Camel Racing at Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack

This morning the alarm went off at 5:30.  We were out the door at 6:00 to go see the Dubai Camel Racing Club racing their camels at Marmoum Camel Racetrack.  It took about 25 minutes to get there.  Great entertainment!  No charge!  Very fun!

Here is what the start of the race looked like from above the track!

The camels seemed to like to put their heads together and be real close as they waited for the net to rise and the race to begin.

And they are off!!!  This morning it was a 6 km track.  We could watch the race live on a wide screen TV.  The races took about 10 minutes.

It was a pretty morning with a cool breeze - very comfortable!  We watched about 12 races in the two hours we were there.  The track was U shapped.  The camels waiting to race were penned at one end of the U and those just finishing were penned at the other end of the U.  As soon as one race finished another started within seconds.  Very efficient!

You can see the two TV camera trucks on the left side of the picture.

They no longer use jockeys.  Each camel has a colorful pack with a mobile camera.  I assume the trainer and the owner can watch the race live from the camel.  There is also a small whip on a rubber cord.  The trainer can press a button and activate the whip as needed.  It doesn't hurt the camel - just reminds him to run faster.

What you cannot see in this picture is all of the cars that race around the track with the camels.  It is hilarious!  By the end of the race they are honking their horns to urge them on to the finish.

Here's a better view of the lineup before the race begins.  Maybe you can see the webcams and whips.

This is looking into the sun where the pre-race activities are going on.  Those waiting are in the far pen resting.  Those getting ready to race are in the long narrow pens.

This shows you the next group to race...again they seem to huddle together.  Their trainers are holding them still, sitting in a chair behind the white wall.

Here's the end of the race...you can see all the cars racing with them.  The white pole with the cameras is the finish line.

Here's the VIP seating.  We found out later that we could sit on the far right side.  I was the only female at the racetrack!

The logo for the track....

We walked down by the holding pens.  These camels are ready and waiting for their races!

These have just finished their races...

These two were maki g all kinds of weird noises.  The camel in back was biting the ear of the camel in front!

Aren't they just the cutest creatures!?!

Watching the race live from the stands.

No one minded that we crossed the track and watch them run in...

Coming right at us!

Last one in...