Forty minutes later the first camel crossed the finish line. It was named Al Shahinia, and owned by Obeid Mohammed al Wahaibi of Bidiya. The first prize was a spanking new white pick-up truck. Betting isn't officially allowed in Oman. Camel racing is indeed serious business and Oman has a Directorate General of Camels and the phone, fax and mobile phone numbers are listed in the phone book.
Races take place regularly around the country.
Check the local papers for race dates if you are a camel racing fan. In fact, I didn't see one tour-bus during our stay, although we did come across seven jeeps full of French tourists at 'The Sinkhole' on the way to Sur. We felt we had the whole country to ourselves and we nearly did. A typical array of tasty Omani dishes that we had many times. Oman's considerable revenues from its oil has brought the country well into the 21st century.