Camel race is an exciting sport, for which Qataris have exceptionally high regard and appreciation. It stands for originality, most esteemed heritage, honorable, competitiveness, excitement and speed. In light of that and in recognition of the importance of the practice, H.H the Emir and H.H the Heir Apparent issued the directives to hold camel races on annual basis. By encouraging this sport, they also sought to highlight the popular heritage, conserve the authentic Arabic traditions and remind the youths of the era of glory and the sport of forefathers.

Camel races started in Qatar in 1972 under the motivating patronage of H.H the Emir. With only 300 entries in the first race, the number of participating camels continued to multiply, standing at present in excess of 300. The Camel Race Committee is responsible for supervising the camel races. There are two breeds of camels in Qatar; one is the Qatari and the Omani and the other is the Sudanese. Sudanese camels have come directly from the Sudan across Saudi Arabia. They are characterized by their speed and agility while the Arabian breeds are characterized by their strength and endurance. Fast camels are useless without a skilful trainer.

The credit for the outstanding development of camel race in Qatar goes historically and originally to H.H the Emir of Qatar. The first camel race to have been organized in Qatar took place in 1973 at the 9-km racetrack of Al Far, West of Al Shahaniyah.

The first ever camel racetrack to have been built in Qatar is the one at Al Abgah, which was established according to the directives of H.H the Emir. Races continued to be held at this 16-km long track until late 1989, when the number of entries to the race increased beyond its capacity and when H.H the Emir ordered the establishment of the present camel racetrack at Al Shahaniyah. Races on Al Shahaniyah track started in 1990 with all 6, 8 and 10-km race categories. The auditorium has a main terrace, a veterinary clinic, modern stalls for camels, a big mosque and large water tanks.

Ages of Camel:
Lagaya: From 3-4 years.
Jizaa: From 4-5.
Thanaya: From 5-6 with 2 new teeth.
Zamool & Hail: more than 7 years with 4 new teeth.

Colours of Camel:
Red, Yellow, Blonde and Shamaa (red & yellow).

RACES AND AWARDS:
The Camel Race Committee grants money and awards at the first and second local camel races. Main races include the race of H.H. the Prime Minister, the race of H.H. the Heir Apparent, the race of H.H. the Emir, and the Challenge Race.

Material trophies awarded for winning the first lap of camels in (Al Hail) category:

Golden Saddle of H.H. the Prime Minister for Sheikhs and tribesmen
Silver Saddle of H.H. the Prime Minster for tribesmen
Golden Rifle of H.H. the Heir Apparent for Sheikhs and tribesmen
Silver Rifle of H.H. the Heir Apparent for tribesmen
Golden Sword of H.H. the Emir for Sheikhs and tribesmen
Golden Sword of H.H. the Emir for tribesmen
Dagger Trophy of H.H. the Emir for tribesmen
Golden Spear of Challenge Race for Sheikhs and tribesmen
Silver Spear of Challenge Race for tribesmen

CHALLENGE RACE:
Challenge Race is a magnificent Qatari idea in which the main lap winners of major GCC camel races compete. It is a Qatari initiative to gather the elite camel race riders in one event where the champion of champions is proclaimed, and it will be one of the most prestigious sporting events in the Gulf region and the world at large.

This race is the brainchild of H.H the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. Its aim is to emphasize the importance of honorable competition, add more enthusiasm to camel races and highlight the upper crust of the pure Arabian camel breeds.

Competition to qualify for this race starts with (Jizaa) for tribesmen, Sheikhs and others. 3 camels from each race category of tribesmen and Sheikhs have qualified from all laps of the two races of H.H. the Heir Apparent and H.H. the Prime Minister, bringing the total number to qualify in each race to 18 camels.

Camel Categories to participate in the main lap of the 10 km Challenge Race include Jizaa, Thanaya, Hail; each in a separate race. These are the camel age groups where the true skill and breed of camel can be tested.