The pride of the community
WADI BANI KHALID: This is an animal that reminds us of the past, of the days of hardships, of tradition, as also of the resilience of Omani people. Camel, the ship of the desert, enjoys a special status in Oman.
The Sultanate accords special status to camels, the pride of the community.
Camel racing as a local sport is eagerly followed by the public and raising of camels is seen as a matter of pride as the animal’s links with the Omani people go back to ancient times.
The relationship between the Omanis and camels is deep rooted. Nicknamed the “Ship of the Desert,” the camel is an evidence of living and bearing with hardships, as reflected by its unique ability to withstand thirst, and trot long distances.
Special attention
Thanks to the policies and attention of the government of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who takes a keen interest in the welfare of these animals through the establishment of veterinary clinics, camels enjoy great care in the Sultanate.
Also, there is the Royal Camels Corps which looks after camels in the Sultanate. Along with the Omani Camel Racing Federation, these two are the most important government institutions tasked with caring of camels in Oman.
Camels are classified as per their age. Haja’ej camels are those under the age of three; Laqaya are 3-4 years old; Yeada’ 4-5 years old; Thanaya 5-6 years old and Hool are more than 6 years old.
A six-month old camel is called Hawar; a one-year-old is called Makhlool; from one to two years Mafrood ; from two to three Hiq ; a four-year-old camel is called Jitha; from five to six years old Thnai, while Al Fatir camel is a she-camel that has given birth more than five times and is considered old.
The Royal Camel Corps pays special attention to authentic Omani camels by offering care and following scientific methods of breeding that are available at “The Camel Breeding Centre.”
The Royal Camel Corps keeps records of camels in terms of type, ancestry and other details. It takes part in local and regional races, and keeps records of results of races and encourages camel racing as a sport in the Sultanate.
A camel race called -- His Majesty’s Cup is held annually.
The Omani Camel Racing Federation was set up in 2006. As the OCRF activities began, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said allocated OMR1,000,000 to the camel racing sector to be spent on establishing race tracks.
The Royal Camel Corps expanded the races in various governorates and regions of the Oman, a move that led to spreading the sport and enhancing the enthusiasm of citizens to acquire the best camels and breed them.