adam and Ibri.
OCRF Chairman Shaikh Saeed al Ghufaili said the 13th consecutive agreement would continue supporting camel racing events during the 2026-27 season.
He added that the partnership had expanded opportunities for camel owners and participants while generating economic activity through demand for animal feed, veterinary care, transportation and other related services.
ANNUAL CALENDAR
The federation also announced its calendar for the 2026-27 camel racing season, featuring traditional races, festivals, beauty competitions and presentation events across several governorates.
The season began on September 29 with races at Al Felaij in Barka and Al Bashayer in Adam and will continue until February 4, 2027, with sponsored events extending into March.
The programme includes five race meetings in Barka and Adam, the Thamrait competitive race from November 13 to 19, and the federation's annual festival from January 3 to 7. Camel presentation and beauty competitions will also be held in Barka and Al Musannah during January and February.
Sponsored races supported by Oxy Oman and Oman Shell will take place across Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah and Al Wusta governorates, with the programme concluding in Al Wusta in March 2027.
Camel racing competitions feature several age categories: Hagayeg (two-year-olds), Lagaya (three-year-olds), Elythaa (four-year-olds), Thanaya (five-year-olds) and Al Hawl (six years and above).
The annual programme underlines Oman's commitment to preserving camel racing as an important part of its national heritage while supporting camel owners, trainers and communities associated with the sport.
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