Al Ain:The final competitions of the 2nd Al Ain Camel Racing Festival, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, are scheduled to take place from October 3 to 8, 2026, at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack in the Al Ain Region.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival is organized by the Presidential Camels and Camel Racing Affairs Centre and is supervised by the Camel Racing Association. The competitions will commence with heritage races and will include various categories such as Haqayeq, Laqaya, Itha'a, Thanaya, Houl, and Zomool.
The final competitions are set to feature 150 races, including 10 heritage races, 42 Haqayeq races, 32 Laqaya races, and 22 races each in the Itha'a, Thanaya, Houl, and Zomool categories. Additionally, 10 Romooz races will take place, with two races allocated to each category, specifically for Bakkar and Jeadan.
Inspection and age verification procedures for the Romooz races are scheduled to occur at Al Rawda Camel Racetrack from 6 am to 7 am. The procedures for Haqayeq will take place on October 2, followed by Laqaya on October 3, Itha'a on October 4, Thanaya on October 5, and Houl and Zomool on October 6.
The organizing committee has designated cash and in-kind prizes for winners. Bakkar Romooz race winners will receive a cup and AED500,000, while Jeadan Romooz race winners will receive a rifle and AED400,000. On the final day, the Houl Open race winner will be awarded a sword and AED1 million, and the Zomool Open race winner will receive a rifle and AED800,000.
The Al Ain Camel Racing Festival aims to support camel racing, preserve Emirati heritage, and engage younger generations, continuing the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in promoting camel racing as a vital part of the UAE's cultural heritage.