Al Haboob and IIB Bring Together Camel Racing Community For Inaugural Majlis as New Season Begins in Taif

Manal Saleh 

Event explores the future growth of camel racing and the role of strategic partnerships in supporting the sport’s development

             Al Haboob competes in the eighth edition of the Crown Prince Camel Festival this week

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – September 9, 2026 – Al Haboob (الهَبُوب), the world’s first professional camel racing team, has marked its partnership with Independent Insurance Brokers (IIB), the team’s first official lead partner, by bringing together members of the camel racing community for a special Majlis focused on the sport’s enduring role in the Kingdom’s culture and its evolution into a more professional, commercially sustainable, and globally recognised sport.

Centred around a shared belief in the continued growth and evolution of camel racing, the inaugural Al Haboob Majlis provided a platform for discussion ahead of the team’s participation in the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival in Taif, one of the sport’s most prestigious events and the opening competition of Al Haboob’s new season. The festival features 248 races and more than SAR50 million in prize money.

The Majlis brought together representatives from both organisations alongside prominent figures from the camel racing community and wider sporting landscape, providing an opportunity to share perspectives on Al Haboob’s journey, the role of private-sector partnerships, and the opportunities emerging as the sport continues to develop in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Safwan Modir, Co-Founder and Head of Operations at Al Haboob, said the interest generated by the partnership demonstrates the potential for private-sector participation to contribute to the sport’s development.

“Over the past few days in Taif, people from within the camel racing community have been asking us what it means to have an official partner,” said Modir. “It has given us an opportunity to explain the idea behind a professional camel racing team and how companies that believe in ambitious ideas can help move the sector forward. This is only the beginning.”

For Al Haboob Co-founder and Head of Creative, Omar Almaeena, IIB’s decision to become the team’s first official partner represents an important vote of confidence in the vision behind Al Haboob.

“There are many things a company can choose to sponsor, so it takes courage for IIB to support a team like ours and choose Al Haboob,” said Almaeena. “We are incredibly grateful for their belief in what we are building, and we hope this is the beginning of a partnership that continues for many years.”

The collaboration between Al Haboob and IIB also reflects the cultural significance shared by both organisations. With more than 40 years of experience in Saudi Arabia, IIB’s involvement connects an established Saudi business with a sport deeply rooted in the Kingdom’s history and identity.

Hawraa Al Alshaikh, General Manager at IIB, said: “This partnership comes from our belief in the pursuit of excellence and our appreciation for heritage and authenticity. When we talk about camel racing, we are talking about a sport deeply rooted in history and heritage. We wish Al Haboob a successful start and all the best for the season ahead.”

Al Haboob Global Ambassador and Shareholder Paul Pogba sent a message of support to the team ahead of the season.

“It’s only our second season, so we need to show the world what Al Haboob can do,” said Pogba. “You need to get ready. We have a new HQ, new camels and a team working behind the scenes. I’ll be watching and supporting the team. Let’s go, Al Haboob.”

Al Haboob was founded to establish a new model for professional camel racing, combining sporting performance, camel welfare and modern team operations with innovation, content and entertainment. The team continues to expand its presence across the region and beyond, while helping bring a new generation of audiences and opportunities to the sport.

ENDS

About Al Haboob

Based in Saudi Arabia, Al Haboob (الهَبُوب) is the world’s first professional camel racing team, blending heritage with elite performance and advanced veterinary science. Founded by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, the team is on a mission to modernise camel breeding, elevate the sport to a global stage, and build it into a broader sports and entertainment platform - laying the foundations for the world’s first professional Camel Racing League.

About Independent Insurance Brokers

Independent Insurance Brokers (IIB) is a Saudi Arabia-based insurance brokerage licensed by the Insurance Authority (IA). With over four decades of experience, IIB provides comprehensive insurance broking services across medical, motor, property,

engineering and general liability lines, serving a diverse portfolio of corporate and SME clients across the Kingdom. The firm partners with a panel of leading insurers to deliver tailored risk management and placement solutions. IIB is part of the Taher family’s investments, a multi-generational Saudi business family with interests spanning poultry, insurance, aviation and other sectors.

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