Al Wathba Camel Race Track


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Middle East » United Arab Emirates » Al Ain
January 16th 2010
Published: January 16th 2010
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Hello,

So Heather suggested we make a day of going to the camel race track and zoo afterwards. As we are both under the idea that keeping busy will make the time pass quicker and I have still yet to find the elusive race track, I was all up for it. We left early as all our guide books said that they start early in the morning...around 7:30 am. We tried and failed to leave by 7 but left closer to 8. Alicia and Talia came along and off we went after having packed a lunch and some snacks. We followed the signs on the way to Al Ain which would lead us to the signs posted for the track. The Al Wahtba race track is 45 km from Abu Dhabi and as we live on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi towards Dubai...it was only a 20 minute drive. We followed the signs which were very well marked for a change until we got to the gates leading down to parking for the race track. I could hardly believe we found it! There were camels everywhere. Almost immediately a very nice Emirati guy told us the best places to stand to see the race. There were even some men who came up to us to shake our hands which does not happen too often...from what I understand Arab men aren't supposed to touch women. We started at the finish line as a race had already begun. It takes 15 minutes for the camels to make their way around the track. It was great to see them coming toward us. A camel can run reportedly 65 km per hour. This was no horse race but they were running elegantly in their own gangly way. They all had electronic jockeys on their backs which are controlled by a remote that their handler carries with him. Once the race begins the handlers drive in their SUVs’ (gas is not a concern here...nor is the environment for that matter) alongside hitting the buttons on their remote in order for the robot to whip the camel to run faster. Once we saw the end of the race, we tried to run back to the start line but didn't make it in time to see the start of that race. They race them back to back.
A little while later, that same guy asked us if
starting linestarting linestarting line

A close up of the starting point for the races.
we wanted a ride around the track. We got in and he drove us around with the other trucks. What a rush to run alongside the camels watching them race! It's also weird to see all that foam come out of their mouths. Kinda yucky! It's funny how back home we probably would never get into a strangers car but here things are different somehow...they seem safer. Well I guess we can think that as they have an extremely low crime rate.
Back at the end of the race we thanked our new friend (can't remember his name) and went off to see the start of another race at the start line. The races go from sun up till 10 in the morning Before we left to go to the Al Ain zoo, we stopped to pet some camels that were resting and talked a bit with the handlers. Well we did our best as they could not speak english (they were probably Bedouins) so we took out our phrase book and tortured the language by attempting to converse with them all the while using hand gestures like somehow they would understand us better. The camels really are cute up
Bigger view Bigger view Bigger view

the starting point for all races
close but sooo grumpy.
Off we left for the zoo so I could visit my little cuties the meer cats...I tried to talk Alicia into putting one in her purse but she wasn't going for it!

Bye for now,

Sherry



Additional photos below
Photos: 24, Displayed: 24


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They are off!They are off!
They are off!

Here is an image 30 seconds into the race.
Talia, Heather and AliciaTalia, Heather and Alicia
Talia, Heather and Alicia

The girls have picked their winning camel by its electronic jockey colour.
Another group getting readyAnother group getting ready
Another group getting ready

Here another group of camels are waiting near the start line. Once the first race is finished they will be let go a few minutes afterward.
Electronic jockeysElectronic jockeys
Electronic jockeys

Here you can see the jockeys on the camels. They have a remote controlled whip attached and their owners or someone presses a remote that then whips the camel. Not that long ago, children were used as jockeys!
cars and camelscars and camels
cars and camels

The handlers drive alongside their camel and press their remote control whipping the camel and also they yell into a walkie-talkie to encourage them to run faster...I guess the camels wear some kind of head phones?
Tower Tower
Tower

Tower at finish line where a photographer takes pictures of the horses at the finish line.
image from back seat of carimage from back seat of car
image from back seat of car

Here we are getting a ride with a very friendly Emirati guy who offered to take us around the track during a race!
The camel race televisedThe camel race televised
The camel race televised

These races are all televised live..even though there is no betting...it is against the law. Trucks follow close to the camels with cameras on the top.
After raceAfter race
After race

They are being looked after...not sure what to do to take care of them!
Talia and camelTalia and camel
Talia and camel

Talia petting a camel after the races were finished.
a heavy loada heavy load
a heavy load

One of the attendants is taking off the "jockeys" and putting them in a truck.
a group of meer catsa group of meer cats
a group of meer cats

I was happy to see my little friends again
meer catmeer cat
meer cat

Apparently, I still look suspiscious!


17th January 2010

Of course - camel races!!!
Boy, do I ever feel silly - or course they race camels, we race horses. Why on earth does this shock me so much! lol Racing camels. the most natural thing ever. Seems logical now.....lol. Maybe take some video next time. Or maybe I'll just check it out on youtube for kicks. Is it like slow motion horse races?? Would you say they kinda look like emu's when they race - 'cause I've seen an emu run. Camels, I had no clue they could be made to run. Huh. Boy, I must be tired to be getting such a kick out of racing camels. I would have loved to have been there with you! Have a great weekend Sherry - Thanks for sharing.....Racing camels...lol
18th January 2010

Camel races and electronic jockeys are definately things we do not see everyday. Thanks Sherry. I am always happy to hear from you. I accidentally erased your last blog. Don't happen to still have it handy do you? Miss you. Hope to hear from you soon. Jill
20th January 2010

awesome description
Hi Sherry! Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your blogs. I love the pictures and how you describe your adventures....really easy to read and enjoy. I can hear your voice and your laugh as I read. Whenever I have time, I'm excited to show Jacob and Grace your latest camel racing experience. I think they'll really get a kick out of it. Well, looking forward to your next blog. So jealous your aunt and uncle came to see you. Maybe some day. Take care. Tracy

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