Province
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Camel Racing
Few things in Arabian culture are as exciting as the camel races which seem to be a mad dash by competitors and spectators alike to the finishing line in a cacophony of cheering, engines, camel calls and dust |
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Camel Racing has a long tradition among the Bedouin who organize races with thousands of camels across vast tracts of desert. Adding to the roar of excitement are the tens of thousands of spectators who race alongside in their four-wheel drives.
A winning camel can be worth hundreds of thousands of riyals to its owner in prize money, as well as gaining the prestige of riding and training the winner. Before a race, camels are gathered together in huge pens where they are sorted into different categories; male, female, and age being some of the criteria. Owners and trainers exercise their camels every day for weeks before a race to ensure they are in good condition.
Racing camels are fed a rich diet to build up their muscle - but for a few days before each race they are given little food as it is felt they perform better on an empty stomach.
The annual King's Camel Race, which started in 1393H (1974) has become one of the world's largest, attracting more than 2,000 camels and their riders to compete - and 20,000 - 30,000 spectators. It is considered by many to be the highlight of the National Heritage and Culture Festival at Janadriyah held every February. Competition between the camel owners is intense and at large meetings camels from other Gulf countries will be brought by road, or even air, to challenge each other. Huge prizes of cars or money are made to the winning owners.
In Riyadh, Camel Races also take place every Thursday from 4pm onwards. The race track can be found along the extension of Al-Uroubah Street, in the Thumamah district.
In winter, additional races are held at the King Fahd International Stadium on Friday afternoon. Camel races are a test of endurance. The track is oval shaped and races are usually between 10 to 14km. Camels race for prize money, but no betting is allowed at the track as this is prohibited in Islam.
The Camel Market (Souq al-Jamal) located next to the Janadriyah Site is one of the largest camel markets in the Middle East. It's held every Monday - and visitors are recommended to go in the late afternoon when the traders really find their voice.
Saudi Arabia has strict laws concerning camel jockeys, who must be at least 16 years of age to compete.
In Praise of the Old Ways
So soothing to my soul is the smooth riding on a fine camel; singing in the saddle relieves my mind.
Hail, riders on the swift coursing mounts, those graceful thoroughbreds with fancy saddles.
When you leave at early dawn, take with you my fervent verses.
Your stout mounts are not weakened by your distant journeying; they are spirited wild beasts which were startled by their own shadows.
Beautiful are the girth marks on their flanks; they rest only when they halt to drink from wells on the way.
Their hooves scarcely touch the rugged road; they run like ostriches frightened by the sight of hunters.
They will bring you to a noble man who welcomes hungry guests to lavish feasts.
Oh my brother, you are the spring season to weary riders whose mounts are jaded from long journeys; you give them sweet sustenance.
By Dicir bint al-Waji |
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