The national sport of the United Arab Emirates is camel racing, with falconry standing alongside it as the country's other deeply cherished traditional pursuit. Neither is codified in a single founding statute, but both are treated as the heart of Emirati sporting identity — rooted in centuries of Bedouin desert life and actively promoted by the state today. When Emiratis speak of their national sports, these two are what they mean: the thunder of racing camels across the sand and the patient art of hunting with a trained bird of prey.
Camel Racing: Heritage at Full Gallop
Camel racing is the closest thing the UAE has to a true national sport. For desert tribes, the camel was once survival itself — transport, milk, wool, and wealth — so racing the fastest animals became a natural expression of pride and competition. That heritage has been deliberately preserved as the country modernized at extraordinary speed.
Today the sport is anything but rustic. Purpose-built tracks ring cities such as Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, and the major festivals draw enormous crowds and even larger prize money — top races regularly carry purses well above one million dollars, with luxury cars and cash awarded to winning owners. Racing camels are bred, fed, and trained with the same care given to thoroughbred horses, and elite animals can change hands for vast sums. The season runs through the cooler winter months, when temperatures make long-distance racing across the dunes possible.
Robot Jockeys and a Modern Twist
The most striking feature of modern Emirati camel racing is who — or what — rides the camels. For generations, very light child jockeys were used, a practice that drew serious international human-rights criticism in the early 2000s. In response, the UAE banned the use of child jockeys and pioneered a high-tech alternative: small remote-controlled robot jockeys strapped to each camel's hump.
These lightweight robots are operated by owners and trainers who drive alongside the track in vehicles, controlling a mechanical arm that mimics the tap of a whip while the camel's owner shouts encouragement over a two-way radio. The result is a uniquely twenty-first-century spectacle: ancient animals racing across the desert, steered by robotics and SUVs. It is a vivid example of how the UAE blends tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Falconry: The Sport of Sheikhs
Falconry — hunting with trained birds of prey — is the UAE's other defining traditional sport and arguably its most prestigious cultural pursuit. Bedouin hunters originally used falcons to catch hares and houbara bustards to supplement their diet during long desert journeys. Over time, falconry evolved from necessity into an art form and a powerful symbol of Emirati identity.
The UAE has invested heavily in keeping falconry alive: there are dedicated falcon hospitals, breeding programmes, beauty contests, and even falcons issued their own passports for travel. In 2010, falconry was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a recognition the UAE championed alongside several partner nations. The falcon also appears prominently in Emirati national symbolism, including the country's coat of arms.
Football, Formula 1, and a Sporting Hub
While camel racing and falconry carry the cultural weight of national sports, football is by far the most popular spectator sport in the UAE. The national team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and the country has hosted the AFC Asian Cup, drawing passionate crowds to stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
The UAE has also become a magnet for global sporting events. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has closed the Formula 1 calendar at the Yas Marina Circuit since 2009, while Dubai hosts world-class tennis, golf, horse racing, and cricket. This mix of cherished local traditions and marquee international events reflects the UAE's broader ambition to be a crossroads of culture and commerce. You can learn more in our united arab emirates country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national sport of the United Arab Emirates?
Camel racing is regarded as the national sport of the UAE, with falconry held in equal cultural esteem. Both are traditional Bedouin pursuits that have been preserved and actively promoted as central to Emirati heritage, rather than being defined by a single law.
Why is camel racing so important in the UAE?
The camel was essential to desert survival for the Bedouin, providing transport, milk, and wealth. Racing the finest animals became a celebrated test of breeding and skill, and the UAE has invested in modern tracks, large prize purses, and careful breeding to keep the tradition thriving.
Do real people ride the racing camels?
No. After child jockeys were banned in the early 2000s, the UAE introduced small remote-controlled robot jockeys. Owners drive alongside the track in vehicles and operate the robots, making it a striking blend of ancient sport and modern technology.
Is football popular in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes. Football is the most popular spectator sport in the UAE. The national team has reached the FIFA World Cup, and the country has hosted the AFC Asian Cup, with strong domestic and fan support across its major cities.
