Elite GCC competition, AED 8.95 million in prize money, and a rare opportunity for UAE community members to experience elite camel racing up close
Open to all, the finale invites residents and visitors alike to engage with and learn about one of the UAE’s most historic sports in its most elevated form, where centuries-old tradition meets modern performance, precision breeding and elite competition. With a total prize purse of AED 8,950,000 (USD 2.46M), the final day stands as one of the most significant fixtures in the GCC camel racing calendar.
The 2 April finale celebrates 12 consecutive race days and an extensive racing programme that comprised 333 races. With more than 6,000 camels from across the UAE and the wider Gulf region, the event is reaffirmed as a cornerstone event in the camel racing calendar.
Royal and presidential entries from across the region will take to the track, including presidential camels from Hijn Al Riyassa, Abu Dhabi, alongside leading stables such as Hijn Zabeel & Hijn Al Asifa from Dubai, and Hijn Al Shahaniya from Qatar, setting the stage for a true GCC showdown shaped by years of investment in genetics, training and performance science.
The final programme features the sport’s most prestigious categories, including the Golden Saddle for Arabian Purebred Male Camels (Local) and the Golden Khanjar for Arabian Purebred Female Camels (Local), each carrying a first prize of AED 500,000, alongside the Golden Rifle for Open Category Male Camels (Mixed/Crossbreed) with a top prize of AED 1,000,000, and the Golden Sword, known as the “Sword of the Emirates,” for Open Category Female Camels, awarding AED 2,000,000 to the winner.
Raced over 8 kilometres, with winning times expected to fall under 13 minutes, the competition blends speed and strategy with longstanding traditions, including the ceremonial application of saffron paste to winning camels at the finish line. The atmosphere builds throughout the afternoon, culminating in a series of headline races that represent the pinnacle of the sport.
Beyond the racing, the finale is designed as an immersive cultural experience. With free public access as well as free Big Bus viewing, spectators can follow the race alongside the track, take in uninterrupted views from the grandstand and witness live trophy presentations as owners, trainers and connections are recognised. Visitors are encouraged to arrive from 1:30 PM to fully experience the race-day atmosphere as it builds towards the closing moments of the festival.
Held at Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack on Al Ain Road, just a 30-minute drive from the city, the venue offers easy access and ample parking, making it an accessible day out for residents and visitors alike.
As the 2026 edition concludes, the final day reflects more than elite competition; it is a living expression of the UAE’s cultural identity, where heritage is preserved, celebrated and experienced firsthand.
Total Prize Purse (Final Day): AED 8,950,000
Headline Races & Top Prizes:
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Golden Saddle (Arabian Purebred Male Camels – Local) – 1st Prize AED 500,000
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Golden Khanjar (Arabian Purebred Female Camels – Local) – 1st Prize AED 500,000
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Golden Rifle (Open Category Male Camels – Mixed/Crossbreed) – 1st Prize AED 1,000,000
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Golden Sword – “Sword of the Emirates” (Open Category Female Camels) – 1st Prize AED 2,000,000
Prize Distribution by Race:
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Race 1 Total: AED 1,500,000
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Race 2 Total: AED 1,600,000
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Race 3 Total: AED 2,100,000
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Race 4 Total: AED 3,750,000
Race Format:
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Distance: 8 km
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Expected winning times: under 13 minutes
Spectator Experience:
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Free public access
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Free Big Bus viewing experience alongside the track – first come, first serve basis
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Free Grandstand hospitality and refreshments
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Live trophy presentations
Festival Programme:
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Tuesday & Wednesday (1 April): Morning and evening race sessions
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Thursday (2 April): Grand finale
About Dubai Camel Racing Club
The Dubai Camel Racing Club is a pioneer and leading sports establishment in Dubai was founded in 2008 following the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make an organization to propagate the information and knowledge about the ancient sports of camel racing and related culture to the world.
The vision is to preserve the Arab heritage culture and celebrate its values that the United Arab Emirates represents; inspired by camel racing to propagate into the world.
The ancient sport foundation was inspired by camel races in terms of preparation, organization, continuity and constant improvement and development. DCRC is the biggest camel racing track and camel race organizer in the GCC with ‘Smart’ tracks and is updated with all the latest technological advancements. It includes multiple race tracks of lengths varying from 3km, 6km to 11km which can even be extended to 15km. ‘Smart’ and tech-savvy upgrades take care of each and every aspect of the race from start to finish including the announcement of races and result declaration as well as prize distribution.
The Dubai Camel Racing Club is located on E66 Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Road (Dubai – Al Ain Road); easily accessible from areas of Dubai and all other emirates
