Camels, called the "Ships of the Desert," have an indisputable place of prominence in UAE history. Camel-racing, a traditional sport, is extremely popular in the Emirates. It was originally staged in an informal setting, at weddings or special festivals, but now customized tracks have been built throughout the country where race meetings are held in the winter months from October to April, culminating in the annual camel race festival at Al Wathba which attracts entrants from all over the world.

For centuries, the desert way of life remained unchanging, which included the high socio-economic importance of the camel. With the oil boom, parts of the region transformed and many aspects of traditional life disappeared. The camel maintained its symbolic significance while technology replaced the practical need for the animal. With the advent of wealth, the affected nations were introduced to Western lifestyle, technology, and luxury. The force of such powerful changes caused the gradual disappearance of time-honored traditions and customs, which awakened a sense of urgency when people realized their proud and rich history was fading away. The importance of holding on to those traditions that characterized the spirit of the region was revived, which included camel racing.

As a result, camel racing became a very popular pastime, developing into a much more formalized and professional form of racing which includes specialized breeding, intensive training programs, and technique. The rise of camel racing's popularity can be seen as well in other parts of the world where the race has also begun to draw in sizeable crowds of spectators and influential patrons. The sport continues to grow and develop, spreading and gaining recognition in regions where camels are not generally common.

The president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, endorses camel racing and provides financial support for citizens who are caretakers of camels. Camel races take place on an annual basis, mostly during the late October to early April racing season and periodically throughout the year. The races generally take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the winter season or on 5-day races held in the UAE's larger centers. Two races are the norm, with the morning race beginning at 7:30 AM and the afternoon race at 2:30 PM.

Camel racing is supported by the highest levels of UAE society, with President Zayed owning a personal stable consisting of 14,000 camels and 9,000 workers for their upkeep. Sheikh Mohammed, the Defense Minister of the UAE, owns 2,000 camels and maintains a reputation of his own for high performance on the racetracks. At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, the morning races consist primarily of camels owned by sheikhs, whereas the afternoon races are open to all. Sheikhs have been known to buy camels from owners who have won the afternoon races, offering large sums of money to acquire the victorious camel.

Over the past 20 years, camel racing in the UAE gained more structure and prominence through increased interest in the sport and organization. Just in the 1990's, 12 new tracks were built to meet the rising widespread demand for camel racing. The sheiks of the UAE have invested large sums of money into the development of camel racing throughout the Emirates, in addition to putting cash into the buying and training of camels in order to participate themselves in the races. Their interest and dedication led to the First International Camel Conference, which drew specialists from all over with the primary goal of increasing racing camel performance.

Currently, there are approximately 14,000 active racing camels in the UAE, which require large numbers of people to maintain them and keep them in top condition. Workers to tend the camels many times come from neighboring states such as Pakistan and Oman since the sport provides both indirect and direct financial support for thousands of people due to its popularity as a national pastime. Many trainers take their camels and race in other countries, such as Qatar, which have extended racing seasons beyond the UAE season.

The UAE has 15 racetracks across the country with spacious and well-kept stadiums for viewers. They are located on city outskirts, complete with rest tents, connecting roads, electricity, water, telephone lines, equipment for live television and radio broadcasts, a team of doctors, stand-by ambulances, and print transmission capabilities. Race distances vary between 4 to 10 kilometers and may include anywhere from 15 to 70 camels or more. The lifting of the large, multi-strand barrier signifies the beginning of the race. At the racetracks, dress is casual, admission is free, and many serve light beverages. Binoculars are suggested and it is important to note that cameras are not permitted at the racetracks.

Camel races, usually held early on Fridays or on national holidays, provide visitors with a unique opportunity to observe traditionally clad local people in harmony with their surroundings. Away from the sophistication of the viewing stand and the race track, the competitors and their handlers gather to prepare themselves and their mounts for the race.

Betting on the races is illegal in the UAE, but winners receive many different prizes, many times in the form of luxury cars. Very successful racing camels are worth millions of dollars and the most coveted prize is winning the King's Cup in Dubai.