Olympia, November 27, 2024 — In a landmark move for the global development of camel racing, the 4th General Assembly of the International Camel Racing Federation (ICRF), chaired by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, has officially approved the inclusion of 19 new national federations as full members. This major decision marks a significant milestone in the federation's ongoing expansion and reflects the growing global interest in camel racing as a competitive sport.
Held in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, the assembly gathered representatives from around the world, including delegates from both existing and newly inducted member countries. The event featured a range of workshops and continental meetings designed to promote camel racing internationally, as well as foster dialogue among stakeholders in the sport. Over the course of the assembly, intensive discussions were held on strategies to further elevate camel racing, strengthen the federation’s governance, and implement new initiatives aimed at increasing the sport's global visibility.
One of the central topics of discussion was the modernization of the ICRF’s constitution. These changes are intended to enhance the federation’s governance structures, expand the responsibilities of various committees, and introduce the possibility of virtual meetings. These improvements will ensure that the federation remains agile and responsive, enabling greater participation from member nations and facilitating more efficient decision-making processes.
Prince Fahd, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of these developments, underlining the commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establishing camel racing as a globally recognized sport. He spoke with pride about the federation's progress, noting that the inclusion of new member nations reflects the growing appreciation of camel racing not only as a competitive sport but also as a key component of cultural heritage. “Camel racing is not just about competition; it is a tradition that brings nations together and fosters understanding between cultures,” Prince Fahd stated. “These decisions represent a transformative step forward, and with the continued support of our members, partners, and stakeholders, we will further elevate camel racing on the world stage.”
The assembly also focused on various global initiatives designed to expand camel racing's reach and impact. Key decisions included plans to host international races across multiple continents, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and attract new audiences. Additionally, the ICRF expressed its readiness to launch new programs and initiatives to support its members, including educational resources and networking opportunities that aim to strengthen the sport's infrastructure worldwide.
Looking ahead, the federation’s next General Assembly will take place in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2025. This marks an important step as the federation continues to focus on Africa’s pivotal role in the development of camel racing. The decision to host the assembly in Morocco is seen as an opportunity to highlight the rich history of camel racing in the region and to encourage greater participation and investment in the sport across the African continent.
This year’s assembly also reaffirmed the ICRF's commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural and traditional heritage of camel racing. The federation underscored its efforts to ensure that the sport is not only recognized globally but also safeguarded for future generations. In line with these goals, members took the opportunity to review their partnerships with key international organizations. Notably, the ICRF discussed collaborative efforts with UNESCO to improve the integrity and transparency of camel racing worldwide, ensuring that the sport’s growth is aligned with global best practices.
In addition, the federation signed a significant memorandum of understanding with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). This partnership aims to bolster camel racing across the African continent, providing a framework for supporting the sport's development, particularly in countries where camel racing has deep historical and cultural roots. Another important collaboration was announced with the Tangible Heritage Foundation (THF), which will see the federation join forces with THF to initiate sports and humanitarian programs in refugee camps. This partnership reflects the ICRF’s commitment to using camel racing as a tool for social good, creating positive impacts in communities in need.
The assembly concluded on a positive note, with delegates expressing their shared determination to secure a bright future for camel racing. Through a combination of strategic initiatives, global partnerships, and a focus on the sport’s rich cultural history, the ICRF is working to ensure that camel racing continues to thrive both as a competitive sport and as a symbol of cultural heritage.
As the federation continues to expand its global network and strengthen its operations, the 4th General Assembly stands as a clear indication of camel racing’s bright future on the world stage. With the support of its members, the ICRF is poised to take the sport to new heights, ensuring that camel racing remains a beloved and respected tradition for generations to come.
