Racing camels on a Dubai track in 2006, with the city’s towers behind. Photo: Lars Plougmann, Wikimedia Commons, “Dubai camel race”, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized).
Forty riders, twenty-eight nationalities and one very old sport. On Monday morning, expatriate residents lined up on the sand at Al Marmoom. It was the first preliminary round of the eighth National Day Camel Marathon for Expatriates. It is a neat reminder that camel racing in Dubai is not a museum piece. It is a living sport with a full winter season, and visitors are welcome to watch.
This guide covers what happened at the track and how the expatriate marathon works. It also shows how to see a race yourself this season. Finally, it explains the robot jockeys, the best time to go and what else to do nearby.
What Happened at the Al Marmoom Camel Marathon
Khaleej Times reported the results at 13:39 Dubai time on 9 November 2026. More than 40 expatriates from 28 nationalities raced at the Dubai Camel Racing Club in Al Marmoom. The event is organised by the Events Department of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre. Riders trained beforehand with specialists from the centre, so nobody turned up and simply climbed aboard.
Three races were held across men’s and women’s categories:
- Women’s open-weight race, 1,200 metres: Barbara Livastari of Poland won, ahead of Natalie Chantley of the United Kingdom and Celine Rachel of France.
- Men’s race, 1,200 metres: Fateen Faisal of India took first place, followed by Ahmed Bahaa of Egypt and Yang Li of China.
- Women’s Farda weight race, 1,500 metres: Ekaterina Kudria of Russia finished first, with Young Yu Liv of China second and Audie Dervelinger of France third.
Organisers said this edition drew more riders and more nationalities than before. Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, the centre’s chief executive, told Khaleej Times that riding a camel lets newcomers discover “something about the character of this country that words alone cannot convey”. The heritage centre also shared the results in Arabic on X at 14:12 Dubai time.
How the National Day Camel Marathon for Expatriates Works
For non-Emirati residents, the marathon is a rare chance to ride in a proper race, not a tourist trek. In earlier editions, another race followed close to UAE National Day on 2 December. A final came in early January. The National described that format in 2022, when 22 riders from 15 countries took part. Gulf News covered the same races that year, noting that riders had trained for months.
The 2026 dates for later rounds had not been published when this guide went live. Therefore, treat the December and January pattern as a guide rather than a promise. If you want to take part in a future edition, follow the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre. It runs the training and announces registration.
When Is the Camel Racing Season in Dubai?
The Dubai Camel Racing Club runs the 2026–2027 season at the Al Marmoom Smart Camel Racing Track. It lasts from 11 September 2026 to 8 May 2027. According to the club, the key moments are these:
- September to early spring: qualifying races for all five camel categories fill the first six months.
- January 2027: the Crown Prince of Dubai Festival, one of the most anticipated meetings of the season.
- 26 April to 8 May 2027: the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival, also known as the Al Marmoom Final, closes the season.
- Through the season: the club also holds auctions for Fatameen camels.
In other words, November is a good time to start. The heat has eased, the calendar is busy and the big festivals are still ahead.
How to Watch Camel Racing in Dubai
Al Marmoom sits in the desert south-east of the city, off the Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66). You will need a car or a taxi, because there is no metro or bus that drops you at the grandstand. Allow time for the drive and for finding the right gate.
Pick the right time of day
Races are held early in the morning, when it is cooler for the camels. As a result, a race morning usually means leaving home before sunrise. Meetings can change, so check the Dubai Camel Racing Club’s latest race calendar before you set off.
Know what you are watching
The UAE banned child jockeys in 2005. Since then, camels have carried small remote-controlled robot jockeys. Owners and trainers often follow the race in 4x4s beside the track. They operate the robots by remote control. It is noisy, fast and unlike any horse race you have seen.
Respect the track and the animals
- Dress modestly; long trousers or a skirt below the knee and covered shoulders are sensible.
- Ask before photographing people, especially owners and handlers.
- Keep well back from camels, which can kick and bite when stressed.
- Never walk on the track or the service road during a race.
- Bring water, a hat and sunglasses, even in winter.
Make a Morning of It at Al Marmoom
The racetrack is only one part of the area. The wider Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve includes the Al Qudra Lakes, a popular spot for birdwatching, picnics and sunset photographs. Our guide to winter camping in Dubai explains the rules if you want to stay overnight. Meanwhile, the cycling in Dubai guide covers the long Al Qudra cycle track.
For a fuller day of dunes and wildlife, see our complete guide to Dubai desert adventures. Keen on Emirati heritage? Then the Sheikh Rashid heritage trail and our history of Dubai are good next steps.
Why Camel Racing Matters in Dubai
Camels carried people and goods across this desert long before oil or skyscrapers. Racing them grew out of that bond, and it remains a source of pride for Emirati families. The expatriate marathon builds on that history by inviting newcomers onto the track, not just into the stands. Furthermore, it arrives during the build-up to Eid Al Etihad, when heritage events multiply across the city. Our feature on the UAE Flag Garden covers another way to join in.
Conclusion
Monday’s race at Al Marmoom showed that camel racing in Dubai is open to far more people than many visitors assume. Residents from 28 countries rode, families cheered and the season still has six months to run. Set an early alarm, check the race calendar and drive out to the track. Then finish the morning at Al Qudra Lakes for a quieter side of the Dubai desert.
FAQ
Can tourists watch camel racing in Dubai?
Yes. Visitors can watch races at Al Marmoom during the season. It runs from 11 September 2026 to 8 May 2027. Check the Dubai Camel Racing Club’s calendar before you go.
What time do camel races start?
Races are held in the early morning, so plan to arrive around sunrise. Exact times vary by meeting.
Who can enter the National Day Camel Marathon for Expatriates?
The race is for expatriate residents who train with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre. Follow the centre for news of registration and training.
Do camels still have human jockeys?
No. The UAE banned child jockeys in 2005, and races now use remote-controlled robot jockeys steered from vehicles beside the track.
Key Takeaways
- More than 40 expatriates from 28 nationalities raced at Al Marmoom on 9 November 2026.
- The event was the first preliminary round of the eighth National Day Camel Marathon for Expatriates.
- Dubai’s 2026–2027 camel racing season runs until 8 May 2027 at Al Marmoom.
- Go early, dress modestly and keep a safe distance from the camels.
- Pair a race morning with a visit to the Al Qudra Lakes.
