Camel race season has begun in Kuwait, reflecting the Gulf country’s rich heritage. The thrilling event will be held every Saturday at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club until the end of March. The sport combines cultural pride with competitive spirit, drawing citizens and expats alike, where fans and dedicated breeders and trainers gather to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The idea of organizing camel races in Kuwait began in the 1980s, following the directives of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The instructions aimed to preserve this cherished historical heritage, as camel racing is a significant part of the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Traditionally, camel racing is a symbol of the endurance and resilience of ancestors.

The late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad supported the Camel Race Club, which allowed camel races to gradually become more organized and standardized, aligning with practices in neighboring countries. This support encouraged Kuwaitis from all backgrounds to take an interest in the sport, with many participating and acquiring purebred camels through both local breeding and importation. Thus, the idea to establish the Kuwait Camel Racing Club was initiated based on his noble directives.

Kuwaitis make preparations ahead of a Camel race championship at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club, in Kabd, in the Jahra governante on early October 12, 2019.

Kuwaitis make preparations ahead of a camel race on October 20, 2018, in Kabad area, 50 kms southwest of Kuwait City.

Camels compete during a camel race on October 20, 2018, in Kabad area, 50 kms southwest of Kuwait City.

Camels compete during a Camel race championship at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club, in Kabd, in the Jahra governante on early October 12, 2019.

Camels race during a camel race on October 20, 2018, in Kabad area, 50 kms southwest of Kuwait City.

Kuwaitis make preparations ahead of a Camel race championship at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club, in Kabd, in the Jahra governante on early October 12, 2019.

Camels compete during a Camel race championship at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club, in Kabd, in the Jahra governante on early October 12, 2019.

However, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait delayed the official establishment of the club. Despite this, the late Amir’s commitment to preserving this sport led to the formal establishment of the Kuwait Camel Racing Club on August 22, 1991. The inauguration marked a significant step in elevating the sport, with racetracks and facilities built to the highest standards, rivaling and even surpassing those in neighboring countries.

Under the continued patronage of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, camel racing continued to grow and prosper. An annual international camel racing championship was established following directives of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The club continues to receive unwavering support from HH the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The club hosts camel racing for various age groups, with weekly races held every Saturday. The club also organizes the annual Kuwait International Camel Racing Championship, held under the patronage of the Amir and open to participants from Arab and GCC countries.

The Kuwait Camel Racing Club offers extensive facilities, including multiple races and training tracks tailored for various distances. These tracks include a 10 km, 8 km, and 6 km track for main races, as well as 4 km and 1,650 m tracks designed for training and endurance. These diverse tracks provide optimal conditions for competitive racing, ensuring a comprehensive environment for this traditional sport.