Al Shahniya Racetrack

In the hamlet of Al Shahaniya, camel racing, traditionally regarded as the sport of the sheiks, is still practiced today. Since 1972, professional camel racing has been held in Qatar at the well-liked Al Shahaniya camel racetrack. You will be enchanted by the extraordinary opportunity to witness one of Qatar's most expensive and fiercely competitive sporting events. This event is so significant that a TV station exists solely for the purpose of broadcasting camel races, both domestically and internationally. 

Al-Shahaniya Racing Track, which hosts camel racing, is a one-hour drive north of the center of Doha. Events are hosted in full swing from November to February, including domestic and international tournaments. 

Up until recently, children as young as four were employed as jockeys. After the Qatari government forbade the employment of children in 2004 due to safety concerns, remote-controlled jockeys were used in place of young children. As they race the lean mammals on the sand track, toddler-sized robot jockeys in colorful racing silks amuse both locals and visitors. 

Last year, almost 6000 camels from Qatar and other countries participated in the Al-Shahaniya festival to compete for significant prizes, including golden and silver daggers. The victor of HH the Emir's Main Race, the festival's concluding competition, also received the sword of HH the Emir. His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Faysal Al Thani and the race's organizing committee sponsor the festival. 

How to explore Al Shahniya Racetrack? 

• Visit this racetrack from November to February, when important events like HH the Emir's Main Race are conducted. Observe these competitions to get a sense of Qatar's old culture. 
• Al Shahaniya hosts the first round of camel races in October, serving as the starting point for a season that includes regional competitions every Friday through February and the main events in March and April. 
• Watch the racing camels race at up to 40 mph and then maintain a 30 mph pace for up to an hour. 
• The built-in speaker will play the operator's command when the whip antenna is engaged. The jockey then tugs on the camel's reins while cheering it on. At this very moment, it is a thrilling experience to feel the intensity of the race. 
• You can explore the stables in the virtual camel city surrounding the racetrack. 
• Take a leisurely stroll across the paddocks and relax at the grandstand. 
• It is exciting to lean against the racetrack rails and watch herds of camels sprint around the track. 
• You are welcome to drop by any morning to observe the camel's training, even when there are no races. Take pleasure in the thrills and excitement of sheikhs' sport. 
• A trip to Al Shahaniya provides a rare chance to see some of the most costly and well-groomed camels in the world.