RIYADH: Al-Haboob, the world’s first professional camel racing team, continued their rapid rise with their best finish to date at the Sultan’s Camel Racing Cup Festival 2026, with Hajjma, one of two major recent signings, delivering a standout performance in Oman.
Held under the patronage of Dr. Kamil bin Fahad Al-Saeed, the five-day event featured 85 races, with 23 trophies and 27 cars on offer, with Al-Haboob securing a second-place result.
The Saudi-based team continues to build its roster as part of its long-term growth strategy, with Hajjma — whose name means “attack” in Arabic — identified as a rising talent and quickly added to the squad.
Bred from a strong racing lineage and known for her speed and endurance, Hajjma has already proven her quality at the highest level, including a first-place finish at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Racing Festival.
The latest result follows Al-Haboob placing sixth at the Al-Marmoom Heritage Festival, marking clear progress for the team founded by Saudi entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir.
“Second place marks our highest finish so far, and Hajjma’s performance reflects the level of detail behind every decision we make, from acquisition and selection to preparation,” said Modir, co-founder and head of operations of Al-Haboob. “We’re confident in the direction we’re heading.”
Almaeena, co-founder and head of creative of Al-Haboob, added: “Hajjma joined us recently and has already proven in her first outing that she was the right choice.
“Every camel we acquire and every race we enter reinforces what we’re building. We want to redefine the sport on a global stage, and this result in Oman is another step forward.”
Meanwhile, World-Cup-winning French footballer Paul Pogba, ambassador and shareholder in Al-Haboob, said: “What we’re building at Al-Haboob is real. This is a step forward. Seeing Hajjma deliver straight away shows the level and the detail behind everything we’re doing. It’s a good moment for us and a sign of what’s coming.”
The team now turns its attention to the Grand Annual Closing Festival at Al-Shahaniya Racetrack in Qatar from April 18-30, held under the patronage of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
