{
  "id": 5937463,
  "title": "Camel racing in the UAE: A living heritage with a global future",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/camel-racing-in-the-uae-a-living-heritage-with-a-global-future",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T08:03:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/camel-racing-in-the-uae-a-living-heritage-with-a-global-future-1.500664770"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Camel racing in the UAE is more than a traditional sport; it is a living expression of national identity and a powerful example of how heritage can be protected, developed and presented to the world. The sport embodies values such as patience, determination, generosity and belonging, which have been woven into the social and cultural fabric of the Emirates for generations. Today, camel racing has become part of a broader national story about safeguarding heritage and presenting it to the global community.\n\nThe UAE’s commitment to preserving its heritage is evident in its membership of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists, which includes camel racing alongside other traditional practices such as falconry, Al Sadu and Arabic calligraphy. The UAE has invested in advanced racetracks, organized major festivals and championships, and established veterinary services and institutional frameworks to support camel racing across generations. The UAE Camel Racing Federation, led by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, plays a pivotal role in preserving the sport’s authenticity while promoting its cultural and social significance.\n\nBeyond the infrastructure and competitions, camel racing is a social and cultural event that brings owners, families and spectators together to share stories of commitment and pride. The racetracks serve as meeting points between generations, connecting traditional knowledge with modern Emirati life. To enhance the preservation and global reach of camel racing, technology, particularly artificial intelligence, can support race management, performance analysis, digital archiving, and the organization of historical records. It can also make information more accessible to researchers, younger generations and international audiences.\n\nUsing technology thoughtfully can give heritage a new voice, making it more engaging and relevant for younger generations who consume culture differently. The challenge is to ensure that innovation serves authenticity rather than weakening it. By telling the deeper stories of camel racing—such as the dedication of its practitioners, the transmission of knowledge between generations, the development of regulations and veterinary practices, and the economic activities surrounding major festivals—the sport can become a stronger instrument of cultural diplomacy and soft power. The UAE has shown that modernization does not require abandoning tradition; instead, a nation confident in its identity can leverage innovation to protect its heritage and extend its influence.",
  "summary": "Camel racing in the UAE is far more than a traditional sport. It is a living expression of national identity — one that carries the memory of the desert, the values of earlier generations, and an enduring connection between Emiratis and their land. For generations, camels have been woven into the social and cultural fabric of the Emirates. The racing tradition embodies patience, determination,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Camel racing in UAE is a living heritage and national identity.",
    "UAE is a member of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.",
    "UAE Camel Racing Federation preserves authenticity while promoting cultural significance."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}