Oman Announces Schedule for His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Racing Festival 2026

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Royal Camel Corps has officially unveiled the race schedule for the prestigious His Majesty the Sultan’s Camel Racing Festival 2026, set to take place from March 28 to April 2 at Al Fulaij Racetrack in the Wilayat of Barka. The highly anticipated festival will feature a total of 85 races across various camel categories, highlighting the rich equestrian heritage of the Sultanate of Oman.

Humaid Ali Al Zarei, Director General of the Royal Camel Corps at the Royal Court Affairs, emphasized that camel racing continues to receive unwavering support and patronage from His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. He noted that the sport holds deep cultural significance in Oman and plays a vital role in preserving the authenticity of Omani camel breeds.

Al Zarei affirmed that the Royal Camel Corps remains committed to promoting and advancing camel racing by organizing the annual festival, which offers valuable prizes to winning she-camels across all race categories. He added that the event will include traditional long-distance “Al Ardah” races featuring human riders, as well as “Al Zamt” races, considered the foundation of modern camel racing. Winners in these categories will be honored with significant prizes during the closing ceremony.

In addition to the races, the festival will host a heritage village showcasing products and achievements of the Royal Court Affairs, alongside traditional handicrafts, small business offerings, cultural performances, and interactive activities and competitions for children.

Al Zarei further confirmed that all technical and logistical preparations for both the festival and the accompanying heritage village have been finalized by the organizing committees.

The Royal Camel Corps also announced a special provision for the final day of the festival, stating that it will purchase the she-camels that secure first place in races one through five. While the Corps retains the option to assign these camels to new trainers or leave them with their current trainers, the sale will be mandatory for owners and optional for the Royal Camel Corps.

The festival is expected to draw significant participation from camel owners, trainers, and enthusiasts, reaffirming its status as one of Oman’s most prominent cultural and sporting events.