Over the hump

Few days ago, AWARE association organized another great activity for foreigners in Kuwait to discover some costumes and particularities in this country. This time were the camel races, an event which is celebrated between November and April, and it normally attracts both locals from all kind of social sphere and visitants who want to know more about this peculiar tradition.

Camel races are not just taking place in Kuwait, but they are also popular in other countries in the Middle East. The main difference compared with other places is the use of remote-controlled robots instead human jockeys. It was normal before that short height people and even children do this role. Humanitarian organizations used to be provoked into outrage by this and their pressure convinced the organizers of the races to use new technologies since 2005. The robot is a small artifact with a plastic stick emulating a whip, which is hitting the camel on the back during the race. Meanwhile, the owner of the camel follows the race inside a car, directing robot’s movements using a kind of remote control.

The distance covered by the camels (although I think it is better to call them dromedaries because they only have one hump) in a race depends on their age. The youngest ones run 3 kilometers, while the oldest ones can finish up to 11 kilometers tracks. The maximum speed this animal can reach is around 65 km/hour. Normally light complexion camels are selected for this competition, and they are usually trained in special farms with a strict diet composed basically by milk, corn and some vitamins.

The fact of using animals for races, considering that they can suffer, outrages logically animal rights groups. However, although without any intention of justify this cultural practice, the camel is one of the most valued, beloved and well treated animals in Kuwait. I don’t have any doubt if I think of everything camels can contribute, such as means of transportation through the desert or providing food, like milk and butter, which we could try just there.

 

  I have to admit that the races didn’t make feel too many emotions; actually I felt a bit uncomfortable watching those devices shaking their sticks, but at the end it was not so bad. It was a good opportunity to leave the city, reaching the border of the desert, and having the chance to see closer these animals. Some of them are quite tame and you can stroke them, but with others you have to be careful. If you have some free Saturday, don’t hesitate and go to the Kuwait Camel Racing Club to have a look, it is actually a curious and different experience.