Tuesday 24 / March / 2026
Barka: The Royal Camel Corps has announced the race schedule for the His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Racing Festival 2026, which will take place from 28 March to 2 April 2026, at Al Fulaij Racetrack in the Wilayat of Barka. The festival comprises 85 races across various camel categories.
Humaid Ali Al Zarei, Director General of the Royal Camel Corps at the Royal Court Affairs, stated that camel racing in the Sultanate of Oman enjoys unwavering support and patronage from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, reflecting the sport’s significance and its role as a deeply rooted cultural heritage of the Sultanate of Oman, in addition to its vital contribution to the preservation of authentic Omani camel breeds.
Al Zarei affirmed that the Royal Camel Corps is committed to enriching and advancing camel racing in the Sultanate of Oman by organizing His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Racing Festival each season, offering valuable prizes to the winning she-camels across all races as a gesture of support to owners and trainers. The festival also features races for long-distance "Al Ardah" (with human riders), alongside "Al Zamt" racing, which constitutes the foundational racing style observed today. Following the qualifying rounds, the winning she-camels in this category will be felicitated with valuable prizes on the closing day.
He added that the festival will also feature an accompanying heritage village, showcasing selected products and achievements of the Royal Court Affairs, alongside traditional handicrafts and products from small businesses, as well as heritage performances and activities and competitions for children.
Al Zarei noted that the Royal Camel Corps, through its various committees, has finalized all technical preparations for the festival and its associated heritage village, which will run from 28 March to 2 April 2026.
The Royal Camel Corps has announced that it will purchase the she-camels that secure first place in races one through five on the final day. The Royal Camel Corps reserves the right to either leave the purchased she-camel with its current trainer or assign it to another trainer. It was confirmed that the purchase is mandatory for the owner and optional for the Royal Camel Corps.
--- Ends/AH
