The relationship between the camel and the tribe was established thousands of years ago in Egypt, home to numerous camel breeds; the camel race has in fact become, over the centuries, part and parcel of Arab culture. In certain Arab countries, the desire to test the maximum speed of the camels has generated the introduction of technology into the race, with light-weight robots as riders for unprecedented performances. The aim of our races, however, is to endorse the priceless and age-old relationship between the rider and the animal, by exposing the best riders, trainers and camel breeds.
Last year’s race witnessed a serious competition between a camel from North Sinai and another from South Sinai, while other tribes only participated “in form”. This year, however, the 3km-track running through the heart of the festival grounds will be a sight to behold as each of the participating teams is now intent on grabbing the winning title, and the prize that comes with it, as Characters of Egypt 2009 promises much increased sums from the previous year’s.
The racing track is designed this year to host several camera spots, affording excellent possibilities for photographers to vary their shooting locations and angles, while videos about different camel races will shed more light on these enthralling sportive and cultural events.
Basic lessons in camel riding will be arranged on the festival grounds for all participants, including children. Recreational riders will also be afforded the opportunity to ride in specified areas as well as participate in a race for amateurs scheduled on each of the three festival days. All free of charge.
The Characters of Egypt Festival takes these steps in paving the way for an ever-increasing development of the camel race, including a 20-km racing track to be initiated next year.
Characters of Egypt 2008 Camel Race Winners:
First Place: Eid Sweilam Al-Slym (10,000 LE)
Second Place: Mohamed Mosallem (5, 000 LE

During the 2008 Characters of Egypt Festival, guests observed a revelation: although the tribes were invited to be entertained by the games and the races, their unexpected skills proved them to be superstars. This year, the festival is hosting the fastest eight people alive in the deserts of Egypt for different running races: 100-m sprint, 1-km short distance and 7-km long distance. Invitations have been extended to high-profile sportspeople in order to introduce them to these incredible sportive talents among the tribes.
A stunning sight is to be captured during the free climbing race as the tribesmen prove once again how incredibly adapted they are to their surroundings. Even the harsh barrenness of the rocky Red Sea Mountains do not pose any difficulties for the competing team members who escalate to the top in the blink of an eye. Although the 2008 prize money has doubled this year, nothing is more valuable to a desert inhabitant than the honor of a challenging feat.
Festival attendees, young and not so young, can participate in a variety of races scheduled on the fringes of the main races. Make sure you pick up a few tricks from the experts before you get on the race tracks!