Prior to 1980, Camel Racing took place in the desert
Race Track was a straight line marked by old oil drums.
Introduction of a purpose built race track significantly changed Camel Racing in Dubai
Camel Race Track Stand 1980
This purpose built camel race track was a 10km long oval.
Track was defined by purpose built barriers
Races were started using a specially designed gate
Messrs RMJM designed and built a Grandstand resembling Bedouin Tents
Camel Racing at the new track attracted spectators of all nationalities
Camel racing is a traditional sport
Occasionally a camel decided to take another route and head for the barriers. Barriers were solidly built but not enough to stop a charging camel as spectators discovered. Now and again bones were broken.
Camels are renowned for their stamina. Sometimes, however, a camel decided enough was enough and sat down mid race, refusing to move.
An inner track was where Owners and Trainers followed their camels around the track, shouting instructions and encouragement.
There was plenty of activity to keep the spectatators interested whether watching the camel race or the 4WD race on the inner track.
Betting was not allowed - at least that is what the notice said.
Moving camel racing from the desert to a purpose built track brought significant change to how camel racing operated.
New found wealth in the region meant more money flowed into camel racing
Camel racing became associated with wealth and wealthy owners who wanted to win.
Camels in traditional desert races were ridden by young men from the villages. Not all were lightweight.
Owners wanted lighter jockeys. This took the form of young boys imported from overseas.
These young jackeys were secured on the camel's back initially by rope, later by velcro.
Deaths occasionally happened when one of these young jockeys would fall back and be hit by the camel's hind legs.
International criticism began to be directed at the practice of using young boys as jockeys.
Eventually robot jockeys replaced young boys as jockeys.