Abu Dhabi Auctions: Camel Calf Sells High

Abu Dhabi Camel Auction: Half a Million for a Calf

The Convergence of Tradition and Passion at ADIHEX Auction

In the United Arab Emirates, the camel is more than just an animal - it symbolizes culture, history, pride, and family heritage for many. This is perfectly reflected in the camel auction held as part of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), where this year saw a spectacular new record: a particularly valuable female camel calf sold for 500,000 dirhams following a dramatic bidding war.

Unique Lineage, Outstanding Genetics

The camel calf in question is not from an ordinary line: its father is the famous Shamekh, and its mother is Samha Al Saghira, a female camel with an excellent racing lineage. Animals with such genetics are highly sought after, particularly by those seriously involved in camel racing or breeding. The winning bid was placed by a well-known racer, who already dominated the first auction, and relentlessly bid until reaching the half-million mark.

The bidding war was spectacular: the price started at just 40,000 dirhams, but a young poet made a bold jump to 100,000 dirhams, almost immediately triggering a tense series of rotating bids. The final winner declared, "I would have bid endlessly, I desired this breed so much."

A Teenager Who Won Four Camels

Although he did not place the highest bid, the real surprise of the evening was not caused by experienced collectors but by a 14-year-old boy who left the auction with four camels. The young racer was not attending such an event for the first time - according to him, it was his fourth auction, and he would have been willing to go up to 400,000 dirhams for any outstanding specimen if necessary.

His family, who operate a farm with approximately 85 camels in Al Ain, takes camel racing and breeding seriously. They have been active in the market since 2016, and auctions represent not just an opportunity for them to buy, but also prestige. The young racer's uncle personally supervises, trains the camels, and almost immediately recognizes if a particular specimen can become a race winner.

The Art and Ethics of Camel Breeding

The camel is an integral part of rural life in the UAE. They are not only used for racing and breeding, but their milk is also consumed in many places - although, according to cultural norms, it would be "shameful" for a man to sell his own camel's milk for money. Most farmers prefer to gift it or share it with close acquaintances.

One of the most touching stories is associated with the young racer, who previously bought a female calf named Zaafarana but refused to train it for three years, fearing that if it became successful, it would have to be sold. The camel eventually won its first race and later changed owners for 2 million dirhams.

Significance of the ADIHEX Auction

The ADIHEX camel auction is not just a marketplace - it is an event celebrating an entire way of life. Camel racing and breeding are central elements of UAE's cultural heritage and continue to thrive in the modern world. This year, a total of 15 camels found new owners during the fair, with the total revenue reaching 1.77 million dirhams.

The auction is not just about the genetic value of the animals - prestige, tradition, and community recognition play an important role. Each successful bid is not only a matter of wealth but also a status symbol, a commitment to traditions, and an investment in the future. These animals not only compete on the track but also define the future of breeding lines.

Conclusion

Camel auctions, such as the ADIHEX event held in Abu Dhabi, are perfect examples of how traditional lifestyles can be combined with modern market dynamics. The half-million bids, the successes of teenage racers, and family stories all show that camel breeding is not just a revival of the past - but a living, evolving part of UAE society.

Here, the camel is not just an animal. It is a symbol of identity, ambition, patience, and commitment. And these values are needed not only in the desert - but everywhere people passionately build a future in honor of the past.

(Source: Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition 2025 release.)