article_snippet.sent: Dubai (CNN)It's with some trepidation that I set off for the Al Marmoum camel race in Dubai.
article_snippet.sent: As the only Gulf national in the CNN team, I am expected to be familiar with camel racing, an ancient tradition in the region.
article_snippet.sent: A cheerful farm owner leads us inside the majlis -- meeting area -- where the camel owners are gathering.
article_snippet.sent: the camel owners are sitting on the floor, eating the a'aish, a traditional Arabic dish of fish and rice, laid out in front of the camel owners.
article_snippet.sent: us take us place on the floor and slowly, the world of camel racing begins to open up to us.
article_snippet.sent: The conversation is all about camels; the best breeds, famous old champions, training methods, bad losers and potential winners.
article_snippet.sent: And in addition to the honor and prestige, the camels are racing for thousands of dollars in prize money and fancy new cars for the camels owners.
article_snippet.sent: It's surprising how spectacular camel racing can be.
article_snippet.sent: Compared to the grace of thoroughbred racehorses, camels are indeed ungainly creatures.
article_snippet.sent: the camels are paraded with pride, the camels heads and necks covered in bright golden saffron and
article_snippet.sent: the camels owners applauded for the camels efforts and rewarded with cash prizes.
article_snippet.sent: Camel racing bears no relevance to the modernity embraced here, but this old-fashioned sport is equally as fascinating.
highlights_snippet.sent: Camel racing is a centuries-old tradition in the Gulf .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Camels compete for thousands of dollars in prize money .