Sport

The Traditional Camel Racing In Saudi Arabia: Unique Sport Activity

Camel racing is an authentic Arab sport. It is famous in the Middle East among Arabs, especially on the Arabian Peninsula, as well as in Africa and Australia. Some countries, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, the Sultanate of Oman, and Egypt, are keen to hold this race regularly and to organize large popular festivals and celebrations during its periods.

A camel race is a sport that was practiced by the Arabs during the pre-Islamic era and in Islam. It was inherited by generations throughout the ages and times. It is an ancient and valuable heritage that is valued by present generations. Many describe it as the sport of the ancestors that sparks enthusiasm and competition among the youth in the modern era.

Camels race in this sport at speeds of up to 64 km / h on designated tracks. Although camel racing and horse racing are similar, the difference is that with camel racing an automatic rugby is placed on the camel. In exchange, it is ridden by a knight who may lose a lot of weight in exchange for maintaining his fitness so that the horse can run the race. In camel racing, the robot weighs only 2 or 3 kilograms.

 

Racing Rules

 

Camel racing takes place according to specific rules and conditions that are known to the participants in the race and to those who follow it. These rules include the specifications of the race fields, the characteristics of the camels participating in the race, and the procedures for organizing the race.

 

Specifications for Camel Racing Fields

 

Race fields differ from one country to another, in terms of shape, as they may be in the form of a straight track, an oval-shaped field, or in the form of a circle. The race fields are usually equipped with a main platform for spectators, enabling them to follow the race in its various stages.

 

The field includes some technical equipment to assist in controlling, following up, and arbitrating the race. For example, there are television transmitters distributed in separate places on the platform, which help in viewing the race in its stages away from the platform. These devices receive their transmissions from imaging devices installed on special transport vehicles. These devices are equipped in a way that enables them to follow the race from the start, through its various stages, until the end.

 

There are also advanced and accurate imaging devices installed at the finish line. These devices photograph camels when they reach the finish line and identify the winning camel when more than one camel passes the finish line at the same time. Races are held over a range of distances not exceeding one cycle around an oval or circular field. It ranges between 8 and 10 km and may reach 22 km.

 

Characteristics of camels participating in the race

 

The camels that participate in the race are descendants of purebred Arab camels, known as the sons or daughters of purebred camels, whose special characteristics enable them to run. Typical characteristics include a hump, a long neck, and strong shoulders and legs. The weight of any of them ranges from 500 to 600 kg. In addition, racing camels are distinguished by their thin body, agility, agility, running speed, endurance, and response to training.

 

Camel Racing Procedures

 

Camel racing procedures include determining the type of participating camels, their age, classes, and racing periods. Camels typically run their races, and there may be some mixed runs that allow each of them to participate.

 

The age of the camels participating in each race must be equal, to achieve the principle of equal opportunity. Also related to the realization of this principle is placing camels in homogeneous categories in terms of level, i.e., notability. Placing notability achieves this. This is done by putting those with high ability in one category with those whose ability is not known. In some open runs, however, everyone is invited to take part, participate in competitions, and gain some experience.

 

Males are generally called from birth until the age of five years. If it exceeds five years, it is Zamoul. Females from birth until the age of five years are called virgins. If it exceeds five years, it is a squint. The race was named after the camels participating in it. Females and males over the age of 5 years participate in the Al-Thanaya or Al-Qa’dan race, while the Zumul – i.e., males over five years old – participate in the Al-Zumul runs, and so on for the rest of the runs.

 

Camel Training

 

Camel training takes place in four stages. The first three stages aim at taming camels and teaching them to obey orders. These stages are carried out by the person who tames the camels. The fourth stage aims to train camels to run fast and is carried out by Al-Mati, who is the person who trains camels to run fast. Below is a description of these stages.

 

Camel Rider

 

A camel rider drives a camel during a race. Rugby is often a young boy between the ages of 12 and 15, with a lighter weight, so as not to be heavy on the camel during the race. An Australian rugby player must be trained to ride camels in races. He must also have experience with camels, and be able to follow their instructions toward cows.

 

Camel Names in the Race

 

 

It is customary for the camels participating in the race to be called names; to get to know them better. Among these names: Al-Tayyara, Al-Barqiyyah, Al-Badalah, Al-Shaybah, Zabya, Al-Khawar, Al-Misk, Bint Dhabyan, Mallouh, Al-Khamri, Al-Ghazil, Cruz, Bint Soghan, Bint Musaihan, Bint Al-Wari.

 

Camel Racing in Islam

 

During the early days of Islam and the pre-Islamic era, camels competed, which Muslims found desirable. Due to the exercise in horsemanship and courage, the Muslim Companions used to race on camels often. Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Anas, may God be pleased with him, that he said: (The Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, had a she-camel called Al-Adaba, that was not preceded or could hardly be preceded.

 

Saudi Camel Federation

 

The Saudi Camel Federation is the sponsor of camel racing in Saudi Arabia and is supervised by the Ministry of Sports.

It was established in 2018 to preserve the sport of camel racing as it is part of the popular heritage of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it must be developed, and a suitable environment must be provided for its practice.

The federation aims, through its formation, to preserve the heritage and develop the Saudi economy by upgrading the sport of camel racing to international standards commensurate with the realization of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, in addition to full responsibility for the governance and management of camel racing, providing services to fields and owners, and providing the ideal environment for practicing this sport.

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