Quick answer
- What: a traditional camel racing track in Ras Al Khaimah.
- When: racing and training mainly in the cooler months.
- Best time of day: early morning, when camels train.
- Modern twist: lightweight robot jockeys instead of riders.
Camel racing is one of the oldest sporting traditions in the UAE, and the Al Sawan track in Ras Al Khaimah is where you can see it. Outside of formal race days, the most accessible experience is watching the early-morning training sessions, when owners and handlers put their camels through their paces along the sandy track as the sun comes up. It is a genuine, local scene rather than a staged tourist show.
Robot jockeys
Modern camel racing in the UAE uses lightweight robotic jockeys strapped to the saddle, controlled remotely by handlers who follow alongside the track in vehicles. This replaced the use of child riders and is now standard across the region. Seeing the robots in action is part of what makes a visit memorable.
When to go
The season runs through the cooler months, broadly winter into spring, when both racing and regular training take place. Early morning is the time to be there — it is cooler, the light is beautiful, and the training activity is at its peak. Formal race meetings happen on set dates, so check locally if you want to catch one.
Visiting tips
This is a working sporting venue, not a managed attraction. Go early, keep a respectful distance from the animals and handlers, and be prepared for an informal setting with limited facilities. It is best combined with a desert morning or an inland drive.
| Detail | Notes |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional camel racing track |
| Season | Cooler months (winter into spring) |
| Best time | Early morning training sessions |
| Jockeys | Remote-controlled robot jockeys |
| Setting | Informal, working venue — limited facilities |
Pair it with a desert safari or an inland drive. See more in places to visit in Ras Al Khaimah.