Women Emirati camel riders competed for the first time at the Al Marmum circuit at the Dubai Camel Racing Club. The annual Camel Marathon hosted by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) this year was a part of the 50th National Day of UAE.

Khawla Al Balushi (28) belongs to the 18-29 age group, and Hakima Gheit (38) belongs to the 30+ age group were two of the participants. They successfully completed the 4-kilometer camel qualification for men and women in the UAE last month. Al Balushi is a Senior Analyst at the Dubai Ministry of Economic Development. She holds a Master's degree in Environment and International Development.

They will also take part in the 8th camel trek starting on December 9th. The annual desert tour, which brings together 17 countries (including four camel trekkers from the Emirates), lasts 13 days and begins on December 9 in the empty Liwa district of western Abu Dhabi.

Thirty camel tourists will travel 500 kilometers through the UAE desert, enjoying a unique desert experience as they explore the ancient Bedouin path which will conclude at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

UAE National Camel Marathon Day coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the country's National Day. HHC also organized two preliminary races, with the main marathon taking place on 14 January as part of the Arab Camel Festival sponsored by Crown Prince of Dubai and President of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.