Camel racing helps preserve UAE’s rich sporting heritage

Dubai: The 37th edition of the Al Marmoum Heritage Festival Grand Finale 2018 has been hailed a big success, after attracting the largest number of Arabian racing camels from around the UAE and across the GCC.

Over 14,000 regally bred racing camels were seen in action over 12 days of intense competition that featured 381 races.

Margham District’s warriors continued their dominance of the sport by capturing the biggest prizes on offer including the Dh2 million top prize for she-camel, Boroug’s victory on the final day in the open category. The winner was trained by formidable camel trainer Mohammad Sultan Mattar Bin Markhan al Katabi.

The day’s second Dh2 million prize was snatched by Al Ain’s she-camel, Meyasa, who represented Salih Mohammad Nasrah Al Amiri.

Ali Saeed Bin Saroud, general manager and chief executive of DCRC, chairman of the Organising Committee said: “The festival was organised to maintain national heritage in all its forms, as we see cultural sports and traditional activities as a means of reviving the customs and practices of our ancestors.

“Since the launch of its first edition, the Al Marmoum Heritage Festival has enjoyed an unparalleled success. It has managed to obtain a high status among heritage festivals in the region and the world.”