Al Shahaniya Racetrack

Camel racing is a big deal in Qatar. So big that there is TV channel dedicated exclusively to the transmission of camel races, local and abroad. Camel racing at Al-Shahaniya racing track, located one hour’s drive north of downtown Doha, is in full swing from November to February during which period, domestic and international tournaments are held. Even if there are no races, visitors are welcome to stop by the track every day at 9:30 am or around 5:30 pm when the camels are taken to the arena for practice. Around the racetrack, there is a virtual camel city and visitors are welcome to visit nearby camel stables. Although there is shaded seating in the grandstand, visitors can do as locals do and follow the race by driving their cars along the paved road which runs parallel to the 10-km track. A visit to the Al-Shahaniya camel racetrack is a unique opportunity to admire the best groomed and some of the most expensive camels on the planet, some of which are worth as much as one million Qatari riyals. To get there from Doha, take the Al Rayyan road and drive West until the Al-Rayyan football stadium, at which point the road changes its name into Dukhan Highway. Keep driving west for about an hour. The track is well sign posted.

A very different experience, camel racing is very interesting.

Watching a camel race is a completely different horse racing experience, with a 10km track.