Al Marmoom Heritage Festival 2026
Attend the Final Days of Al Marmoom Heritage Festival
The highlight of the day is the iconic Sword of the Emirates race, where the region’s finest camels compete for one of the most coveted titles in the sport.
Guests can enjoy live races from multiple vantage points, including the grandstand or alongside the track on the Big Bus (seats are limited), while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of heritage, competition, and community.
Festival Racing Overview
Total Duration: 12 days
Total Race Rounds: 23 rounds
Race Distances: 4 km, 5 km, 6 km, and 8 km
Race Categories: Hagaqa, Lagaya, Jatha’a, Thanaya, Haul, and Zumool
Divisions: Tribesmen & Sheikhs
Daily Start Times: 06:30 and 13:30 (morning and afternoon sessions on most days)
Spanning 12 consecutive race days, the festival will host an extensive racing program comprising 333 races and is expected to attract more than 6,000 camels from across the UAE and the wider Gulf region — reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event in the camel racing calendar.
Public Experience & Big Bus Access
To enhance the visitor experience, a dedicated Big Bus spectator service will operate on selected peak days:
Saturdays
Sundays
Final Day — Thursday, 2 April
The service provides convenient transport and guided access for spectators wishing to witness the races, learn about camel racing traditions, and experience the excitement of this unique heritage sport.
A Landmark Celebration of Emirati Heritage
The Al Marmoom Heritage Festival stands as a living testament to the UAE’s deep-rooted traditions, bringing together owners, trainers, and racing teams in a celebration of endurance, skill, and cultural pride.
Set within the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Area, the event offers a rare opportunity for residents and international visitors to experience camel racing in its authentic desert environment — where centuries-old traditions meet world-class sporting organization.
With hundreds of races and thousands of camels competing, the festival represents one of the largest gatherings of camel racing talent in the region.
Invitation to the Public
The Dubai Camel Racing Club warmly invites families, heritage enthusiasts, tourists, and media representatives to attend and experience this extraordinary event firsthand.
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit during the morning from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM or in the afternoon from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, when the weather is most pleasant and the races are in full swing. The event is held at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track, located on al Ain Road, just a 30 minutes drive outside the city, with ample parking and easy access.
Admission is free, and visitors are kindly reminded to dress modestly when attending the camel races, respecting the cultural norms of the UAE.
Include a visit to Nawras Restaurant for traditional Emirati Cuisine before or after the races.
