Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 16, 2024 – In a groundbreaking moment for women’s sports, the inaugural all-women camel race held in Riyadh witnessed an extraordinary display of skill and determination from Dubai-based riders. Taking place at the newly inaugurated race course in Janadriah, Riyadh, on February 16, 2024, the event marked a significant milestone in the realm of traditional camel racing.

The race, part of the esteemed “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival,” showcased the prowess of female jockeys who are breaking barriers and defying stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of camel racing. Among the participants were Coralie Viroulaud, Reem Salem, and Linda Krockenberger, representing the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC) in Dubai, where they honed their skills for this historic competition.

Coralie Viroulaud (France) emerged as the champion, capturing first place with a remarkable display of agility and strategy. Following closely behind, Reem Salem (Yemen) secured the second position, while Linda Krockenberger (Germany) claimed third place, completing the podium sweep for the Dubai-based riders. Their outstanding performances not only exemplify their individual talents but also underscore the collective dedication and hard work of the ADCRC team. The team of 8 secured 5 top 10 placements.

“We are thrilled to witness this historic moment in women’s camel racing, with our riders excelling on the international stage,” said Obaid Al Falasi for the ADCRC. “Coralie, Reem, and Linda’s achievements reflect the commitment and passion they have poured into their training, and we are incredibly proud of their success.”

The participation of Dubai-based riders in the first all-women camel race in Riyadh signifies the growing prominence of women in traditional heritage sports and underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talents. The single women race saw 15 female participants and there were 6 races for men on the same day.

“Of course, we are happy to take home the 3 medals. We competed with camels also from the UAE, and are proud to represent our chosen home. At the same time, we are so happy to see more women from Saudi Arabia, as well as from Oman joining the competition. We see there is a strong interest in camels and camel sports from women, but there were limited opportunities to participate. This is finally changing and we are happy to be part of this change.” , says Linda Krockenberger, who is also the team coach.

As the sport of camel racing continues to evolve and embrace inclusivity, events like this serve as a testament to the progress being made towards gender equality in sports and society at large. The success of Coralie, Reem, and Linda sends a powerful message of empowerment and inspiration to women around the world, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.