Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Al Marmoom’s sandy tracks witnessed a milestone in the UAE’s sporting calendar this week when the C1 Camel Racing Championship concluded its fifth season.
What began as a niche initiative has now evolved into a premier international series, bridging the gap between ancient Bedouin heritage and modern competitive sport.
Founded by Linda Krockenberger through the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre in Dubai, the C1 Championship holds the distinction of being the first all-female camel racing series in the world.
As the dust settles on the Season 5 finale, the event has proved its worth as a sanctioned series that commands respect from both local traditionalists and international spectators.
Reflecting on the journey from the inaugural races to the present day, Krockenberger noted the shift in the scale of the operation. “When we started in 2021, the vision was simple: to create an annual event that would become a true fixture on the camel racing calendar – one that inspires ambition among athletes while also captivating an audience,” she told Aletihad.
“What began as a lighthearted idea, the C1 Championship – loosely inspired by the structure of Formula 1, with a points system and a season champion – quickly took on a life of its own.”
The humble beginnings of the series are a far cry from the spectacle seen at the Heritage Village this month. Krockenberger recalls the early days when resources were limited. “In that first season, we had just six jockeys, myself included. It was a modest setup: a single 1,200-metre sprint, hosted in the parking area of the Heritage Village and the Dubai Camel Racing Club, as we were not yet ready to access the main racing venues,” she explained.
Today, the championship is a showpiece of the Marmoom Camel Heritage Festival. The Season 5 finale featured a diverse roster of 55 jockeys, including 15 women and 40 men in the newly expanded categories, representing more than 10 nationalities.
The international draw has become a hallmark of the series, with competitors hailing from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Denmark, Poland, France and the United Kingdom.
“What is especially rewarding is seeing how this race has become a priority for riders, even though it remains one of the smaller prize events. The energy, the spirit, and the shared experience are what truly drive its success,” Krockenberger said.
The global impact was highlighted by the participation of riders who travelled specifically to the UAE for the event. “We welcomed riders who do not reside in the UAE, yet chose to travel and compete with us – such as Isabella Leslie from the United States, who even went on to speak about her race win on Good Morning America [TV programme running since 1975], bringing global attention to the sport,” the pioneering jockey said.
She also praised the dedication of Swiss rider Jorina Niewhus and Saudi jockey Smo Al Ajmi for their commitment to the discipline. Locally, the championship has become a vital pipeline for talent.
Emirati rider Fatima Al Ameri has emerged as a prominent figure in the sport, transitioning from a C1 participant to a national athlete. “She has progressed to compete internationally as a national athlete, representing the UAE in medal events – an achievement that reflects exactly what this platform was built for,” Krockenberger noted.
With a prize pool exceeding Dh80,000 and the support of partners like the Dubai Camel Racing Club, the C1 Championship has professionalised a cultural pastime.
While the competitive stakes remained high until the final sprint, for the organisers, the success lies in the community spirit. Krockenberger concluded: “This season has set a new benchmark – and one that I am both proud of, and determined to match or exceed in the seasons to come.”
