Al Sawan Camel Race Track

Camelus dromedarius

Camelus dromedarius, also known as the dromedary, one-humped, or Arabian camel, is the camel species native to the Middle East. It is believed to have been domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula at around 4,000 B.C.E. The name Camelus dromedarius is derived from the Greek term dromàs kámēlos, which literally translates to “running camel.”

Bedouin tribes held camel beauty pageants and races for entertainment and as a means for resolving disputes. Today, camel races are organized under the patronage of the ruling sheikhs, and watching camel races is one of the top things to do for culture in Ras Al Khaimah. 

Camels native to the UAE, Oman, and Sudan are used in this Emirati sport. Trainers hand-select their racers from the United Arab Emirates’ Mahaliyat, Oman’s Omniyat, Sudan’s Sudaniyat, and the interbred Mahajanat camels. These camels can cover great distances at speeds of 40 kilometers per hour and run at greater speeds of around 65 kph for short sprints.

Camel trainers hold their herds in high esteem and nurture them with a special diet of dates, bran, and oats. Sometimes they give camels cow’s milk for strength and to promote muscle building. Before a race, participating camels get a full health check to ensure that they are healthy and fit to compete.

Best Time to Watch Camel Races: Early Morning

Camel racing is an extraordinary sight. The races take place on winter Friday mornings in the Digdaga and Hamraniya area of RAK. Glorious dunes and ancient ghaf trees surround the racetrack, close to the Ras Al Khaimah airport.

The races take place between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., so be there early. It’s worth arriving at the crack of dawn to experience the mesmerizing energy and excitement at Al Sawan Camel Race Track as owners, trainers, and race-goers prepare and gear up for the upcoming contests.

At stake are luxury cars, trophies, and cash prizes, all adding up to millions of dirhams in value. At any given race day, there could be anywhere from 50 to 100 camels lumbering around the track, waiting for their call to race.

Getting Ready to Race

Every day at Al Sawan Camel Race Track, you’ll find trainers trotting up and down the tracks, building their camels’ stamina for the big Friday race. The dromedaries wear saddles of colorful tribal blankets. They trod quietly through the dust-filled deserts. At this time of day, the sun hangs very low and casts elongated shadows over the dunes. 

Every camel is outfitted with a robot jockey. It has been almost two decades since the UAE prohibited human jockeys under 15 from competing in camel races. In 2002, camel trainers started using lightweight robot jockeys.

Robot jockeys have a mannequin-like face, and they sport sunglasses, traditional racing silks, and a hat. They are essentially electronic monitors, logging a camel’s heart rate and running speed. They are also equipped with a two-way radio so that camel owners and trainers can urge and encourage their camels using familiar commands.

The Racetrack

The Al Sawan Camel Race Track arena is split into three tracks. The main track, with its soft terracotta sand, is where camels run. The inner and outer tracks are reserved for the white 4WD vehicles. These drive alongside the racing camels, bearing the camel trainers or owners who are cheering and urging their camels from the sidelines through their radios.

Camel racing is fun, dusty, and a family-friendly cultural activity. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for things to do for culture in Ras Al Khaimah.

Al Sawan Camel Race Track Visitor Information

Address:

Al Sawan in the Digdaga area of Ras Al Khaimah

Operating Hours:

The racing season is from September to April.

Races are usually scheduled on Fridays from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

How to Get to Al Sawan:

Al Sawan Camel Race Track is approximately 30 minutes away from downtown Ras Al Khaimah. It’s best to travel there by taxi or private car. Make your way to Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi Rd (E18) and follow the signs towards Digdaga (i.e., Al Digdaga) and then Al Sawan (i.e., Al Sewaan). Alternatively, you can use Al Elm Road to drive to Al Sawan.

You can also join guided tours to the race track so you can enjoy other activities aside from camel racing, such as camel riding and sitting down for a traditional Emirati meal.

Frequently Asked Questions