Dubai’s C1 Championship Returns with Women’s and Men’s Races

Dubai’s Al Marmoom Camel Race Track is set to witness a historic moment in sports as the C1 Championship — the world’s first all-female camel racing series — returns for its fifth season on November 8.

Founded in 2021 by the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (ADCRC), the C1 Championship has grown from a bold experiment into a global phenomenon, transforming one of the Middle East’s oldest sports into a platform for empowerment, inclusion, and cultural pride.

Camel racing has been a cornerstone of Emirati heritage, symbolising endurance, prestige, and tradition. Historically a male-dominated sport, it has recently evolved to embrace innovation and inclusivity. The C1 Championship has been at the forefront of this transformation, showing how tradition can harmonise with modern values.

Expanded Format and International Participation

This season marks the most ambitious edition yet. For the first time, the race card will include men’s competitions alongside women’s races. A new Women’s 2,000-metre race has been introduced, raising the athletic challenge and setting international benchmarks for the sport.

The competition features riders from 12 nationalities, including the UAE, Jordan, France, Switzerland, and the United States. Over the past four years, the C1 Championship has attracted thousands of spectators and generated more than 50 million media impressions worldwide, highlighting camel racing’s universal appeal.

Camel racing’s global profile is rising, with the sport featured in the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (October) and the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia (November). The C1 Championship is contributing to this momentum by training riders, promoting visibility, and championing women’s participation at every level.

A Woman’s Vision: Linda Krockenberger

Linda Krockenberger, founder of both the C1 Championship and the ADCRC, has been the driving force behind this evolution. She says, “When I founded the C1 Championship five years ago, I did it with one belief — that our community becomes stronger when we open doors, not close them. This platform allows women and men to compete with equal respect, guided by fairness and transparency.”

Krockenberger emphasises that the championship does not aim to challenge tradition but to enhance it. “Camel racing has deep roots in Emirati culture, traditionally reserved for men. Our goal was to show that inclusion strengthens heritage.”

From a small group of women riders, the championship has grown into an international community. “Today, riders from across the world train and compete together,” Krockenberger notes. “Camel racing has become a source of empowerment and belonging for many.”

Her journey was supported by mentor and business partner Obaid bin Subaih Al Falasi, and the UAE’s leadership, whose encouragement for inclusivity in sports has been pivotal. “What once seemed unconventional is now part of the landscape,” she adds.

Building a Lasting Legacy

Looking ahead, Krockenberger is focused on governance, athlete development, and international collaboration. The Arabian Desert Sprint will expand the race card and introduce youth categories, including races for boys, reinforcing the sport’s ability to unite generations.

The ADCRC plans to offer intensive daily training programs for aspiring jockeys, particularly international riders aiming for elite competition. Efforts are also underway with the World Camelid Sports Federation to integrate camel racing into more international sporting events.

As the C1 Championship gallops into its next phase, it continues to redefine camel racing — combining heritage, innovation, and empowerment to create a sport that transcends borders and inspires participation at every level.