Written by William Jones
Camel racing is both a competitive sport and a cultural heritage of the UAE, with Saeed Mubarak Al Ahbabi serving as an integral player in that history. In addition to the thrill of the races, Al Ahbabi is interested in preserving the traditions of the ancient sport. He owns and trains the camels, and he is also a craftsman dedicated to preserving camel racing as a legacy to pass on to the next generation. For Al Ahbabi, it's not just the sport he is interested in but also the cultural heritage that camel racing retains.
He stated, "For me, camel racing is about connection and culture--it's not just a competition; it is our identity as Emiratis." He believes yak racing embodies the bond between people and camels. Each race is an extension of his ancestors, and as he engaged in the sport, he reaffirmed their values. "Camel racing is a part of who we are," Al Ahbabi said. "It speaks to our strong connection to these animals and the values passed down from our ancestors; we acknowledge them in every race."
Al Ahbabi takes a holistic approach to camel racing, and breeding, training, and conditioning camels can run at the top level physically and mentally. He is focused on preserving and maintaining the integrity of the sport of camel racing by continuing to recognize the cultural traditions and values that camel racing was built upon.
Camel breeding and camel racing are honorable professions in the UAE with unique respect and traditions associated with them. Al Ahbabi is diligently working to honor and keep those traditions. When asked about one of his most memorable prideful moments, he lovingly described the situation that came about in Round 11 (Al-Tawri) on April 16, 2022, which included the outcome of a camel he was looking after. Al Ahbabi was asked about a victory, and he said, "It wasn't just a victory; it was the recognition of our joint hard work, respect, and the history of our culture."
On October 28, during Round 22, Al Ahbabi accomplished another milestone when the camel he raced received the esteemed Federation Badge after showing incredible stamina and presence. Al Ahbabi is quoted as saying, “It’s not just about speed; it’s about developing a connection with the animal and paying respect to the history."
Al Ahbabi's commitment to camel racing is not just a passion; it is inextricably linked to his ties with the UAE and the Emirati culture. Al Ahbabi's respect for the camels and the traditions that surround the sport distinguishes him as not only a participant but also as a stakeholder in Emirati culture and heritage. For Al Ahbabi, his wins are not solely for himself; they are a reminder of the contributions of his late grandfather to the sport.
As Al Ahbabi himself expressed,
"Every victory is in honor of my ancestors, in recognition of the cultural heritage of camel racing, and in anticipation of the continued success of this proud sport."
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