Camel racing in Oman

Camels are known for their resilience, but some have a hidden talent – speed. We looks into the exciting world of camel racing

Capable of enduring the most extreme conditions, camels have been integral to residents of the Gulf for centuries. Believed to have been domesticated around 3,000 BC, camels have been used for everything from milk and meat to working animals and a means of transportation over the years.

Many may think them of as lumbering creatures or “Ships of the Desert”, but camels have more than a few tricks up their sleeve. Given the right conditions, the one-humped dromedary camel that you find in Oman can actually reach speeds of up to 64kph in short bursts on specialised tracks.

And camel racing is big business in Oman, as you can see from some of these impressive pictures.

Overseen by the Oman Camel Racing Federation, the famous Arab sport has a solid fan base, with races providing an opportunity for a fantastic spectacle for tourists and locals alike.

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