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STORY: The jockeys will compete with their camels in five races across a six-month period. The jockey with the most point collected overall will be crowned the season champion, and receive a cash prize.

"This event has a lot more components than just the race or the camels, or the athletic part behind it, but it’s also building bridges between Emirati heritage, with a bit of a new side to it, which is ladies. It also brings together residents who chose the UAE as their home, and engage in a more traditional hobby," said Linda Krockenberger, the co-founder of the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center.

Participant Joanna Patejuk, who is representing Poland and Ukraine, says riding camels presents different challenges to riding on horses.

"The important thing is to keep the balance, to keep the rhythm and to find the connection - the right connection with the proper camel you actually ride in the race."