AL SHAHANIYA CAMEL RACETRACK

Dromedaries have been of great importance in the life of the Bedouin, as a means of transportation, for their meat and milk, but also as a source of recreation. Al Shahaniyah is the town where you will see camel and oryx farms. The best time to visit is 6am as the breeders lead the camels in training. From October to March there are camel races, especially from 3pm, not to be missed! The entrance is free, and you just have to find a cab or Uber to get there. You can watch the preparation and rest of the camels before the start, the impressive start of the numbered camels, then after their 8 km loop you can go to the finish, climb the tower where the videographer is filming the race to have a general view and avoid the dozens of 4x4 camel owners who follow their champions from the back alleys of the race track. Everyone honks their horns for joy to encourage them on the final sprint, especially the happy owners of the winners! The atmosphere is truly authentic, 100% male, but women are very welcome and can enter all the camel race pens and venues. Please note that after the end of March there are no more races until the following October. This schedule is explained by the high temperatures that make these races difficult, especially for camels that are not made to run but to walk slowly.