100 Emirati men battle it out during the National Day Camel Marathon

Salim Al Hammadi comes first during the Camel Marathon at the Dubai Endurance city

 It was the ultimate test of endurance and pride on Saturday as 100 Emirati men battled it out during the second National Day Camel Marathon to celebrate the UAE's 45th year of the Union.

The second Camel Marathon at Dubai Endurance City in Dubai witnessed the rich celebration of the country's cultural heritage as part of the 45th National Day events.- Photo by Neeraj Murali
As hundreds of spectators raced alongside the track in their 4x4's cheering on their fellow countrymen, the traditional sporting event, which has been synonymous with the UAE for decades, was the perfect showcase for a weekend dedicated to the country's proud heritage.
Travelling at speeds of up to 30km/ph, and covering a distance of 25km over 80 minutes, 23-year-old Salem Al Hammadi proved victorious over his competitors.
"I'll be celebrating the win by going to sleep for a long, long time," the exhausted rider told Khaleej Times, after stumbling off his camel more than one hour after setting off.
But his victory nearly didn't come to be.
"I did not expect to win, I only agreed to ride the camel on Wednesday so it was all very last minute," the young Emirati said.

The traditional sporting event, which has been synonymous with the UAE for decades, was the perfect showcase for a weekend dedicated to the country's proud heritage. - Photo by Neeraj Murali
Sporting the number 15 jersey, Al Hammadi was one of 100 riders to take to the desert track along Seih Al Salam to celebrate the National Day weekend in style.
But as 10 contenders fought for glory in the last kilometre, he pipped number 19 to the post in the final few seconds of the marathon, making it a personal celebration for him too.
"I'm very happy, I'm also shocked, but I'm very tired now too," he said.
The early morning fog made way for blue skies and blazing sun as the dedicated riders sat atop the country's most loyal and steadfast friend, the camel, for the race, hosted by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre (HHC).
An endurance-style take on camel racing, what strikes you most about this rich sport is the way each and every rider has their own unique style behind the reins.
From reclining on the camel's back, to squatting and even standing, each technique is almost as impressive as the race itself.
And Mohammed Abdullah bin Dalmook of HHC said the riders who "understand the camel best" are the ones who do well.
"It's all about pace and tactics."
Although two riders failed to finish the race after falling off, Al Hammadi's presence was impressive from the start.
Riding camels since he was just eight, his confident prowess kept him in good stead throughout.
And as his competitors posed for onlookers, Al Hammadi led most of the race with his back arched and his eyes firmly ahead.
Although his lead was snatched from him a few times, he galloped into the lead in the final kilometre.
"To ride on a day like this, on a camel like this, in my country which is celebrating its 45th National Day is a proud moment for me," Al Hammadi said, before friends and family scooped him up into a victorious lift. Saturday's runner up was Shafar Al Balooshi and coming in third was Ali Musabbah bin Mufleh.
Know about popular traditional sporting event
Since ancient times, camel racing has been a popular sport in the UAE. It became a professional sporting event following the discovery of oil in the 1960s.
The race was organised as part of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre's multi-pronged efforts to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of the UAE.
The traditional sporting event is 25km-long race. The top three winners of the race will won luxury cars.
The winners and prizes
> 15 was the number of the winning rider, camel.
> First prize: A car
> Second place: Dh70,000
> Third place: Dh30,000
> Cash prizes for fourth to tenth place winners
kelly@khaleejtimes.com    

• UAE