Paul Pogba invests in Saudi Arabian camel racing team and aims to ‘elevate the sport’
Paul Pogba has taken a stake in Al Haboob, the inaugural professional camel racing team based in Saudi Arabia, citing a desire to raise the sport’s profile worldwide. The investment comes as the team modernises the traditional Gulf pastime with robot jockeys and international competition.
French football star Paul Pogba has entered an unexpected arena: camel racing. The midfielder announced that he is now a shareholder in Al Haboob, the first professional camel racing team to compete across the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region. Pogba says his involvement is driven by a wish to "elevate the sport on to a global stage" and to bring the excitement of desert tracks to a wider audience.
What is Al Haboob and why it matters
Al Haboob was founded by Saudi entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, who envisioned a modern, internationally‑focused camel racing outfit. Unlike traditional races that relied on child jockeys, Al Haboob employs robot jockeys equipped with GPS and telemetry, allowing precise monitoring of speed, heart rate and positioning. The team travels to major events such as the AlUla Camel Cup, where the 2023 prize pool reached $6.4 million across 16 races, making it one of the most lucrative competitions in the sport.
Modir emphasizes that the team represents more than just a racing squad; it embodies Saudi ambition to be a leader in sport, business, culture and innovation. By partnering with a global football icon, Al Haboob hopes to attract new fans, sponsors and media attention beyond the Gulf’s desert circuits.
Paul Pogba’s motivation and background
Known for his flair on the pitch, Pogba has a reputation for exploring unconventional ventures. After returning to football following an 18‑month ban for a supplement violation, he said his interest in camel racing began with YouTube videos and personal research into race tactics and camel care. "I’ve always been someone who wants to try new things and do things differently – whether it’s how I play, how I express myself, or how I approach life off the pitch," Pogba told the BBC.
The midfielder also hinted at a longer‑term goal: owning the world’s most expensive camel. In the camel market, elite animals can fetch millions of pounds, and Pogba’s statement reflects both a personal challenge and a marketing angle that could further spotlight the sport.
Modernising a traditional sport
Camel racing has faced criticism for animal‑welfare concerns and the historic use of child jockeys. Over the past decade, the Gulf states have introduced robot jockeys, which eliminate the need for children and allow for data‑driven training. Al Haboob’s camels are reportedly cared for with the same rigor applied to elite human athletes, including tailored nutrition plans, veterinary oversight and performance analytics.
These innovations align with broader efforts to professionalise the sport, attract international investors and potentially secure broadcasting deals. With Pogba’s name attached, the team may gain access to European and Asian media markets that have previously ignored camel racing.
Potential impact on the sport’s future
If Pogba’s involvement translates into increased sponsorship and viewership, Al Haboob could set a template for other teams to follow, encouraging further professionalisation across the Gulf. The influx of capital might also spur upgrades to race infrastructure, such as better track surfaces, enhanced safety protocols and more sophisticated timing systems.
Moreover, the partnership could inspire other high‑profile athletes to explore niche sports, creating cross‑cultural bridges and diversifying revenue streams for both parties. For Saudi Arabia, the move dovetails with Vision 2030, the kingdom’s strategic plan to diversify its economy and promote sports tourism.
What comes next
Al Haboob plans to compete in the upcoming season of the AlUla Camel Cup and other regional events, with Pogba expected to attend select races and promote the team on his social platforms. The team also aims to launch a digital campaign showcasing behind‑the‑scenes training footage, potentially attracting a younger, global audience.
While the long‑term success of the partnership remains uncertain, the collaboration marks a notable moment in the evolution of camel racing, signaling a shift from a regional pastime to a sport with aspirations of worldwide recognition.
Why it matters
Pogba’s investment could accelerate the globalisation of camel racing, linking a traditional Gulf sport with mainstream international media and audiences.
Key points
- Paul Pogba becomes a shareholder in Al Haboob, the first professional camel racing team
- Al Haboob uses robot jockeys and modern training methods to address animal‑welfare concerns
- The partnership aims to raise camel racing’s profile beyond the Gulf region
- Pogda’s long‑term goal includes owning the world’s most expensive camel
- The move aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s push for sports diversification
Frequently asked questions
Why did Paul Pogba decide to invest in a camel racing team?
Pogba said he was fascinated by the sport’s dedication, wanted to try something new and saw an opportunity to help bring camel racing to a global audience.
What is Al Haboob and how is it different from traditional camel racing teams?
Al Haboob is a Saudi‑based professional team that competes internationally, uses robot jockeys, and applies elite‑athlete training, nutrition and performance monitoring to its camels.
Will the investment affect the prize money or race formats?
The investment does not directly change prize structures, but increased sponsorship could lead to larger prize pools and more media coverage in the future.
How does the use of robot jockeys improve animal welfare?
Robot jockeys eliminate the need for child riders and allow precise control of weight and positioning, reducing stress and injury risk for the camels.
Is Paul Pogba planning to own a camel himself?
Pogba has expressed a desire to own the world’s most expensive camel one day, but no specific purchase has been announced yet.
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