Mohammed attends camel racing marathon

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai attended the camel racing marathon on Thursday in celebration of the 44th National Day anniversary, which was organised by the Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HBMHC), in collaboration with the Dubai Camel Racing Club (DCRC).

Also present were Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmouk, HBMHC's Chief Executive Officer, Suad Ibrahim Darwish, Director of Events at the Centre, Ali bin Suroor, Executive Director of DCRC, along with other officials.

The 24-kilmoetre marathon was competed by 72 Emirati riders, aged 18 to 50 years old, reflecting the deep-rooted Emirati tradition of camel racing.

Suad Darwish said the marathon, the first of its kind to be held in the UAE, was a success.

"This is absolutely different from the camel races where robot jockeys are used. The riders did a good job controlling their camels and steering them to the finish line," she added.

Yahya bin Ali Al Mala'ai finished first in the marathon, and was closely followed by Sultan bin Nawab Al Blooshi and Salem bin Obaid Al Hamadi.

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