Omani Camel Traditions
The region Al Batina holds regular festivals for camels, where many tribes from surrounding lands participate and compete, keeping old traditions alive and passing them on to younger generations. The practice of Ardha Races has been on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
A practice, that is still very undocumented (in English), and not known to many, we are partnering up with Auf Al Rabaie, to immerse ourselves in this world of camels, that is not far from the UAE, yet very different.
Join us for a cultural exploration of camel culture, witness the race, and participate in lessons on Omani riding practice.
Information
Key Points
1 night stay
Cost: AED 725 per person
Operator: Ahl Al Hijn Khaboura
Where: Saham, Oman
When: 07. – 8. Feb 2025
Riding level: trip doesn’t not include riding
Key Activities:
- Attendance of the festival race
- practical exploration of Omani riding gear
- Visit the camel gear souq
- Delicious meals
- Optional: Beach ride with horses
Camels
The camels in Al Batina area are mainly of the famous al Batina breed, beautiful red coloured females, delicate and energetic.
Riding camels is a way of life in this part of Oman. It is very common for young boys to start riding along their older brothers and their fathers.
Omanis take pride in their camels’ looks, beauty and training.
The gear and style of riding is different to the UAE, with a lot less back support.
Horses
On Saturday, there is an option to ride on the beach in Sohar, with small and compact, but fiery Arabian Horses (advanced riding skills required). Extra charge per horse 15 OMR.
If you are keen, try out the typical Omani saddle pad without stirrups.
Accommodation
We will stay at the hotel: Royal Suite Hotel Apartments in Saham.
Rooms will be shared unless requested for single occupancy at a sur charge of 90 AED.
The hotel offers basic amenities, in one bedroom apartments.
Included
Accommodation in shared rooms, guided attendance to the Ardha race, and visit to the special Souq of camel gear, all meals (Friday Dinner to Saturday Lunch), including, bilingual guide (English & Arabic).
Exclusions
The price does not include transfer from and to Dubai or other locations, visa fees, travel insurance, optional tips or purchases.
Transfers
ADCRC can assist with car pooling arrangements.
Meals
Meals will be typical Omani dishes such as:
Breakfast includes eggs, bread, coffee and tea and dates.
Dinner provided consists of typical Omani cuisine, which are rice dishes with meat and/or chicken cooked in a stew or grilled.
The last meal will be a hearty seafood lunch in Sohar, which we still dream about from last year.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for in limited capacity.
Packing List
The first morning, we will visit a traditional camel race event. It is required to dress modest (long pants for men and women, and t-shirt covering shoulders, long sleeves are recommended.)
To protect your head, it is recommended to wear a sheila, or head scarf, which can also be purchased in Oman. Footwear can be either barefoot, or sandals, that are fixed to the foot to avoid falling off while riding, but come of easily when entering houses/majilises.
Prices & Availability
This trip is specifically interesting for those who are looking to explore cultural elements in Oman, linked to camels.
Next ADCRC Trips
07./08. Feb 2025
AED 725 per person
Arrival in Saham, dinner is planned for 8 PM.
Dinner on a typical farm and social time. An initial briefing, explanation of the schedule and gather with the group
- Observe the Ardha Race in the morning before breakfast with our private guide
- Explore gear and riding styles, take lots of pictures
- Breakfast
- Return to hotel to refresh and checkout
- Visit the gear Souq
- Seafood lunch in a banana and date plantation in Sohar
English 
Arabic 
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