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Behind the glistening towers and pristine beaches of Dubai, lies much more: the heritage, the authenticity, and reminders of its roots – the desert, the soul, and where it all began. The heritage sport of camel racing is a draw for locals and visitors alike, with racing season running October to April, at various tracks around the emirate. The largest being Dubai's Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack, where this season’s C1 Championship Season 5 Finale took place on Sunday 29th March.
Camel sports pioneer, Linda Krockenberger is known in the region, for building one of the first licensed camel riding institutions, the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC). Responsible for founding a women’s racing team in 2021, launching the C1 Championship series, and organising over 20 sanctioned races, Krockenberger has played a pivotal role in advancing female participation and international visibility in camel racing. “Sport has a unique ability to connect people across cultures and backgrounds, and in today’s world, that connection is more important than ever. Camel racing, in particular, brings together heritage, sport, and shared experience,” says Krockenberger.
Welcoming over 15 female jockeys to the starting line this season, including Smo Al Ajmi from Saudi Arabia, who secured a race win, and Laura Jurs from Denmark, showcasing a remarkable debut season with two victories, she says, “My first win felt surreal - especially experiencing the sheer power and speed of the camel. It’s something that’s difficult to describe; camels are incredibly calm and elegant, yet in racing they reveal an extraordinary level of strength, stamina, and intensity.”
Witnessing increasing engagement from the Emirati community, with riders such as Watfa Nasser and Latifa Al Falasi joining the competition, “there is a strong alignment with the country’s vision of empowering women while preserving heritage. What initially felt niche is now gaining momentum as a progressive extension of traditional sport,” says Krockenberger. One of the first women to represent the UAE in international camel racing, is 34-year-old Fatima Al Ameri, an Emirati camel rider and owner. “Camel racing was never just a sport to me - it’s part of who we are. I grew up deeply connected to this heritage, but stepping into it professionally was a conscious decision. I chose to challenge expectations, to enter a space where women were rarely seen, and to prove that passion backed by discipline can break any boundary.”
Inspiring a younger generation of riders, 18-yer-old, Eman Salem, born and raised in the UAE, began training several years before reaching the official competition age, demonstrating her early commitment and determination to succeed. “What started as admiration soon turned into a serious interest. I then began training and learning alongside my sister (Reem Salem) and through the Arabian Desert Camel Racing Center (ADCRC), where I gained experience and developed a deeper understanding of the sport, until it became an important part of my life today,” she says.
Honouring tradition and stepping up to the plate simultaneously, “The response has been powerful and emotional. There’s a sense of pride - not just in the competition itself, but in what it represents. Seeing women step into this arena has sparked conversations, support, and belief. It’s more than a race; it’s a cultural shift that people are ready for,” says Al Ameri.
