Camel races
by jungles
Camel racing is a very popular sport amongst Qatar's elite, and a good racing camel will fetch many thousands of riyals. Until recently young boys from poor third-world countries were used as jockeys, but international pressure has put an end to this practice, and the camels are now ridden by robots! The owners drive around the outside of the track in their four-wheel-drives, egging on their camels and controlling the whip held by the robot with a remote control. The racing season lasts through the winter until April or May, culminating at the 10 km Emir's race, which is where these photos were taken. The Emir himself was even in attendance. For smaller races you can follow the camels around the track as the owners do, but for the Emir's race you will probably have to sit in the grandstand, from where you can see the start and finish live and watch the rest of the race on the TV...