Qatar’s Al Kuwari re-elected as President of Arab Union for Camel Racing, Syria admitted as newest member

The union’s General Assembly approved sweeping amendments to its founding statute during a meeting in Doha, restructuring its governance and easing control over national federations.The Arab Union for Camel Racing “Al-Mahari” has re-elected Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Kuwari as its president and chairman of its newly created Board of Directors, following a General Assembly meeting on Tuesday, 28 July. Representatives from 13 full-member national entities out of 16 took part remotely via video call.Comprehensive institutional amendmentsMembers unanimously approved a package of amendments to the union’s bylaws. The changes rename the union’s leadership body the “Board of Directors” and redraw how power is shared between the General Assembly, the board, the president and the general secretariat.National member entities were also granted greater independence over their internal affairs, including setting their own regulations, forming their own governing bodies and organising their own elections and races. The union’s authority will now be limited to championships and activities it directly organises or supervises.Disputes falling under the union’s jurisdiction will be referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), under another of the approved changes, which also gives the union scope to develop and regulate new sports linked to camels.Elections by acclamationWith one candidate standing for each position, Al Kuwari was returned to office by acclamation. He went on to appoint Hezam Nasser Al-Maqareh as secretary-general and executive director, and Hadef Mohammed Hamad Al-Marri as treasurer.“I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the national member entities for their precious trust,” Al-Kuwari said. “This trust I do not look at as a personal honour, but rather a covenant and a responsibility towards the union and its members and towards this authentic Arab sport.”He added that while Qatar had put him forward for the role, his mandate went beyond the country’s borders. “I will work with all members without discrimination, relying on the spirit of the one team and on what unites our nations in history, heritage and love of camel racing,” he said.Syria joins the unionThe assembly also voted unanimously to admit the Syrian Camel Racing Federation as a member, effective immediately, after Syrian federation president Mohammed Al-Farra submitted the request. Al-Farra was approved as Syria’s representative to the union.Al Kuwari said the union increases in strength with the expansion of its Arab representation, adding that membership would remain open to serious national entities wishing to contribute to the development of this sport.Next meeting in QatarThe union’s next General Assembly meeting will take place in Qatar in late April or early May 2027, to coincide with the Amir’s Camel Race.“The next phase is not a phase of celebrating the election results, but rather a phase of work measured by what we achieve on the ground,” Al Kuwari said.