How to experience camel polo matches in Abu Dhabi?

Ever thought of swapping the elegance of polo ponies for the majestic, swaying gait of a camel, all while trying to strike a ball with a mallet in the desert? Experiencing camel polo matches in Abu Dhabi offers a truly unique and quintessentially Arabian twist on the traditional “sport of kings,” blending thrilling equestrian action with the cultural significance of the desert’s iconic “ship of the desert,” providing an unforgettable spectacle. While less common than horse polo or camel racing, camel polo is an engaging activity that showcases the agility of these magnificent creatures and the skill of their riders, drawing you into a blend of tradition and adventurous sport. We’ll guide you on how to encounter this remarkable event.

The Unique Appeal of Camel Polo

Camel polo is an intriguing variation of the traditional polo game, where players ride camels instead of horses. The rules are broadly similar to horse polo, but the distinct characteristics of camels—their height, their swaying gait, and their sometimes unpredictable nature—add layers of challenge and amusement to the game. It’s a sport that embodies the spirit of the desert and celebrates the deep connection between Emiratis and camels, which have been vital to their heritage for centuries, providing transportation, food, and companionship. This unique blend of traditional reverence for camels and modern sporting entertainment makes camel polo a fascinating spectacle.

Where to Experience Camel Polo

Finding regular, public camel polo matches in Abu Dhabi that you can simply walk up and watch like a league game is quite rare. Unlike horse polo, which has dedicated clubs and a seasonal calendar, camel polo is more often presented as a specialized experience or a featured activity during larger events.

• Desert Activity Providers and Tour Operators: Your best bet for experiencing camel polo, either as a spectator or a participant, is through private bookings or specialized desert tour operators. Companies that offer unique desert experiences in the UAE often include camel polo as an optional activity, particularly for groups or corporate team-building events.
  • Arabian Adventures: While primarily known for desert safaris and other adventures, Arabian Adventures has listed camel polo as one of their unique group activities. They specialize in creating bespoke events, including “Signature Events” that can feature camel polo. This typically involves arranging a private game for a corporate group or a large private party, rather than a public match. You would need to contact them directly for arrangements.
  • Arabian Spirit: Another company, Arabian Spirit, explicitly offers camel polo in Dubai as a “rare and unique activity.” While based in Dubai, they cater to visitors across the UAE and can arrange such experiences. Their description indicates it’s accessible to everyone and can be played with groups, suggesting an experience-based, rather than competitive, format.
• Special Events and Festivals: Occasionally, camel polo demonstrations or exhibition matches might be featured during major cultural or sporting festivals in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. These events often celebrate Emirati heritage and showcase various traditional sports.
  • Keep an eye on the schedules for large-scale festivals like the Sheikh Zayed Festival (held annually in Al Wathba, usually from November to March) or the Mother of the Nation Festival on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. While not guaranteed, these cultural showcases sometimes include unique traditional sports demonstrations.
  • Major equestrian events or traditional sports gatherings might also feature camel polo as an attraction. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), typically held in September, showcases various heritage sports and activities; it’s worth checking their agenda for any camel-related sporting demonstrations.

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club: The Home of Polo

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, is the UAE’s only Royal polo facility and a premier destination for horse polo. While their primary focus is on horse polo, show jumping, and dressage, their status as a leading equestrian center means they have the infrastructure and expertise related to traditional equestrian sports.

• Not a Regular Venue for Camel Polo: It’s important to note that Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club does not regularly host public camel polo matches. Their fields are meticulously maintained for horse polo.
• Potential for Private Events: However, given their extensive facilities and their connection to equestrian sports, they might be able to facilitate private camel polo demonstrations or bespoke events if arranged well in advance and for a significant group, perhaps in collaboration with specialized desert activity providers. Such arrangements would be exclusive and require direct communication with the club’s events team.

Understanding the Game: Rules and Dynamics

If you do get the chance to witness or participate in camel polo, understanding its basic rules will enhance your experience:

• Teams and Players: Typically, camel polo involves teams of four to six players. Unlike horse polo where players might change horses, camel polo often sees players remaining on the same camel for the duration of a chukker (period).
• The Mallet and Ball: Players use long bamboo mallets, similar to those in horse polo, to hit a hard plastic ball. The added height of the camel makes striking the ball a unique challenge.
• The Pitch: A camel polo ground is generally larger than a horse polo field due to the camels’ broader turning circle and less agile movements. A typical ground might be around 200 meters long and 80 meters wide.
• Chukkers: A match is usually broken down into four periods of seven minutes each, with short breaks in between.
• Camel Behavior: One of the most endearing and unpredictable aspects of camel polo is the camels themselves. They might decide to walk off, sit down, or simply be uncooperative, adding an element of spontaneous humor and challenge to the game. This unpredictability is part of what makes it such a unique spectacle.
• Cultural Connection: The game is not just about competition; it’s a celebration of the camel’s role in Emirati culture. It blends the Bedouin tradition of camel handling with the refined sport of polo, offering a symbolic bridge between the UAE’s past and present.

Camel Racing Tracks: A Different Camel Sport

It is important to distinguish camel polo from camel racing, which is a very popular and regularly scheduled sport in Abu Dhabi. While both involve camels, they are entirely different activities.

• Al Wathba Camel Race Track: Located about 45 km east of Abu Dhabi city on the Al Ain Road, the Al Wathba Camel Race Track is the primary venue for camel racing in the emirate. Races typically take place on weekend mornings during the cooler months (October to March/April), with additional races on public holidays. Entrance is usually free, and it offers an incredible insight into a traditional Emirati sport, with robot jockeys and fast-paced action.
• Al Maqam Track (near Al Ain): Another significant camel racing track is located near Al Ain.
• While these tracks are for racing, their existence underscores the deep cultural importance of camels in the UAE. If you can’t find a camel polo match, attending a camel race is an excellent alternative to experience camel culture.

Booking and Expectations

Given the specialized nature of camel polo in Abu Dhabi, our recommendation is to:

• Contact Experience Providers Directly: Reach out to companies like Arabian Adventures or Arabian Spirit well in advance to inquire about their camel polo offerings, especially if you have a group. Be prepared for it to be a bespoke, potentially higher-cost activity, as it involves specialized equipment and trained camels and handlers.
• Monitor Event Calendars: Keep a close watch on the official websites and social media channels of major cultural and sporting event organizers in Abu Dhabi (e.g., DCT Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, festival organizers) for any announcements about camel polo demonstrations.
• Manage Expectations: Understand that camel polo is not a mainstream spectator sport with regularly scheduled matches like horse polo. It is more often offered as a curated experience or featured during specific events.

Experiencing camel polo in Abu Dhabi promises to be a memorable adventure, offering a rare glimpse into the playful side of Emirati heritage and the incredible versatility of the desert’s most revered animal. It’s an opportunity to connect with the region’s traditions in a truly unique and exhilarating way. This comprehensive guide has been meticulously prepared by the www.few.ae team, your trusted source for uncovering unique and authentic experiences in Abu Dhabi.