Sharjah's Equestrian Heritage: From Camel Racing Festivals to World-Class Show Jumping in 2025

Sharjah's relationship with horses and camels extends far deeper than most UAE visitors realize, rooted in Bedouin heritage and carefully preserved through world-class sporting infrastructure. November 2025 marks the epicenter of this equestrian calendar, when the emirate hosts its 4th Sharjah Ruler's Camel Racing Festival alongside international show jumping championships. This convergence transforms Sharjah into the UAE's equestrian capital, attracting competitors, breeders, and enthusiasts from across the GCC—a celebration honoring centuries-old traditions while embracing contemporary sporting excellence.​

The 4th Sharjah Ruler's Camel Racing Festival: November 10-14

Launching November 10, 2025, the 4th Sharjah Ruler's Camel Racing Festival represents one of the UAE's most significant heritage and sporting events. Held at the iconic Al Dhaid Camel Racing Track, the five-day festival features 126 camel races across all categories: Al-Haqa'iq, Al-Luqaya, Al-Idha', Al-Thunaya, Al-Houl, and Al-Zumoul.​

The festival distinguishes itself through comprehensive programming. Morning and evening racing sessions accommodate participants and spectators across schedules, while 10 prestigious symbol races create flagship moments drawing media coverage and international attention. The festival attracts distinguished camel owners from UAE emirates and GCC countries, collectively fielding thousands of camels representing years of careful breeding and training.​

His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Maadad bin Huweidan Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Sharjah Camel Racing Club, emphasizes that the festival "carries authentic heritage values and cultural messages reflecting wise leadership's interest in preserving our forefathers' legacy". This institutional framing distinguishes camel racing from mere sport—it's cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and national pride converging.​

International Show Jumping: World-Class Competition

Beyond camel racing, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club hosts sophisticated show jumping competitions attracting international riders and spectators. The 2025-2026 Show Jumping season features multiple CSI (Concours Saut International) competitions—international federation-sanctioned events hosting elite competitors.​

Notable December events include:​

December 18-21: CSI1* Kalba Show Jumping Championships at Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, featuring international-level competition​

December 4-7: CSI2* and CSI1* competitions at Butheeb Equestrian Academy​

December 11-14: CSI4* Al Forsan Sports Resort hosting the season's most prestigious international event​

These competitions represent significant investment in equestrian infrastructure. Competitors travel internationally to participate, supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail sectors. The spectator experience—watching world-class riders navigate challenging jumps—provides entertainment rivaling any professional sport.​

Arabian Horse Auctions: Cultural and Commercial Heritage

The Sharjah Arabian Horse Auction (October 4, 2025, 3:00 PM at the Indoor Arena) showcases why Arabian horses remain culturally and commercially significant. The auction features prestigious studs including Al Qasimi Stables, Emirates Stud, Al Zubair Stud, Al Bidayer Stud, Al Hawajir Stud, and Al Abadilah Stables.​

Arabian horses represent more than equestrian excellence—they embody Bedouin heritage, with purebred bloodlines traced back centuries through meticulous breeding records. Auction attendees include international collectors, local enthusiasts, and serious breeders seeking to strengthen breeding programs. Previous auctions achieved remarkable sales values and participation levels, demonstrating sustained global interest.​

The auction provides rare opportunity to acquire elite horses with distinguished pedigrees, combining cultural authenticity with investment potential. For Arab horse enthusiasts worldwide, Sharjah auctions rank among the region's most significant events.​

The Al Asayl Exhibition: Heritage Industry Hub

Complementing competition events, the Al Asayl Exhibition at Expo Al Dhaid showcases the broader equestrian and heritage ecosystem. The 2025 edition gathered over 250 companies and brands specializing in horse, camel, and falcon supplies, with participation from official clubs and associations.​

Exhibitors showcase advanced equipment, innovative care products, and specialized tools designed for equestrian activities, falconry, and camel racing. This convergence creates a comprehensive marketplace where enthusiasts access everything from veterinary supplies to competition equipment to breeding consultation.​

The Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club: World-Class Infrastructure

The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club operates as the emirate's premier equestrian hub, hosting international competitions, Arabian horse auctions, and training programs. The facility features modern arenas, specialized training grounds, and professional staff ensuring competitions meet international standards.​

Free entry events welcome families and casual enthusiasts, democratizing access to equestrian sport. Kids' activities, food stalls, and engaging programming create family-friendly atmospheres transforming sport into social experience. EV charging facilities (120kW DC fast charger) reflect contemporary infrastructure standards.​

Horse Riding and Training: Accessible Excellence

Beyond professional competition, Sharjah offers accessible horse riding instruction and training. The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club provides lessons for beginners through advanced riders, with qualified instructors and well-schooled horses ensuring safe, enjoyable experiences.​

Riding lessons start at affordable rates (approximately AED 240-475 for group or private sessions), making equestrian sports accessible to diverse economic backgrounds. Year-round operation accommodates both beginners discovering horses for the first time and experienced riders maintaining competitive fitness.​

Camel Racing: Global Recognition

The UAE's prominence in camel racing reached new heights in October 2025 when the sport made its Asian Youth Games debut in Bahrain. Umair Al-Rashedi and Latifa Al-Ashkhair from the UAE won gold medals in the boys' and girls' races respectively, each completing the 500-meter race in 45 seconds.​

This international competition recognition validates camel racing's sporting legitimacy while showcasing Emirati excellence at the highest levels. The rapid race completion—45 seconds—demands extraordinary athleticism and precision training from both jockeys and animals.​

Cultural Significance Beyond Sport

For Emiratis and regional visitors, equestrian sport represents more than recreation. Camel racing connects to Bedouin heritage, sustaining traditions that modernization threatens to eliminate. Show jumping represents contemporary cosmopolitan excellence—international competition at global standards. Arabian horse breeding preserves genetic heritage, maintaining bloodlines dating back centuries.​

Together, these activities create cultural narrative: tradition honored through contemporary venues, heritage preserved through active practice rather than museum displays, and community values maintained through living sport.​

The November 2025 Convergence

As November arrives, Sharjah becomes equestrian epicenter. The Camel Racing Festivalcelebrates heritage while attracting thousands of enthusiasts. Show Jumping Championshipsdemonstrate contemporary equestrian excellence. Arabian Horse Auctions connect past and present through breeding practices. This convergence offers visitors and residents opportunity to experience authentic Emirati culture through living, thriving sports communities.​

Practical Information

Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club

• Address: Multiple venues (Kalba track for some events, various arenas)

• Entry: Free for most events

• Competitions: November-February peak season

• Contact: +971 (6) 531 1155

Al Dhaid Camel Racing Track

• November 10-14: 4th Ruler's Festival (126 races)

• Morning and evening sessions

• Family-friendly atmosphere

Visitor Tips

Arrive early for popular events to secure viewing locations. Bring sun protection for outdoor camel racing. Dress appropriately for cultural venues. Photography typically allowed but verify with event organizers. Restaurants and food stalls operate during major events.

The Future of Sharjah Equestrian Culture

Investment in facilities, professional management, and international competition positioning suggests Sharjah's equestrian culture will continue strengthening. As global equestrian tourism grows, Sharjah's authentic heritage, accessible facilities, and competitive opportunities position it competitively against established equestrian destinations.​

For cultural enthusiasts, sports fans, and heritage explorers, Sharjah's equestrian world offers rare convergence of authentic tradition and contemporary excellence—a reminder that UAE heritage doesn't exist in museums but thrives in living communities practicing centuries-old passions with modern professionalism.