Tarim, Yemen, Hosts Annual Camel Race

SadaNews - The city of Tarim in Hadhramaut, eastern Yemen, witnessed the activities of the annual camel race, with the participation of about 130 competitors from camel breeders, and the attendance of thousands of citizens who flocked to follow this prominent heritage event in the governorate.

The camel race is considered one of the most important popular activities that Tarim is keen to revive annually, as it holds a special place in the local cultural memory and enhances community identity.

Participants showcased their skills in running, control, and speed, amidst an enthusiastic atmosphere reflecting the community's connection to this rich heritage.

According to the official Yemen News Agency Saba, the director general of the Tarim district, Abd al-Karim Babtah, emphasized the importance of preserving camel races as an integral part of Hadhrami heritage, noting the cultural and social role that these events play in strengthening the bonds among community members.

Despite the race's popularity, calls from residents to organize the track and provide safety standards are recurring, due to the current course lacking barriers that separate the competitors from the audience, increasing the likelihood of injuries when some camels stray from their path.

Locally, the event is known as "Al-Hayek wa Hayek" or "Al-Rabba", and it is held annually on the 13th of Sha'ban, before the onset of Ramadan, where camels are adorned with henna, and social and cultural activities are held alongside it, which the residents are accustomed to at this time of year.

130 Camels

In a statement to Al Jazeera Net, the president of the Camel and Cattle Club in Tarim, Karama Barik, explained that the race marks the conclusion of an annual journey that lasts a full week on camelbacks to visit the historical area of the Prophet Hud, with this year's participation involving ten groups comprising about 130 trained camels.

Barik noted that the event has become the largest public event witnessed by Tarim, as visitors flock to it from various areas, calling on local authorities to allocate a suitable venue or an official track for the races to ensure the safety of participants and the audience.

He added that the current racing site lacks a fence and basic barriers, necessitating attendees to exercise caution and leave ample space for the camels to pass without obstruction.

Although residents participate in this occasion annually, this year's race recorded attendance that some considered an indicator of a return to normal life, after a period in which some areas of Hadhramaut – the valley and desert – experienced security tensions following the control of the Southern Transitional Council forces over those areas before they were regained by the government forces supported by the Saudi-led coalition.

Source: Yemeni Press