Photo Gallery: Camel Racing in Abu Dhabi

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels are led through the desert to the races.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Muzzles keep the camels from eating what they shouldn't.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Trainers pull camels—ridden by racing robots—toward the starting line.

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.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels are led to the races.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Colorful ropes keep camels tethered before a race begins.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

As a race begins, trainers make a run for cover.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Spurred on by their robotic jockeys, camels race around the track.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels wait for their turn in the competition.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Salem Ebrahim Al Mazrouei, right, enters the pens housing his family's camels.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Guests enjoy a midday meal at Al Mazrouei's guesthouse.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Pens house the camels when they aren't racing.

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.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels and trainers wait their turn to race.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

During a race, a camel suddenly returns to the starting gate.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Trainers joke around near the starting gate.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Trainers run for shelter at the start of a camel race.

Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels set off from the starting gate.