Arab Camel Racing Federation re-elects Abdullah Al Kuwari as President; approves statute reforms
DOHA: The General Assembly of the Arab Camel Racing Federation unanimously approved comprehensive amendments to its statutes and renewed its confidence in Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari as President of the Federation.
The General Assembly was convened last Tuesday at the headquarters of Qatar’s Camel Racing Organising Committee, chaired by Al-Kuwari, with members also participating remotely via video conference.
Representatives of 13 of the Federation’s 16 full-member national bodies attended, meeting the required quorum.
The Assembly approved the meeting procedures and agenda and ratified the minutes of the previous General Assembly meeting held on April 14, 2025, as well as the Executive Office meeting of June 10, 2026.
Members also reviewed an administrative report presented by the Federation’s Secretary-General and a financial report from the Treasurer. The Assembly took note of both reports without this constituting approval of final accounts or discharge of liabilities relating to previous periods.
It also reviewed a legal report concerning ongoing measures to safeguard the Federation’s rights and recover its archives, documents and accounts, agreeing to continue the necessary legal and administrative follow-up.
Major institutional reforms approved
The General Assembly discussed proposed amendments to the Federation’s statutes that had previously been circulated among member national bodies.
Following discussions, the complete package of amendments was put to a vote and approved unanimously, with no objections or abstentions.
The changes include restructuring the Federation’s governing bodies and their responsibilities, introducing the title “Board of Directors” in place of previous organisational terminology, and clearly defining the relationship between the General Assembly, Board of Directors, President and General Secretariat.
The amended statutes also strengthen the independence of national member bodies in managing their internal affairs, establishing regulations, forming governing bodies, conducting elections and organising their own races and activities.
The Federation’s regulations will apply specifically to championships and activities organised or supervised by the Federation.
The reforms also address the Federation’s independence in its relations with external organisations and provide for arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in disputes falling within its jurisdiction.
They also enable the Federation to develop modern sports associated with camel racing, establish regulations and organise competitions in those disciplines.
The amendments came into effect immediately upon their approval on July 28, 2026.
Al-Kuwari re-elected unopposed
Following the adoption of the amended statutes, the General Assembly reviewed nominations and confirmed that all candidates for the approved positions were elected unopposed, with only one candidate standing for each position.
The Assembly renewed its confidence in Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Kuwari as President of the Federation and Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Following the election results, Al-Kuwari appointed Dr. Hizam Nasser Al-Maqarah as Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Federation, while Hadef Mohammed Hamad Al-Marri was appointed Treasurer.
Syria joins the Federation
In another significant development, Syria was unanimously admitted as a new member of the Arab Camel Racing Federation.
Mohammed Al-Farra, President of the Syrian Camel Racing Federation, presented Syria’s membership application during the meeting.
The General Assembly unanimously approved the application, with membership taking effect from July 28, 2026. Al-Farra was also approved as Syria’s representative.
The Assembly said Syria’s inclusion would strengthen Arab representation within the Federation while expanding opportunities for cooperation, exchange of expertise and development of camel racing competitions and activities.
Qatar to host next General Assembly
The General Assembly agreed to hold its next meeting in Qatar, on the sidelines of the HH the Amir Camel Racing Festival, in late April or early May 2027.
The Board of Directors has been authorised to determine the final date and complete the necessary organisational arrangements.
The meeting concluded with the Federation reaffirming its commitment to strengthening institutional development and cooperation among members while preserving camel racing’s status as an important part of Arab sporting and cultural heritage.
