Camel racing in Dubai's Al Marmoom heritage village - in pictures

The racing season usually runs until April with meetings on Fridays and Saturdays

A handler directs camels equipped with robot jockeys to the starting gate before a race, at Dubai's Al Marmoom heritage village, on Friday, April 9, 2021. AFP

The UAE's camel racing season typically runs until April, with events taking place on Friday and Saturday mornings. AFP

Handlers set camels equipped with robot jockeys for a race. AFP

Most race days begin at 6am, and visitors are advised to arrive early. AFP

The traditional sport of the region began as a social element of events such as weddings, but professional competitions took off in the 1980s. AFP

Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP

A camel taking part in a race has his eyes covered in a traditional keffiyeh scarf. AFP

Camels taking part in a race are gathered by the track. AFP

A Qatari participant sits in his car during a camel race. The track becomes a gathering place for thousands of handlers and camel owners from around the Gulf during the racing season. AFP

Camels equipped with robot jockeys race. AFP

Dubai’s biggest camel race track is located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area. AFP

The race track is located off the Dubai-Al Ain road, about 40 kilometres from Dubai.. AFP

A view of the track at Al Marmoom heritage village. AFP

Safety rules have been introduced to safeguard the health of staff and members of the public due to the pandemic. AFP

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