Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, represented by the Oman Camel Racing Federation (OCRF), has announced the events for the 22nd edition of the annual camel races for the 2024-2025 season, which will commence on October 4, with the participation of a large number of Omani camel owners and trainers from various governorates across the Sultanate of Oman.
The OCRF’s Board of Directors has approved 23 local events: 13 general races, 3 races sponsored by Shell Oman, 3 races sponsored by Occidental Oman, and 4 events featuring camel beauty contests, milk competitions and Ardah (traditional races).
The 13 general races include six that will be held on October 4 and 18, November 8 and 22, and December 6 and 20 at Al Fulaij field in the Wilayat of Barka, Al Batinah South Governorate. Concurrently, six races will take place at Al Bashayer race track in the Wilayat of Adam, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The final festival will be held in the Wilayat of Suhar, Al Batinah North Governorate, from January 26 to 30.
The geographical diversity of these races provides camel owners and trainers with the opportunity to participate in one of these events, thereby avoiding overcrowding on the race tracks. Additionally, holding such events in different governorates supports the economic and tourism sectors.
The first camel beauty contest will be held in Barka from October 9 to 13, and the second will take place in Al Musannah from February 23 to 27. The Ardah competitions (traditional races) will be held in Barka from December 22 to 26. The Thumrait event, which includes camel races for all categories, as well as camel beauty and milk competitions, will run from November 11 to 17.
The first Shell Oman race will take place on October 26 in Al Wusta Governorate, the second on November 2 in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and the third on December 14 in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
The first Occidental Oman race will be held on January 11 in Al Wusta Governorate, the second on January 18 in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, and the third on February 8 in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
INCREASING DEMAND
Shaikh Saeed bin Saud al Ghafili, Chairman of the Oman Camel Racing Federation, said: “Camel racing represents an Omani heritage that is passed down from generation to generation and enjoys great interest and support from all segments of society. Camel owners and trainers compete to participate and win various prizes, in addition to the economic benefits derived from buying and selling camels in Oman and globally.”
“There are other segments of society that benefit through field follow-up and meetings with camel owners and trainers. We have seen increasing demand annually for Oman’s traditional sport, especially among the youth, who have received financial and moral support from the relevant authorities to preserve the best Omani breeds for competition in Oman and the GCC countries,” he added.
Al Ghafili pointed out that “the federation has a partnership with the community and the private sector, with six races being supported by Occidental Oman and Shell Oman, which will be organised in the governorates of Al Wusta, Al Dakhiliyah and Al Dhahirah.”
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