Camel racing with robot jockeys
The nine day Liwa Sports Festival in Abu Dhabi features various events from motocross to horse racing.
But there is one sport that seems to stand out among the rest -- camel racing.
In this photo, camels race during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
According to the event website, the festival offers a week-long celebration of UAE heritage with competitions and activities.
In this photo, a camel is whipped by a robotic jockey during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Robotic jockeys control camels during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
A robotic jockey can be seen on the back of a camel during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Camels line up prior to the start of the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Racing camels and their handlers arrives prior to the start of the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
A robotic jockey can be seen on the back of a camel during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
A camel is whipped by a robotic jockey during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Handlers prepare camels to race during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Handlers wait for camels to cross the finish line during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
Liwa Sports Festival
Handlers prepare camels to race during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Liwa Sports Festival
Robotic jockeys control camels during the Liwa Sports Festival at Moreeb Dune on January 3, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.