UAE committed to ban on child jockeys in camel racing

London: The UAE embassy in London issued a statement to clarify media reports of "underage" camel jockeys in the UAE.

The following is the text of the statement:

The UAE reiterates that it considers the use of underage children for commercial camel racing to be exploitative. The UAE banned the use of child jockeys in commercial camel racing in 2002 and is committed to enforcing that ban.

The ban was designed to put an end to the misuse of foreign-born children as jockeys specifically in commercial camel racing. This practice has now been eradicated and any violation will be prosecuted.

However, it remains lawful for Emirati children to ride camels and to take part in some traditional amateur events. British media reports this week referred to the Sweihan festival in Abu Dhabi, which includes a number of activities and events highlighting traditional culture. The festival is equivalent to a British country show and includes bi-annual camel races for different age groups.

This traditional event should not be confused with commercial camel racing, where the government has prohibited the use of children as jockeys.