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Emirati traditions

Camel Racing

Camel racing is a popular social practice in the UAE and Oman. Camels are selected by type, origin and age, given a special diet and trained in groups. A round usually has 15 to 20 camels, and the distance depends on their age. UNESCO lists it as of 2020.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year on the UNESCO list
20201
Year on the UNESCO list
Countries on the listing
21
Countries on the listing

Camel Racing

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic سباقات الهجن
UNESCO list Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Year on the list 2020
Listed by United Arab Emirates, Oman

Source: UNESCO: Camel racing, a social practice and a festive heritage associated with camels1

Race day

Races run on purpose-built tracks under the supervision of specialised community committees. A preparation committee checks each camel's origin, and community customs and principles govern the races.1

Passing it on

Community representatives, government bodies, specialised centres and the racing federation and clubs share the work of passing on the skills. Children learn by watching and copying, and camels remain a source of poetry and song.1

Sources

  1. UNESCO: Camel racing, a social practice and a festive heritage associated with camels
  2. UNESCO: United Arab Emirates, elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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