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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
At camel races in Abu Dhabi, it’s a dusty chaos of men, camels, and SUVs. The grunting spectacle takes part on weekends throughout the emirate. In this gallery, take a peek into a race held near the Liwa oasis, southwest of the city of Abu Dhabi.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels are led through the desert to the races.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Muzzles keep the camels from eating what they shouldn't.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Trainers pull camels—ridden by racing robots—toward the starting line.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Racing robots (with mechanical whips) are the jockeys now; the sport’s traditional child jockeys were banned in 2002.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels are led to the races.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Colorful ropes keep camels tethered before a race begins.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
As a race begins, trainers make a run for cover.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Spurred on by their robotic jockeys, camels race around the track.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels wait for their turn in the competition.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Salem Ebrahim Al Mazrouei, right, enters the pens housing his family's camels.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Guests enjoy a midday meal at Al Mazrouei's guesthouse.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Pens house the camels when they aren't racing.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels are led to the track for training through morning fog. The day's work begins as early as 3 a.m. for some animals.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels and trainers wait their turn to race.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
During a race, a camel suddenly returns to the starting gate.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Trainers joke around near the starting gate.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Trainers run for shelter at the start of a camel race.
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Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Camels set off from the starting gate.
