Camel Racing in Kuwait
The most complete example of Kuwaiti sporting hospitality is evident at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club (click [Here] for the location). Racing occurs every Saturday afternoon between November and April, and the welcome made to visitors by Mr Ayed Al Ajmi who heads up PR at the track is legendary. It’s always wise to email us (hello@livinworld.com) in advance to understand what’s scheduled, and if you’re lucky you may be invited to join him in the off-road rally which occurs alongside the camel racing itself.
The camels no longer race with a human rider, instead they have a remote controlled jockey, weighing no more than a lap top, that is directed from a speeding 4WD on a dirt track parallel to the camels’ race circuit. The trainer is able to shout instructions through a speaker on the robot, and crack the whip when necessary, via. remote control. This has to be experienced to be believed and typically involves twenty or more SUVs, trucks and cars jockeying for position at speed; in a word, it’s a blast, but try it in someone else’s car!
A couple of inside tips, take your snacks/water as there are none available at the venue (there are many mobile bakalas on route), and don’t forget toilet tissue and sanitiser, though facilites are clean, they lack the expected amenities. In addition, you may get the chance to ride on a retired camel and experience first hand the “challenge” of dis-mounting a camel!
The races commence from 1:00pm until approx. 4pm (depends how many camels are racing) every Saturday from now until April.
Admission is free of charge
To watch how the camel races pan out, please click [Here] its simply amazing!
