The Role of Camels in UAE History and Why Races Still Matter Today

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

In the heart of the desert, one creature has stood the test of time as a symbol of endurance, adaptability, and cultural pride—the camel. For centuries, camels have played a pivotal role in shaping the traditions, economy, and lifestyle of the United Arab Emirates. While modern technology has transformed the landscape of the region, the cultural significance of camels remains stronger than ever. From vital historical roles to thrilling modern-day races, camels continue to be a cherished part of the UAE’s identity.

Table of Contents

• Camels: A Timeless Emblem of Emirati Heritage
• Symbol of Cultural Identity
• From Tradition to Innovation: The Camel in the Modern UAE
• A Living Legacy
• Frequently asked questions

Camels: A Timeless Emblem of Emirati Heritage

Long before the UAE’s glittering skyscrapers and luxury lifestyle, Bedouin tribes relied on camels for survival. These animals provided transportation across harsh desert terrains, served as a source of milk, meat, and wool, and even acted as a form of wealth and trade.

Camels were central to the nomadic way of life, offering mobility in arid conditions where no other animal could thrive. Their ability to endure long distances without water made them essential to trade routes connecting different parts of the Arabian Peninsula. For many Emiratis, owning camels was a symbol of wealth, status, and pride.

Symbol of Cultural Identity

Beyond their practical value, camels have been deeply ingrained in Emirati folklore, poetry, and storytelling. They represent resilience, loyalty, and the spirit of the desert. In modern times, this symbolism remains strong—camels are featured in cultural festivals, parades, and even in national logos and artwork.

To preserve this part of their heritage, the UAE has established camel breeding centers and camel museums, ensuring that younger generations understand the historical significance of this noble creature.

From Tradition to Innovation: The Camel in the Modern UAE

Despite rapid modernization, camels remain at the heart of Emirati culture, taking on new roles in sports, sustainability, and tourism. The UAE has succeeded in modernizing camel-related traditions while preserving their cultural essence.

Camel Racing: A Blend of Heritage and High-Tech

Camel racing, one of the UAE’s oldest and most cherished sports, has evolved into a modern spectacle attracting global attention. Held during the cooler months, these races showcase camels sprinting at speeds of up to 40 km/h, often guided by robotic jockeys—a technological upgrade introduced in the 2000s to ensure animal welfare and replace human child jockeys.

Events like the Al Marmoom Heritage Festival not only celebrate this beloved sport but also inject energy into local communities and tourism, drawing spectators from around the world.

What makes modern camel racing in the UAE particularly fascinating is the blend of tradition with technology. Races now use robot jockeys—remote-controlled devices mounted on camels—to replace child jockeys, following humanitarian reforms. These robot jockeys are designed to look and behave like human riders, and they’re even equipped with GPS and walkie-talkies to ensure full control during the race.

Races are typically held in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and can stretch several kilometers. Prize money can reach millions of dirhams, making it a highly competitive and prestigious event.

Beauty Contests: Celebrating Camel Elegance

Another unique expression of camel appreciation is the camel beauty contest. These competitions, most notably at the Al Dhafra Festival, judge camels on specific aesthetic criteria such as head shape, neck length, and symmetry. Winners can earn their owners immense prestige and generous cash prizes. Such contests highlight the continued importance of camels in Emirati cultural life, blending tradition with festivity.

Sustainable Agriculture and the Rise of Camel Milk

Camels are also making strides in the agricultural and health industries. Camel milk is increasingly being recognized for its nutritional benefits—rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, and considered easier to digest than cow’s milk. This “white gold” has found its way into global markets, powering a new wave of sustainable dairy farming in the region.

Compared to traditional livestock, camels are much more environmentally friendly. They thrive in arid conditions, require less water, and feed on minimal vegetation, making them ideal for sustainable farming initiatives aligned with the UAE’s vision for food security and eco-conscious innovation.

A Star of the Desert Tourism Scene

No visit to the UAE is complete without experiencing a camel ride across golden dunes. Camel treks offer tourists a unique window into the Bedouin way of life, often included in desert safari tours that blend tradition with adventure.

Beyond rides, visitors can delve deeper into camel culture at attractions like the Camel Museum in Al Ain, where exhibitions explore the historical, cultural, and economic importance of these animals to Emirati society.

Camels in Art, Folklore, and National Identity

The camel continues to inspire artists, poets, and storytellers across the UAE. Traditional Bedouin poetry often praises camels for their loyalty and endurance, while contemporary Emirati artists use camel motifs to explore themes of heritage and identity. These artistic expressions serve as a living bridge between past and present, reminding new generations of the camel’s enduring significance.

A Living Legacy

While the UAE continues its march toward innovation and global influence, it also holds firm to the symbols that shaped its past. Camels remain a powerful link between the nation’s heritage and its identity, embodying the spirit of resilience and tradition. Camel races serve as more than sport—they’re a living tribute to the journey of a people who once roamed the dunes and now thrive in a modern metropolis.

The role of camels in UAE history is profound, touching every aspect of life from survival and trade to poetry and prestige. Even today, camel racing continues to captivate the nation, bridging the past with the present. As the UAE evolves, the humble camel remains a majestic symbol of its enduring legacy.