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First Camel Riding School in Dubai: A Unique Experience

Bobby Spencer05 mins

Emirati Women Embrace Camel Riding Heritage

In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the interest of Emirati women towards camel riding, reflecting a deep desire to connect with their cultural heritage. According to Linda Krockenberger, co-founder of the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC)—the first licensed school for camel riding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—this trend is significant.

Linda Krockenberger co-founded the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC) -- the first licensed school for camel riding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Linda Krockenberger co-founded the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC)—the first licensed school for camel riding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

When Krockenberger moved from Germany to the UAE in 2015, she sought to learn the art of riding dromedary camels. However, she faced challenges initially, as many men were reluctant to teach her due to gender biases.

When Krockenberger moved from Germany to the UAE in 2015 she wanted to learn to ride dromedary camels, but she found that men wouldn't teach her, because she was a woman.
When Krockenberger moved from Germany to the UAE in 2015 she wanted to learn to ride dromedary camels, but she found that men wouldn’t teach her, because she was a woman.

The Cultural Significance of Camels

Camels have long been synonymous with the Arabian Peninsula. For thousands of years, these majestic creatures have been relied upon for survival in the harsh desert environment. Camel riding holds great cultural significance in the UAE, with Krockenberger noting that camels are both incredibly hardy and remarkably sensitive, requiring a unique bond between rider and animal.

Camels are synonymous with the Arabian Peninsula. For thousands of years, people in the region have used domesticated dromedary camels to support their lives in challenging desert environments.
Camels are synonymous with the Arabian Peninsula. For thousands of years, people in the region have used domesticated dromedary camels to support their lives in challenging desert environments.

Camels in Modern Entertainment

In contemporary times, camels play a crucial role in various entertainment sectors, including racing and polo. With the introduction of robot jockeys, camel racing has evolved, drawing large crowds who enjoy watching these events in locations such as Dubai’s al-Marmoom heritage village.

Camels in the UAE continue to play key roles in entertainment and sports. The animals are raced (with robot jockeys) and ridden in polo matches.
Camels in the UAE continue to play key roles in entertainment and sports. The animals are raced (with robot jockeys) and ridden in polo matches.

Celebrating Camel Beauty

Furthermore, camel beauty pageants capture the attention of many, with significant prize money awarded to the most aesthetically pleasing camels. These events offer a fun and competitive way for camel owners to showcase their prized animals.

Camel beauty pageants draw big crowds, and offer prizes for the prettiest animals. Pictured: An award-winning "beauty queen" camel has its face daubed with saffron.
Camel beauty pageants draw big crowds, and offer prizes for the prettiest animals.

The Meditative Practice of Camel Riding

Moreover, Krockenberger describes camel riding not merely as a sport, but also as a meditative practice. It emphasizes the importance of establishing trust and a strong relationship with these magnificent animals, making it a unique experience for riders.

Krockenberger says camel riding isn't just a sport, but a meditative practice that requires riders to build relationships and trust with the animals in order to ride them.
Krockenberger says camel riding isn’t just a sport, but a meditative practice that requires riders to build relationships and trust with the animals in order to ride them.

A Step Towards Gender Inclusivity

In November 2021, Krockenberger made significant strides in promoting gender inclusivity in the sport by establishing the first official all-female camel racing team in the UAE. This initiative provided women with the opportunity to compete in national camel racing championships, creating a powerful example for women in sports.

In November 2021, Krockenberger established the first official all-female camel racing team in the UAE. The members raced each other in the national camel racing championships, the C1.
In November 2021, Krockenberger established the first official all-female camel racing team in the UAE.


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