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Women's camel racing: training for a race in the desert

At Marmoom, Paris learns to ride a retired racer called Hero and takes on the female racing team over 500 metres.

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Black-and-white photo of Paris in a fur aviator hat and goggles with a red-and-white shemagh scarf

Quick facts

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Camel racing is a beloved Khaleeji tradition, and a hard world for outsiders to get into. Paris's mission: learn to ride a racing camel and enter a race.

At the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre in Marmoom, breeder Obaid Juma Al Falasi, who owns around 15 racing camels, explains breeding champions. Linda Kockenberger leads the female racing team, set up because women had nowhere to train.

Riding a camel is nothing like a horse: stay loose and absorb the movement. Paris's mount, Hero, is a 10-year-old retired racer. Racing camels hit 40 to 45 km/h. In a 500-metre sprint the women leave Paris behind.

Do it yourself

See camel racing in Dubai.

Paris's verdict

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Related

FAQ

Where was it filmed?

At the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Centre in Marmoom, Dubai.

How fast are racing camels?

About 40 to 45 km/h, according to the episode.

Sources

Facts checked October 2026. Opening times, age limits and seasons change, so confirm with the operator before you go.

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