· Saudi-based team targets further success in theGrand Annual Closing Festival in Qatar with a three-camel lineup
· Al Haboob adopts quality-over-quantity approach ahead of this weekend’s key regional contest
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 16 April 2026: Al Haboob (????????) has issued another major statement of intent, investing over 2 million Saudi Riyals in new camels ahead of the Grand Annual Closing Festival at Al Shahaniya Racecourse on April 20 and 21, where it will field a three-camel lineup.
Following a second and sixth place finish in recent outings, the world’s first professional camel racing team is eager to prove it belongs among the elite.
With a clear intent to win, Al Haboob has confirmed its lineup for the upcoming event in Qatar, with new recruit Hajma joining Mamlaka and Mamlaka 2.0. This carefully selected trio ensures each camel entering the track is fully prepared for the challenge amid stiff competition.
The first addition to Al Haboob’s growing roster is Ghanayem, previously known as Wanasah, meaning “enjoyment”. Renamed to reflect “earned rewards” and positive results, the shift signals the team’s shift from simply taking part to a sharper focus on performance and competition.
The other talent to join Al Haboob is Hajma, a name that represents decisive action and dominance – two traits considered essential in camel racing. Coming from a strong racing bloodline, the talented camel’s best career finish to date is first place at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Racing Festival.
‘Timing and preparation are everything in this sport,’ said Safwan Modir, co-founder and Head of Operations. ‘We are approaching this key phase with deep respect for the level of competition. We are no longer in the initial phase of exploring the sport. We are stepping onto the track to compete professionally and to present the best possible version of our team.’
“The Qatar race is a key regional competition and an important strategic step forward for us,” Modir added. “It positions Al Haboob among serious private teams competing at a high level.
“We are entering three camels in this race as a deliberate decision. We prefer controlled, high-quality entries rather than volume. Every camel we field is there because it is ready and capable of competing at this level.”
Omar Almaeena, co-founder and Head of Creative, is proud of the progress Al Haboob is making heading into this weekend’s races. ‘We started this camel racing journey as a fun challenge, but that experience has naturally evolved,” he explained. “Today, we are building a brand that is competitive and attracting attention from around the globe for what we are doing on and off the track.”
With the race days confirmed for April 20 and 21, Al Haboob is excited to participate with its new and improved lineup, aiming to showcase their progress and dedication on one of the Middle East’s biggest stages. Following two top-six finishes in the last month, the team appears ready to push for victory.