The race of "humpback warriors" in Sinai is back to life

After a six-month delay due to Covid-19, the traditional camel racing ceremony was resumed in the South Sinai Desert on September 12, attracting hundreds of Bedouins to watch and warmly cheer.

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Prepare to send the "humpback warriors" to battle.

Camel racing is a popular traditional sport in many Arab countries, most notably in the Gulf. Especially in Egypt, the Bedouin nomads living in the South Sinai desert still preserve the identity of this unique race.

Hundreds of Bedouin excitedly gathered at the foot of the vast Tih Plateau in the South Sinai Desert, to see the camel race that was just held on September 12.

French news agency AFP quoted Mr. Sheikh Hassan of the Alegat tribe who organized the event as saying: For Bedouins, organizing a camel race is a way to keep a traditional legacy alive. There was also camel racing in the past, but the Alegat tribe just revived that tradition in recent years.

The race was shrouded in a vast cloud of sand, as more than 500 camels scrambled to compete for speed in different categories, regardless of male or female.

"Camels will not disappear ... We will still use them for centuries ... If they disappear, the Bedouins will also disappear" - Mr. Sheikh Hassan stressed.

Camel races are usually held every 2 or 3 months, attracting a large number of tourists, curious people, and especially the Bedouins to the highlands located in the sparsely populated Sinai desert. This post is not too hot to watch and cheer.

The "humpback warriors" are closely encouraged by their owners (wearing traditional jalabiyas and hats).

The Covid-19 epidemic has made camel races impossible since March, inflicting heavy losses on camel owners, who still have to pay for camel farming and training. Until early September, It continues to have orders, and "joy is back" for all those who pursue this costly passion.

While many guests watched and other owners drove the SUV following the racing formation.

To pass the 2km long race on the Tih plateau, camel "warriors" competed for speed with each other. As spectators and owners either follow the track on a sports SUV, or give a warm cheering on the side of the track.

In another race, camel boys complete the 10km race.

"This is the training for the international race to take place next October at Sharm el-Sheikh (city at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula)" - Mr. Saleh al-Muzaini, head of the Nuweiba camel club said.

A young jockey preparing to enter the race.

With Mr. Soleiman Hamad - the owner of a camel who has just won a race category on September 12 - although there is no bonus, the prestigious trophy enhances the value of his "humpback warrior" very much.

The camel that broke out in front was warmly cheered by the audience.

With good training, a camel can be sold for up to 2 million Egyptian pounds (about $ 127,000). So the Bedouins in the South Sinai region often keep an eye on the Gulf states - where camel racing is a popular and lucrative activity.

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