Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Tuesday, Jun 24, 2025

The women making history racing camels in Dubai

Camel racing can be traced back to the seventh century in the United Arab Emirates. Fast-forward to 2021 and a group of women are making history in the world of camel racing.

Camel racing can be traced back to the seventh century in the United Arab Emirates. Fast-forward to 2021 and a group of women are making history in the world of camel racing.

As part of the C1 Championship in Al-Marmoom, the team from the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre took part in the first licenced female camel race.

Race team member Katie Higgins initially just wanted to learn how to solo ride a camel but says she became hooked on the sport quite quickly.

“Once I accomplished that, then I just wanted more and more and more,” she said.

Ms Higgins said making history was a great motivator: “It was something I was honoured to be part of. You know, I'm proud to be a part of it.”

No experience required


Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre Co-founder and Trainer Linda Krockenberger said the school is for those who want to ride for pleasure as well as race.

“We opened for the sole purpose to receive completely new riders. No experience is required to join us.”

This group of sportswomen are now encouraging other people to experience it for themselves.

Laura Broadhurst is an avid horse rider and noticed the camel riding via social media. “I saw a post about a Ramadan ride. It seemed very kind of atmospheric. So I came along and I’ve been coming back ever since.”

Their advice for first-time riders was to move with the animal and to try to relax.

It's become my life, and that just all fell into place on the day of the race.
-Katie Higgins-
Race team member



Linda Krockenberger said standing up, sitting down is probably the most uncomfortable transition for first-time riders.

Katie Higgins added that it felt very different taking part in the race compared to when the group ride for fun.

“So it was a combination of nerves and excitement, but a lot more excitement because, you know, this is a passion for me now. It's become my life, and that just all fell into place on the day of the race.”

The founder and camel owner at Arabian Desert Camel Riding centre, Obaid Juma bin Subaih al Falasi, said it was amazing to see so much support for the team on race day.

“More than 200 people came to see this race, the first race for ladies of all the different countries. I am very happy, not for me only, but for this group.”

Barriers slowly dissolve


Ms Krockenberger said racing is just one part of what they do and one of the most rewarding things for her is to see people get comfortable with the camels.

“From having no touchpoint and no idea of how to approach or interact with camels, to then see those barriers slowly dissolve.”

I can see that lots of students have lost a little bit, that direct interaction with animals and they have to rebuild that bond.
-Linda Krockenberger-
ADCRC Co-founder and Trainer



She added that was one of the main reasons she launched the riding centre.

“I found so much peace and happiness from working with camels, as well as understanding more of the Emirati culture. And I just wanted to create access for others.

“I can see that lots of students have lost a little bit, that direct interaction with animals and they have to rebuild that bond.

She said this doesn't always happen whilst riding, and that it's also about building that relationship off the camel.

“And that's what I believe we should continue fostering,” she added.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Oman Set to Introduce Personal Income Tax, First in Gulf
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Iran Intensifies Crackdown on Alleged Mossad Operatives After Sabotage Claims
Trump Praises Iran’s ‘Very Weak’ Response After U.S. Strikes and Presses Israel to Pursue Peace
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
×