Inaugural Arab Camel Cup Set To Begin In AlUla With Global Participation

The inaugural Arab Cup for Camel Championship is set to commence tomorrow, marking a significant event in the world of traditional sports. This championship, hosted at the AlUla Camel Field, sees the collaboration of the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate and brings together 16 Arab nations in a grand celebration of cultural heritage and sportsmanship. With over SAR3 million in financial and in-kind rewards up for grabs, the competition promises to be a fiercely contested affair.

Eligibility for participation is extended to camel owners who are nationals of Arab countries and have their camels duly registered with member federations of the Arab Camel Union. Among the participants are several notable organizations including the Bahraini Popular Heritage Sport Committee, the UAE Camel Federation, and the Kuwaiti Camel Racing Club, to name a few. This diverse representation underscores the widespread appeal and significance of camel racing across the Arab world.

The championship is structured around 13 rounds covering a total distance of 72 km. Competitors will vie for 13 prestigious cups across various races, with distances ranging from 2 to 8 km. A unique feature of this championship is the inclusion of three Haggana races, divided into two rounds for men and one for women, covering a total distance of 10 km. Additionally, the championship introduces an innovative aspect with ten races featuring robotic jockeys, allowing a maximum of ten camels per race for each member federation.

Each participating owner has the opportunity to enter up to three camels in each race, ensuring a broad and competitive field. The Arab Camel Federation has highlighted that every member federation is entitled to partake in the robotic jockey races, with up to ten camels each. This rule also applies to the camel races, with three entries allowed per race for each federation.

This championship not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage associated with camel racing but also promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie among Arab nations. As competitors and spectators gather at AlUla Camel Field, this event is poised to become a landmark in the calendar of traditional sports within the region.

With inputs from SPA