On Sunday, the curtain fell on the 19th edition of the Suluk camel racing championship, organized by the Fazza Races Management in the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Center. The finals, held at the Al Marmoum Camel Racing Club in Dubai, were characterized by strength and close competition, with eight thrilling heats that confirmed the tournament's advanced standing in the region. The final competitions featured elite camel jockeys in the professional, owner, and amateur categories. The long season of preparation and training was evident in the closely matched performances, reflected in the nature of the races, which were decided by narrow margins. A large crowd followed the details of each heat until the very end. In the amateur category, Qatari riders dominated. Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiti won the 2000-meter female race on the camel 'Lahza' with a time of 2.07 minutes. Second place went to Hamad Al-Shamsi on 'Bahraja' (2.08 minutes), and third to Hamad Al-Kuwari on 'Ma'araka' (2.09 minutes). Al-Sulaiti also won the 2000-meter male race on 'Muntaher' (2.08 minutes). Second was Juma Al-Janabi on 'Prestige' (2.118 minutes), and third was Amer Al-Mansouri on 'S2' (2.119 minutes). In the owner category, Saif Al-Balushi won the 2000-meter female race on 'Qamra' (2.11 minutes). Second was Majid Al-Mahiri on 'Rimas' (2.12 minutes), and third was Mattar Al-Hassani on 'Rumuz' (2.13 minutes). In the male owner race, Hamad Al-Katbi won on '38R' (2.115 minutes). Second was Jaber Al-Balushi on '20R' (2.118 minutes), and third was Majid Al-Mahiri on '19R' (2.12 minutes). Rashid Al-Khalifani, Director of Fazza Races Management, and Juma Al-Mahiri, Chairman of the Technical Committee, honored the top winners in the presence of technical committee members. Al-Khalifani stated that the advanced technical levels achieved are the result of a comprehensive institutional effort between the federation and clubs, based on scientific preparation and enhancing the athletes' readiness for various competition styles. Mariam Al-Matroushi, Deputy Director of the Finance Department in Fujairah, noted that the large public attendance reflects the growing popularity of camel racing and the significant public engagement in following its events. Omar Al-Mazmi, a player from Sharjah Club for Combat Sports, who won gold in the under-18, 46kg category, shared his experience, praising the high level of competition and thanking the organizers for their role in hosting an event worthy of its stature and history.
