Photos: Emirati Sultan Al Shamsi dominates 6th National Day Camel Marathon in Dubai

During the National Day Camel Marathon, Camels race, organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), collaborated with Dubai Camel Racing Club at Dubai’s Al Marmoom racetrack.

Held in conjunction with the Arabian Camel Festival, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai,

The 11km marathon – the longest of its kind – saw 66 Emirati camel riders' participation. Above, spectators view the race.

Emirati teen Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, who is only 17 years old, became the youngest winner of the annual camel marathon. He made sure of his promise last month to become the champion after he won the won U-29 Category in the 2nd preliminary race for the camel marathon.

At race tracks, camel handlers work in closer proximity as they jostle and guide camels to and from the starting line.

A total of Dh570,000 were also distributed to winners from first place to 30th place, including Dh150,000 for Al Shamsi; DH100,000 for second place; Dh50,000 for third; Dh30,000 fourth place; Dh15,000 for fifth; and Dh10,000 each for 6th to 25th place.

Camel racing is one of the most enduring centuries-old traditional sports in the UAE.

The National Day Camel Marathon is aimed at safeguarding the UAE’s intangible cultural heritage and encouraging Emiratis to participate in traditional sports in an atmosphere that exudes a sense of national pride and community spirit.

Rashid Al Khasouni, deputy Director of the HHC Championships Department, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all participants in the sixth edition, starting with the preliminary races that were launched in November and December last year.

He noted the competition is getting stronger every year and the participants have become more empowered and competitive. “HHC’s vision is to continue this national sport of camel racing. We have done so by launching many races to prepare for this 11km marathon in past few years. We look forward to launching more preparatory camel races to keep the sport going all year”, concluded Al Khasouni.

Sultan Al Shamsi dominated the 6th National Day Camel Marathon in Dubai. Al Shamsi, who hails from Umm Al Quwain, said midway during the 11km race he had some trouble. His saddle was not set up correctly, making him uneasy and prompted him to be on his feet atop the camel most of the race time. Despite the hassle with the saddle, Al Shamsi was determined to lead the pack and won. He said: “It’s all about focus and determination. I did not let the problem with the saddle bother me. My focus was on the finish line, and it paid off. I loved riding camels since childhood, and I harnessed my skills in my hometown in Umm Al Quwain.”

Sultan Al Shamsi celebrates winning the first place with his camel “Lattam” and finished the race in 20:4852 minutes. Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, CEO of HHC, and officials from Dubai Camel Racing Club crowned Al Shamsi and the other winners

Action during the National Camel Marathon at the Al Marmoon Race Track.