Camel Racing Welfare: Sport in the Gulf Region

Camel racing is a traditional sport in Gulf Arab countries that has faced welfare scrutiny for the use of child jockeys — now replaced by robotic jockeys — and training conditions for racing camels.

Key Facts

Camel racing is popular in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries with prize money reaching millions of dollars
Child jockeys — some as young as 4 years old — were historically used until international pressure led to bans in the early 2000s
Robotic jockeys controlled remotely by handlers in vehicles have replaced child jockeys in most Gulf racing
Racing camels are sometimes given performance-enhancing drugs including EPO, which is banned in some jurisdictions
Training facilities vary widely in quality, with welfare concerns about housing, feeding, and training practices

Welfare Considerations

Camel racing welfare concerns have evolved with the transition from child to robotic jockeys. The welfare focus has shifted to the camels themselves: training intensity, nutrition, housing conditions, use of performance-enhancing drugs, and retirement practices for animals that can no longer race. Camels are social, intelligent animals that can experience significant stress from isolation and demanding training regimes. The sport has enormous resources that could be directed toward welfare improvements if political will existed.

What You Can Do

Advocate for international standards on camel racing welfare, including drug testing and housing requirements
Support journalism and advocacy organizations monitoring welfare practices in Gulf camel racing
If traveling in Gulf countries, decline to attend races operated by facilities with documented welfare violations
Engage with international animal welfare organizations working in this region
Support research into camel welfare indicators and needs in sport contexts