Camel racing has deep roots in UAE heritage, and every year in Dubai, jockeys set out — either on race tracks or in the desert — to stage one of the most important cultural festivals in the country.
The first weekend of this month was the beginning of the latest Camel Trek Marathon, which has a series of races that culminate on January 6.
The National's Chris Whiteoak went to Al Marmoom Race Track to take shots of the preliminary race for expatriates, organised by the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre.
The race this year attracted a diverse mix of 22 participants from 15 countries, including Germany, Italy, China, Saudi Arabia, France, Jordan and Luxembourg — all of whom were trained for months by the heritage centre.
Some have joined previous camel treks, while others were taking part for the first time this year.
"It's been a very interesting experience so far," Enoch Castleberry, a first-time camel racer, tells The National. "I signed up after I saw a big billboard on the side of the highway with a beautiful picture of the desert with some camels."
The Dubai resident started his training shortly after signing up, dedicating up to four days a week to learn how to ride a camel.
“It’s been really fun to spend time with these animals that you often see in the desert but you never think, 'oh I would go ride one'."
He said these camel races, which are held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, are important "because it really does open our eyes as foreigners and expats to the local culture".
The preliminary race will be followed by another round on December 2, aptly coinciding with UAE National Day.
Camel racing is a staple during National Day celebrations, paying homage to the animals who have been essential companions of the Bedouin for centuries.
The main and final race will be on January 6, just days after the end of the weeks-long camel trek, which is a separate event organised by the heritage centre.
Some participants in the races are also taking part in the trek, which begins on December 18 and ends on December 31.
During the preliminary race, German student Emilia Piesker, 14, emerged as the winner, covering the 1,500-metre track in one minute and 55.78 seconds.
Jordanian expat Rawan was a close second, finishing the race in one minute and 55.81 seconds.
Chinese citizen Xiaozhe Huo was third with a time of one minute and 58.75 seconds.
The mother of the winner, Pauline Piesker, who also participated in the race, expressed pride in her daughter's performance, saying "our participation last year in the camel ride earned us a lot of experience and skills".
“I work as a teacher, and I must say that participating in annual heritage sport shows you an aspect that gives you a complete picture of Dubai," Peskier said.
Results
2pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m, Winner: AF Thayer, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m, Winner: AF Sahwa, Nathan Crosse, Mohamed Ramadan.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m, Winner: AF Thobor, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 2,000m, Winner: AF Mezmar, Szczepan Mazur, Ernst Oertel.
4pm: Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup presented by Longines (TB) Dh 200,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Galvanize, Nathan Cross, Doug Watson.
4.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m, Winner: Ajaj, Bernardo Pinheiro, Mohamed Daggash.
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
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- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
WWE Evolution results
- Trish Stratus and Lita beat Alicia Fox and Mickie James in a tag match
- Nia Jax won a battle royal, eliminating Ember Moon last to win
- Toni Storm beat Io Shirai to win the Mae Young Classic
- Natalya, Sasha Banks and Bayley beat The Riott Squad in a six-woman tag match
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GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score):
Manchester City (0) v Tottenham Hotspur (1), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
The%20specs%20
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At Eternity’s Gate
Director: Julian Schnabel
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen
Three stars
