UAE -

Abu Dhabi – attractions, architecture and local vibe of the UAE

Gosia — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:47:21 +0000

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the largest emirate in the UAE, may not boast a vast array of tourist attractions, but it is undoubtedly worth a visit. At first glance, it’s evident that the city is primarily designed for its residents. While nearby Dubai is dominated by tourists, Abu Dhabi seems to be more overlooked by them. Unlike Dubai, where the economy now heavily relies on new technologies and tourism, Abu Dhabi remains self-sufficient thanks to its oil production, preserving its unique local character. Traditionally, the city center features numerous skyscrapers. Some of them may be a bit overwhelming in their design, but as they say, there’s no accounting for tastes 😉. Overall, Abu Dhabi seems like a testing ground for various bold architectural ideas. A great example is the Capital Gate, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. Standing at 160 meters tall with 35 floors, the building leans 18 degrees -14 degrees more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is the world’s most tilted building, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records. This extreme tilt was made possible by a robust foundation consisting of 490 piles, the largest of which have a diameter of up to one meter and are placed 30 meters underground. Another fascinating structure is the Aldar HQ, often referred to as the “coin” due to its unique circular shape. The convex effect was achieved by joining diamond-shaped segments. Interestingly, despite its seemingly delicate design, the building must withstand significant wind loads due to its large surface area. While Abu Dhabi’s downtown may not be as spectacular as Dubai’s, it offers a distinct, more local atmosphere. Modern architecture is seamlessly integrated with historic landmarks. A perfect example of this blend is Qasr Al Hosn, translated as the Fortified Palace and also known as the White Fort due to its characteristic white color. Built in the 18th century, it is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. Back then, the site of today’s modern city was just a fishing village, and the fort was constructed to protect trade routes. The city center also features two parks: Capital Park and Formal Park, located adjacent to each other. Capital Park serves as a primary leisure spot for locals, offering picnic shelters, fountains, playgrounds, and a basketball court. Formal Park, on the other hand, is situated next to the promenade, providing a unique vantage point for observing Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers. The promenade itself is a fantastic spot for evening jogging or leisurely walks, especially during sunset, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the beach. Abu Dhabi can also be admired from a different perspective from the opposite Al Marina. For a taste of local culture, visiting a date market is a must. Dates have long played a significant role in Middle Eastern culture and are inseparably associated with this region. The market offers around 45 varieties of dates, filling the air with their sweet aroma and covering counters with their abundance. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with local vendors and sample regional delicacies. After exploring the entire market, it’s almost guaranteed that no one will leave hungry. Alongside dates, the market offers date syrup, chocolates, jams, other dried fruits, and nuts. Visiting in the evening is recommended, as bargaining tends to be more effective then. Nearby, there’s also a fruit and vegetable market where fresh produce can be purchased at reasonable prices. Abu Dhabi, although often overshadowed by nearby Dubai, has its own unique charm and character that are worth exploring. Alongside its modern architecture, visiting the parks, promenade, or local market allows you to experience the city’s distinctive local atmosphere.

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Road trip – United Arab Emirates and Oman

Gosia — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:14:47 +0000

Road trip in the United Arab Emirates and Oman is an interesting experience. Imagine a multi-lane highway stretching to the horizon—perfectly marked, as flat as a tabletop, and practically devoid of other vehicles. It’s tempting to push the car to its limits. However, this illusion is shattered when you notice speed cameras placed every three kilometres. And don’t be fooled; these cameras are fully functional. Both countries boast some of the most advanced radar systems in the world. Fortunately, during my 3,500 km journey, I managed to avoid testing the fines for speeding. Observing the law-abiding behaviour of other drivers, it’s clear the penalties must be severe. Speed Limits Unfortunately, the speed limits were another letdown. Highways typically have limits ranging from 100 to 120 km/h (60-70 mph). Surprisingly, city limits range from 60 to 80 km/h (40-50 mph), though the latter is more common. Residential streets are limited to 40 km/h (25 mph), though I didn’t experience these firsthand as I didn’t need to go to these zones. Speed cameras aren’t marked, but in the desert landscape, the black or grey boxes are easy to spot from a distance. Regardless, you can expect them every three kilometres. This kind of driving can be monotonous and tiring, requiring constant attention to speed limits and restraint on the gas pedal. The roads are largely uneventful, and the surroundings monotonous. Abu Dhabi offered some respite, with highway limits of up to 140 km/h. On one occasion, I drove on a road with a 160 km/h limit—an international highway from Abu Dhabi toward Saudi Arabia. However, I’ve heard there’s no buffer for exceeding these limits in Abu Dhabi. On secondary roads, speed cameras are much less common, or even absent. These roads are in excellent condition, allowing for higher speeds, which local drivers often exploit. 😀 Safety Considerations While the roads are generally very safe, there are a few things to watch out for: U-Turn Lanes on Highways. Collision-prone U-turn lanes are equipped with widened shoulders to allow vehicles to merge dynamically without obstructing fast-moving traffic. Speed Bumps. Poorly designed speed bumps, especially in Oman, are a nightmare. If driving a regular car, approach them at an angle for safety. Desert Winds. In Abu Dhabi’s desert areas, lightweight vehicles can be unexpectedly pushed to another lane by strong gusts of wind. The absence of trees or other visual cues makes it hard to anticipate such conditions. Driving Culture This was perhaps the most surprising aspect of the trip. I had braced myself for typical chaos on Arab roads, remembering driving madness in Lebanon. 😀 However, drivers in the UAE and Oman are disciplined and courteous. Driving was trouble-free and predictable, making these countries excellent for those new to renting cars abroad. In Dubai, even pedestrians are given the right of way! Road Signage The well-developed road system, particularly around Dubai, includes numerous exits, flyovers, and traffic lanes. I often found myself on roads with up to eight lanes in one direction. Clear road signs were crucial, with exits labeled by name and number, as well as lane-specific guidance. Combined with Google Maps’ voice navigation, I could navigate without constantly referring to the map. Tolls Toll roads exist primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Maps of the toll gates are available online (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). To use Dubai’s toll roads, you need to register in the Salik system (Salik registration) or Darb in Abu Dhabi (Darb registration), and place a tag on your windshield (mandatory only in Dubai). Salik tags are available online or at gas stations. The good news is that most rental cars are pre-registered for both systems, and toll charges are billed upon car return. However, confirm this when picking up your car. Personally, I switched on the “avoid tolls” option on Google Maps, as toll-free roads are of excellent quality. Car Rentals Airports in the UAE and Oman offer a wide selection of rental companies. I rented a car from Hertz in the UAE for 720 PLN for eight days and added full insurance for 430 PLN on-site. In Oman, I rented a car from Europcar for three days at 660 PLN, also with full insurance. To minimize costs, I chose mini-class cars. Interestingly, in Oman, I was given a Hyundai Elantra, while in the UAE, I received a brand-new Toyota Yaris. Both cars were in excellent condition. However, Hertz did not allow cross-border trips to Oman. While most attractions are accessible with regular cars, a 4WD may be necessary in some parts of Oman. Required Documents In addition to your driver’s license, you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) compliant with the Vienna Convention. I didn’t encounter a single roadside check during my trip. Police presence was minimal, and when I did see them, their vehicles were inconspicuous rather than flashy. Navigation I relied on Google Maps without issues. Minor complications arose in central Dubai due to construction and new infrastructure. In Oman, I bought a SIM card at the airport, taking advantage of a Vodafone promotion: 5 OMR for 15 GB. In the UAE, I used my roaming package. Public Transport in Dubai I strongly advise against driving in central Dubai due to heavy traffic and limited parking. The metro is the most convenient option. Tickets or Nol cards can be purchased at metro stations (Nol card info). There are two types of cards: Silver and Gold. Gold cards provide access to premium carriages with more seating and fewer passengers, located at either end of the train. Each platform is separated from the tracks by glass panels, with clear markings for each carriage class. Additionally, there are pink carriages exclusively for women and children. The public transport system in Dubai is zone-based, with fares ranging from 3 to 7.5 AED for Silver cardholders and 4 to 8.5 AED for Gold cardholders. The card costs 25 AED, with 19 AED available for travel. For more information, including metro maps and schedules, visit Dubai Metro. Road transport in the UAE and Oman is highly developed. While speed cameras and speed limits can be inconvenient, driving is safe and predictable thanks to disciplined drivers. In Dubai, using public transport is recommended to avoid traffic congestion. Renting a car is easy, and most attractions are accessible with a regular vehicle. An international driving permit is required, although roadside checks are rare. Both the UAE and Oman are ideal destinations for a smooth and comfortable road trip. Finally, the signs warning of deep excavations… They were incredibly amusing, especially considering the scale of them. 😉

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Masdar – The City of the Future?

Gosia — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:10:55 +0000

Masdar was created by the Emir of Abu Dhabi, who commissioned the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston to research renewable energy sources. As a result, the concept of a self-sustaining, zero-CO2 city powered entirely by renewable energy emerged. To test this idea in practice, an area approximately 17 km southeast of Abu Dhabi (near Abu Dhabi International Airport) was selected. The project began in 2006, with an estimated cost of $22 billion and an expected completion date of 2016. However, due to the economic crisis, the final completion date was pushed to 2040. In Arabic, “Masdar” means “source” and refers to the technological innovations to be implemented in the city. Masdar draws energy from a 10-megawatt photovoltaic plant, one of the largest in the Middle East. Additionally, buildings in the city are equipped with photovoltaic installations. Instead of standard switches, light sensors are used, significantly reducing energy consumption. To save energy, Masdar was built using passive design techniques, which include: – positioning windows to minimize direct sunlight exposure,– insulating buildings and using reflective construction materials,– implementing natural ventilation in buildings. Masdar was constructed 7.5 meters above ground level to improve airflow. Interestingly, at the city’s center stands a 45-meter wind tower that captures wind, cools it, and directs it to the street level. Special sensors at the top, enable efficient positioning of shutters to direct airflow. This is a simple solution, known for centuries in desert regions. The city’s northeast orientation also reduces sunlight exposure. Buildings are placed close together, limiting light penetration, which is crucial as summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C. These solutions lower the city’s temperature by 5-10 degrees compared to nearby Abu Dhabi. The close proximity of buildings does not compromise residents’ privacy, as walls taper downward. Extended roofs protect facades from heating, and balconies are designed to maximize shade. Buildings are equipped with daylighting systems to illuminate interiors. Skylights embedded in walkways provide light to the underground areas. Waste is sorted at homes and collected directly through chutes to an underground landfill. Water is partially sourced from the air via a water tower that collects water vapor. Masdar is a pedestrian-only city, with no cars allowed. Transportation will be realised underground, using autonomous electric taxis running on special magnetic tracks. Masdar is also testing the use of geothermal waters for thermal cooling and providing hot water for buildings. The aim is to recycle 80% of the water used, with plans for multiple reuses. Special underground water recovery systems are designed for irrigating crops. Masdar serves as a testing ground for numerous research projects focused on sustainable development. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology develops renewable energy solutions here. At the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, new AI technologies are being developed. The Siemens building in the complex, features eco-friendly solutions, reducing water consumption by nearly 50% and electricity use by 46%. Solar collectors on its roof cover 75% of the hot water demand. Another noteworthy building is the Innovation Incubator, characterized by slanted walls that reduce sunlight exposure inside by 30%, thus minimizing cooling costs. Masdar looks very modern yet retains a unique character by applying Arabic architecture. Its target area is 6 km², with a planned population of 50,000 residents and 40,000 employees from outside the city. Currently, it’s halfway completed and is home to only 15,000 people, primarily associated with the companies and institutions operating there. Full infrastructure, such as schools, kindergartens, and cultural-entertainment facilities, hasn’t been developed yet. What is its future? It’s hard to say, as uncertainty around the success of this investment currently poses a significant obstacle to its settlement. Do you like the post? Find out more about United Arab Emirates here!

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Dubai – MegaStructures

Gosia — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:07:54 +0000

Dubai had been on my mind for quite some time. I still remember watching an episode of “Mega Structures” about 10 years ago, fascinated by the extreme project of building this city. Today, when observing this ultra-modern metropolis, it’s hard to believe that not so long ago, Dubai’s land was a desert inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The city’s rapid development followed the discovery of oil deposits in the 1960s. Dubai’s futuristic vision slowly started to materialise. The skyscrapers reaching the clouds like Burj Khalifa leave an incredible impression. However, the scale of this project becomes even more astonishing when you consider the challenging conditions in which the city was built. The Emirates’ land is mostly covered in sand. The desert ground posed a significant challenge to maintaining the stability of high buildings. To ensure balance, the buildings’ foundations were constructed using piles dug deep into the ground. For instance, the 163-floor Burj Khalifa, standing at 828 metres, rests on a foundation made of 192 piles rammed 50 metres deep. Today, from the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the city, the desert, and the Persian Gulf. The city looks particularly stunning at sunrise. If you plan to visit Burj Khalifa early in the morning, allocate enough time to get there. The route from the metro station leads through a long corridor, which can take up to 30 minutes. It’s also worth arriving shortly before sunrise because when the sun is slightly above the horizon, its rays can make visibility through the glass more challenging. The area around Burj Khalifa is also worth visiting in the evening. On the artificial lake, there’s a performance of dancing fountains. The show starts daily at 6:00 PM and is reapeated every half hour until 11:00 PM. The most imaginative architectural creations in Dubai include artificial islands. One such island hosts Burj Al Arab, one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, standing at 321 meteres. The hotel’s construction cost $650 million. The greatest challenge during construction was ensuring the stability of the high structure. This was achieved by a base made of 230 piles rammed 40 metres deep. There’s a helipad at the top, which has also served as a stage for David Guetta. You can watch this spectacular concert here. Inside Burj Al Arab, you’ll find the largest ceiling adorned with over 21,000 Swarovski crystals symbolising the Milky Way. Additionally, the interior décor includes 1,790 square metres of 24-carat gold. The hotel houses over 200 suites, with the smallest measuring 169 square metres and the largest 780. Guests can choose from 17 types of pillows and dine at nine restaurants, one of which is underwater. The hotel employs three chefs with seven Michelin stars. A beautiful view of Burj Al Arab can be seen from Madinat Jumeirah, a replica of an Arabic town that features hotels, a local souk, and numerous restaurants. A relatively new attraction is the Dubai Frame, located in Zabeel Park. The frame offers incredible views of Dubai. Its construction cost $44 million, and the structure rises to 150 metres. It’s the largest frame in the world, and I doubt anyone else would think of building something similar. The Dubai Frame is open to visitors, with a museum on the ground floor showcasing Dubai’s transformation from a small fishing village to a futuristic city. At the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Dubai. The Museum of the Future also stands out with its surprising design. Its unique shape, silver colour, and Arabic calligraphy make it one of a kind. The inscriptions on the building reportedly form a poem by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, describing his vision for the city’s future. Next to the Museum of the Future are two iconic towers, the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, and a striking building that serves as the gateway to the Dubai International Financial Centre. Before visiting the Mall of the Emirates, I thought Ski Dubai—a ski center—was a small attraction. However, the complex includes five artificially snow-covered slopes, the longest of which is 400 meters. The slopes are served by two drag lifts and one chairlift. What’s more, despite Dubai’s scorching heat, Ski Dubai maintains a constant temperature between -1 and 2°C (30 to 36 °F). Besides the slopes, there’s also a snow park, sledding track, ice rink, and ice cave. Remarkably, Ski Dubai is home to penguins. Ticket prices include equipment and outfit. If skiing isn’t enough, you can head to the Dubai Mall, which features a massive ice rink. In the evening, visit Dubai Marina in the southern part of the city. Along the 7-kilometer boulevard, you’ll find many cozy cafes and restaurants. Luxury yachts and boats are docked along the artificial waterway. However, Dubai isn’t all glass and concrete. Just outside the city centre you can visit the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s an incredible place where you can see large populations of flamingos posing for photos with skyscrapers in the background. It’s hard to believe that hundreds of birds choose this spot near a busy road so close to the centre of a giant metropolis. The sanctuary is home to around 180 bird species, including herons, ospreys, cranes, cormorants, and mallards. Entry is free, and three observation points are available for visitors. Ras Al Khor is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter and from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from April to September.

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Freefall, skydiving in Dubai – How I Went Bananas

Gosia — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:59:24 +0000

Freefall in Dubai had long been on my bucket list. I’ve always felt most comfortable in wide, open space where I could take in vast landscapes from above. Perhaps this stems from my childhood which I spent on hiking in the mountains. Being a tiny dot in a vast area gives me a deep sense of inner peace. That’s why, at some point, it occurred to me, why not remove one more element from this equation—completely detach myself from the ground under my feet, and jump out of a plane with a parachute? For a long time, I was pushing this idea to the back of my mind. The thought of skydiving excited me immensely, but it was like saving the best part of a meal for last. I knew that once I did it, there likely wouldn’t be anything more thrilling in the air left for me to experience. Then the moment came when I took my first jump. It was incredible—better than I had ever imagined. While I could envision freefall, I’d never really thought about the act of jumping out of the plane itself. That moment was a game changer for me. For those afraid of the jump, this could be the scariest part. But right after, there’s a surge of adrenaline so intense that fear disappears completely. Later I jumped two more times, and I confirmed what I’d suspected: the emotions and mystery connected with the first jump can’t be repeated. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience. However, I noticed something interesting—subsequent jumps weren’t as extremely thrilling, but they offered me greater awareness of what was happening around me. I could focus more on what I saw and felt, it wasn’t just an adrenaline rush. However, I still craved that thrill. My last jump, in particular, stood out. My instructor agreed to set a record for flips right after exiting the plane. He specifically used his private camera for this, which is why the video below was recorded from two perspectives. Generally, after jumping out of the plane, instructors sometimes need to perform such thing to stabilize the tandem flight. For me, this part was the most thrilling—I felt a complete sense of weightlessness as the world spun around me like a whirlwind. It was like a roller coaster, but in the sky. After these three jumps, I took a longer break. But at the beginning of this year, the thought came back to me… It’s that feeling when you know you have to do something, or it’ll drive you crazy! 😄 This time, I decided to go all in and tick skydiving over the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai off my bucket list. Seeing the Palm Jumeirah is similar to viewing the Empire State Building in NYC—you need the right perspective to fully appreciate it. The only way is from above. Hence, a helicopter ride in New York was a natural consequence, while in Dubai the only option was skydiving. Skydiving: The Technical Side The entire process begins with a short training session. The instructor explains the exit position, holding onto the harness, and waiting for a tap on the shoulder after the jump, signaling that it’s safe to move your arms freely. You’re also taught a so called “banana position”—a special position of the body during free fall where you arch your head and legs backward, creating a cradle-like shape. This position ensures flight stability and comfort. Falling at 200 km/h makes it impossible to hold your head down due to the air pressure, which makes breathing difficult. The training ends with instructions before landing, when you bend your knees and extend your legs forward. Next, you’re strapped into your harness and introduced to your camera operator. At Skydive Dubai, there’s an additional interview. Don’t worry when they ask if you have any last words for loved ones—I joked that I’d save my breath till landing! 😄 After that, you board the plane. The flight lasts about 15–20 minutes. At an altitude of about 10 000 feet, the instructor attaches your harness to theirs and ensures everything is secure. You’re also given goggles. At around 13 000 feet, the plane doors open, and when the signal turns green, it’s time to jump. Jumpers exit one by one. This moment is the most exhilarating—you see others jump ahead of you, and then it’s your turn to stand at the edge, looking down. It’s a surreal feeling, realising what you’re about to do. Many people freeze with fear, but the truth is that we fear the unknown the most. The key is not to overthink and approach it like a task which has to be done. Limits exist only in our minds, and we can overcome them. However, for those paralyzed by fear, closing your eyes or focusing solely on the camera operator can help. I guarantee that after landing, you won’t regret it. There is no room in the airplane, and personally, I have never encountered a situation where someone backed out at that moment. I’m not even sure if it would be technically possible to let other jumpers go first. The Freefall and Parachute Deployment After exiting the plane and stabilising your position, the instructor deploys a small drogue parachute, allowing you to enjoy a longer freefall. It slows you down from about 190 mph to 124 mph. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and the freefall lasts only about 60 seconds. At approximately 5 000 feet, the main parachute is deployed. Before opening, the instructor may signal you to grab the harness, but this isn’t always necessary. Once the parachute opens, you feel a sharp upward pull. After freefall, when the parachute is fully opened and secured, and you feel relaxed and safe, the instructor loosens some straps to improve balance and position for a smoother landing. This creates a brief downward motion. It’s a standard and safe procedure, with adjustments made only at specific harness points. You’re always securely attached to the instructor. After this operation, we have about 5 minutes to admire the breathtaking panorama and enjoy the peaceful flight. At the point you can also try steering the parachute. Control is achieved using two toggles attached to the parachute canopy. Pulling the left toggle causes a turn to the left, while pulling the right one turns you to the right. Of course, for those craving an extra adrenaline rush at this stage, there’s an option to spice things up. A quick and sharp turn generates gravitational forces of up to even 5G. This results in significant altitude loss as part of the lift force is converted into centrifugal force and descent speed. Such manoeuvres are performed at higher altitudes since sharp turns at lower heights can be extremely risky. What are the sensations during a sharp turn? These maneuvers are very dynamic and are accompanied by a brief sensation of significantly increased body weight, a feeling of being pressed into the harness, short chest compression, dizziness, and ears clogging. While short-term G-forces are safe for healthy individuals, they come with distinct sensations that not everyone may tolerate well. Landing At an altitude of approximately 400 meters, the instructor begins preparing for landing. It is crucial to maintain the correct legs position by bending your knees and pointing them forward. This reduces the risk of injury during landing. The landing is performed in a semi-seated position and requires several meters to come to a complete stop. Is Skydiving Safe? Skydiving is one of the safest extreme sports. According to USPA – United States Parachute Association, data from 2023, the risk of fatality during a skydive is about 0.003% (3 deaths per 100,000 jumps). Advanced equipment, like automatic activation devices (AADs), ensures additional safety by deploying the reserve parachute automatically if needed. They usually deploy at an altitude of 2300 feet to ensure a safe landing. Moreover, tandem instructors are highly experienced skydivers, with some having completed tens of thousands of jumps. Each jump is preceded by a thorough equipment inspection and carried out in strict adherence to all safety procedures. My feelings Skydiving remains a magical experience for me, offering unique emotions every time. Nothing else in the world compares to the thrill of freefall. I love that moment when I jump out of the plane and feel as though I’m in a void—surrounded by space stretching endlessly to the horizon. There’s so much to see, yet no tangible point of reference. Flying in the air holds something truly magical, and absolutely nothing else in the world compares to the emotions it brings. The Experience Over the Palm Jumeirah I booked a morning jump when the air was cooler and clearer. My goal was to fly over the emerald waters of the Persian Gulf and the artificial island—the Palm Jumeirah. The Palm Jumeirah covers 5.72 square kilometres and is the world’s largest artificial island. Its foundations were created using 7 million tons of rock from the nearby Hajar Mountains. Construction required 120 million cubic meters of sand from the seabed, forming the island. The entire project cost $12 billion and involved satellite-guided precision to achieve its symmetrical shape. While my main aim was to admire this architectural marvel during freefall, I realized it wasn’t possible. The jump takes place just beneath the island, and in the banana position, your eyes are fixed on the horizon. Still, Dubai’s scale and architecture are breathtaking. However, this is the moment when our expectations significantly differ from reality. After the parachute was opened, I could finally see the island and the coastline of the Persian Gulf. Yet, to my surprise, I prefer jumping in Chrcynno near Warsaw, where I made my previous three jumps. The atmosphere feels more laid-back, and the instructors have more personalized approach. After all, if I were to be one of the 3 out of 100,000 jumps, I’d probably prefer it to happen on home soil. 😉

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Camel Racing – United Arab Emirates

Gosia — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 16:46:39 +0000

Camel racing was an event I absolutely wanted to see during my trip to the United Arab Emirates. I must admit that until recently, this wasn’t an attraction I associated with the country. After all, I think most people view the UAE primarily through the lens of modern cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, camels are an integral part of the region’s culture. What’s more, I must confess that when heading to this event near Ras Al Khaimah airport, I didn’t do my homework properly. I assumed the race would take place on a traditional track surrounded by grandstands. It turned out that camel racing operates by its own unique rules, unfamiliar both to me and to Google Maps. This led to an unexpected situation where I suddenly found myself on a collision course with a dozen or so cars. How did this happen? Let’s start with a bit of history. For centuries, camels have played a key role in the lives of desert dwellers. They served not only as a means of transport but also as a source of food. Hence, in the UAE, camels are rightfully considered a symbol of wealth. Camel racing has been organized on the Arabian Peninsula since the Middle Ages and is an inseparable part of traditional customs. As a result, it is an incredible spectacle that is deeply rooted in the Bedouin heritage and the culture of the United Arab Emirates. The races involve single-humped camels—dromedaries. The minimum age for participating camels is 3 years, while the maximum is 8 years. Each camel undergoes anti-doping tests. Up to 100 camels can participate in the races, which are held every 15 minutes, with each lap covering a 10-kilometer track. Typically, each race includes 10 or more camels. The races take place between October and April, from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, when the temperatures are bearable. Each camel is adorned with colorful blankets. Until recently, children served as jockeys in camel races, mainly because their lightweight didn’t hinder the camels’ speed. Unfortunately, this sport was very dangerous, and many children suffered injuries. It’s worth to add that camels can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h over longer distances and up to 65 km/h in short sprints. For this reason, in 2002, the UAE became the first country to ban children under 15 from participating in the races. Instead, robotic jockeys were introduced—lightweight, remotely controlled devices equipped with heart rate sensors and GPS, allowing trainers to monitor the camels’ health and pace. Using these robots, trainers can cheer on the camels or give them commands. To make real-time adjustments to their runs, trainers need constant visual contact with the animals. Therefore, the racetrack is divided into three sections. The central, fenced area is designated for the camels, while the outer lanes are for trainers driving alongside in their vehicles. This was the small detail that inadvertently put me on a collision course with a dozen or so SUVs. Flashing my headlights or honking didn’t help; I had to concede and pull over. Camel racing is more than just a sport—it’s a blend of tradition and modernity. For Emiratis, it’s a symbol of national pride, while for tourists, it’s a way to experience the rich culture of this country. Do you like the post? Find out more about United Arab Emirates here!

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