Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CAMEL ON COMMAND
Traditionally, camels were raced by child jockeys, who were often 'bought' from impoverished families in
Pakistan and Bangladesh, trained in miserable conditions, kept deliberately underweight and then exposed to the
dangers of regular racing. The plight of these young boys has attracted international condemnation over the years.
Qatar and the UAE, among other Gulf States, banned the use of child jockeys but were then left with the problem
of finding something similarly lightweight to replace them. Their novel solution could best be described as 'robo-
rider'. These robotic jockeys are remote-controlled, look vaguely humanoid and can crack an electronic whip.
The camels appear to respond just as well (or just as badly) to their new mounts, and future versions of this gad-
get will sport bug-eyes from which the corpulent owner can pretend he's thin again as he takes virtual strides at
60km/h around the racetrack.
Horse Racing
The breeding of horses, shipped from ports like Sur in Oman, has been a source of income
in Arabia for centuries. Now, partly thanks to the efforts of Lady Anne Blunt, a 19th-cen-
tury British horse breeder, the fleet-footed, agile Arab horse is raced all over the world.
During the flying season, October to February, 10,000 birds are tended at Doha's Falcon Hospital - a
measure of how popular the sport remains. Top falcons can cost up to US$1 million.
Horse racing is a major spectator event for Peninsula people and the event is at its most
expensive and glamorous in the Dubai Cup. Heads of states, royalty, celebrities and top
international jockeys gather for the occasion. Like Ascot in the UK it's
the
place to be
seen. The Meydan Racecourse in Dubai holds regular events.
Falconry
The ancient art of falconry is still practised across the Peninsula. It dates back at least to
the 7th century BC when tradition has it that a Persian ruler caught a falcon to learn from
its speed, tactics and focus. Modern owners continue to admire their birds and lavish love
and respect upon them.
East-West Football Connections
Wigan (Omani Ali Al-Habsi: goalkeeper)
Manchester City (Owned by Abu Dhabi and Etihad, football's biggestever sponsorship deal)
Barcelona (€150 million shirts from Qatar Foundation)
