Camel Racing in the Gulf: From Child Jockeys to Robotic Innovations

Camel Racing in the Gulf: A History and Evolution

Origins and Popularity

Camel racing has a long-standing tradition in the Gulf States, dating back to ancient times. Traditionally, races were held to mark special occasions such as weddings and celebrations.

In the 1960s, with the influx of oil wealth, the ruling sheiks of Abu Dhabi recognized the importance of preserving this cultural heritage. To maintain its popularity, they introduced lucrative cash prizes for winning camel owners.

The Rise of Child Jockeys

As camel racing became more competitive, owners sought faster times. This led to the illegal trafficking of children from impoverished communities in South Asia and Africa to serve as jockeys.

These children faced harsh conditions: they were undernourished, deprived of a childhood, and often injured in accidents.

UNICEF's Intervention

UNICEF became involved in the issue in the 1970s, recognizing the exploitation of children in the sport.

Despite a ban on child labor in the United Arab Emirates in 1980, children continued to be used as jockeys until the early 2000s.

The Robotic Solution

In collaboration with the UAE authorities, UNICEF sought a solution to end the use of child jockeys.

Rashid Ali Mohammed Ibrahim, manager of the Qatar-based RAQBI Center, proposed the creation of a robot jockey.

Working with the Qatar Scientific Club and K-Team, a Swiss robotics firm, they developed a robot that mimicked the weight and appearance of a child.

The Evolution of Robot Jockeys

While the initial robots were complex and expensive, Ibrahim and his team later developed a simpler and more affordable model.

This new robot, weighing only 3 kilograms, was equipped with an automatic whip and could be activated at the touch of a button.

UNICEF's Legacy

UNICEF is proud of its role in ending the use of child jockeys in camel racing.

The development of robot jockeys demonstrates the potential of technology to address humanitarian concerns.