Post by : Meena Ariff

Al Marmoom Camel Race Track in Dubai will host the fifth edition of the C1 Championship on November 8 — the series that began as the world’s first all-female camel racing competition and has since grown into a high-profile sporting event.

Launched in 2021 by the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC), the C1 Championship has evolved from a pioneering idea into an influential platform that blends sporting ambition with social inclusion and cultural celebration.

Camel racing is a long-established Emirati pastime, long associated with endurance and social status. While traditionally male-dominated, the sport has opened up in recent years, embracing modern approaches and broader participation. The C1 Championship has played a central role in demonstrating how heritage sports can adapt while retaining their roots.

Broader Format and Global Entrants

This season is the most extensive to date: for the first time the programme will feature men’s races alongside the women’s events, and organisers have introduced a new Women’s 2,000-metre contest that raises the competitive standard.

The entry list includes jockeys from 12 nationalities such as the UAE, Jordan, France, Switzerland and the United States. Over its first four years the championship has drawn large crowds and generated more than 50 million media impressions, underscoring the sport’s growing international resonance.

The global profile of camel racing is on the rise: the sport featured at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October and is due to appear at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia in November. The C1 Championship supports this momentum by developing riders, increasing visibility and promoting women's participation across the sport.

Leadership and Purpose

Linda Krockenberger, the founder of the C1 Championship and the ADCRC, has steered the initiative since its inception. She stresses that the project was intended to expand opportunities rather than disrupt tradition, arguing that opening access strengthens cultural practices.

Krockenberger highlights the transition from a small group of pioneering women riders to a diverse international cohort. She credits mentorship from Obaid bin Subaih Al Falasi and encouragement from UAE leadership for helping normalise inclusive competition in a sport with deep roots.

Plans for Growth and Legacy

Looking ahead, organisers are focused on governance, athlete pathways and international cooperation. The Arabian Desert Sprint will widen the race programme and introduce youth categories, including events for boys, to help build a multi-generational pipeline.

ADCRC intends to run intensive daily training for aspiring jockeys, with a particular emphasis on preparing international athletes for elite contests. Collaboration with the World Camelid Sports Federation is also under way to seek broader inclusion of camel racing in multi-sport events.

As the C1 Championship moves into its next phase, it aims to balance tradition with innovation — fostering participation, improving standards and elevating camel racing’s profile on the world stage.

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