Camelodrome is the term used for a camelid racetrack. In the Gulf countries, camel racing is very popular. Considered the sport of the sheikhs, professional camel racing began in Qatar in 1972 at Al Shahaniyah, the country’s largest camelodrome. National and international tournaments are held there every Friday from October to February. In March and April, major events such as the Al-Shahaniyah Festival and the much-anticipated H.H. the Emir’s Race see up to 6,000 of the world’s best groomed and most expensive camels compete, some worth up to one million riyals ($275,000). Camel racing has become a trademark of Qatar and both residents and tourists flock to the tournament season.