His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, President of the Arab Camel Racing Federation, chaired the Federation's General Assembly meeting today in Manama, Bahrain. The meeting witnessed high-level attendance, with the participation of the Union of Arab Sports Federations, the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, and representatives of member Arab federations, reflecting the growing interest in developing this time-honored sport.
Strategic decisions and future milestones
The General Assembly discussed a range of vital topics on its agenda, all aimed at advancing the camel racing system in the Arab world. The meeting resulted in several important decisions, most notably the formation of committees within the Arab Camel Racing Federation to strengthen institutional work, and the launch of the Federation's redesigned website, intended to serve as a comprehensive media and digital platform.
In a move that sets the roadmap for future championships, the Arab Republic of Egypt was approved to host the third Arab Camel Championship, which will be held in the tourist city of Sharm El Sheikh in 2026. The new date for the first Arab Camel Championship was also approved, which will be hosted by the city of Tan-Tan in the Kingdom of Morocco during May 2026, which will enhance the spread of the sport in North Africa.
Cultural and sporting dimensions of camel racing
These decisions come within the framework of the Arab Camel Racing Federation's commitment to promoting authentic Arab cultural heritage. Camel racing is not merely a sporting competition, but an integral part of Arab identity and the region's history, known as "the sport of our forefathers." The choice of the Moroccan city of Tan-Tan is deeply significant, as the city is renowned for its Tan-Tan cultural festival, recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, thus linking the sport to its rich cultural and touristic significance.
Olympic ambitions and regional expansion
The meeting witnessed a significant announcement reflecting the Union's future aspirations: a request to include camel racing in the program of the 16th Arab Games, "Bahrain 2027." This step represents a qualitative leap aimed at giving camel racing an Olympic and official status, and expanding its base of participants and followers across the Arab world. The meeting also discussed the calendars of the member Arab federations and the Union's calendar for the 2025-2026 season to ensure coordination and integration among the various championships.
Thank you for your support and hospitality
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince, may God protect them, and to His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports, for their unlimited support which has contributed to camel racing attaining a prestigious position regionally and internationally.
His Highness also thanked the Bahrain Olympic Committee for its generous hosting of the General Assembly, congratulating the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership and people, on the occasion of their National Day, and wishing the Kingdom further progress and prosperity under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and his Crown Prince.
