Al Haboob (الهَبُوب), the first professional camel racing team operating across the UAE and GCC, has announced a major partnership with international footballer Paul Pogba. Pogba joins as both Ambassador and Shareholder, becoming the first professional footballer to hold ownership in a camel racing team. The partnership marks a significant moment for the sport and brings new global attention to camel racing, which has long been central to regional heritage.
Pogba is recognised as one of the most influential footballers of his era, with a career including a FIFA World Cup, UEFA Nations League title, four Serie A championships with Juventus, and a Europa League win with Manchester United. His personal awards include the 2013 Golden Boy and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Best Young Player.
Speaking on the announcement, the AS Monaco midfielder said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining forces with Al Haboob. From the moment I spoke with Omar and Safwan, I felt their passion, their vision, and their genuine love for this sport. They are forward-thinking entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful, and that energy is contagious – it’s something I picked up on from our very first meeting.
“Their ambition to elevate camel racing onto a global stage is something I truly connect with. Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed with many opportunities and proposals, but this one felt different. It spoke to me on a deeper level – to culture, to legacy, to storytelling. I want to be part of a project that goes beyond sport, one that brings people together and shines a light on traditions that deserve to be celebrated. Joining Al Haboob felt like being invited into a new family, and saying yes was an easy decision.
“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. That mindset has followed me into my business world too. I look for unique, exciting opportunities that challenge me and allow me to grow. Al Haboob represents exactly that: something fresh, something meaningful, and something exciting while staying true to who I am.”
Founded in Saudi Arabia by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, Al Haboob blends heritage with modern sporting standards. Almaeena and Modir first entered camel racing in 2021 through RedSea Camel Company and later produced the Netflix series Camel Quest. Their long-term aim is to establish the first internationally governed professional Camel Racing League.
Camel racing has been part of Arab culture for centuries. Once a test of endurance for prized camels, it has advanced through new training methods and technology, while remaining tied to identity and tradition across the Gulf.
“Paul’s involvement is transformational,” said Almaeena. “His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing; it is about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”
Almaeena, who previously represented Saudi Arabia in endurance racing in Compiegne, France, added: “I’ve always dreamed of working with animals and creating something truly unique. I’ve loved animals since I was a child, and today I’m lucky enough to work closely with camels in an incredible environment, doing something completely different alongside my best friend Safwan and Paul. It genuinely feels like a dream. Representing my country as an athlete was an absolute privilege, and being part of Al Haboob gives me that same sense of pride and joy.”
Modir said: “Al Haboob was never just a sporting idea – it is the embodiment of a national energy that believes the impossible can be achieved. This vision, this boldness, and this drive to break into new global frontiers are all inspired by the powerful leadership of our visionary guide and architect of our national transformation, His Royal Prince Highness Mohammed bin Salman.
“Vision 2030 has not only transformed the face of our economy; it has reshaped the mindset of Saudis. It taught us to dream without limits, to compete with confidence, and to share our identity with the world without ever compromising our authenticity.
“At Al Haboob, we do not merely represent a racing team – we represent the ambition of a nation, the belief of a people, and a genuine determination for Saudis to be number one across every field of life, from sport and business to culture and innovation.”
Al Haboob’s racing programme is led by expert specialists. Veterinary care is overseen by Dr Margreet Voermans, a dual-certified Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine specialist. Racing and training strategy is directed by Hamed Salem Al-Jadaili Al-Wahaibi, known as Abu Khattab, one of the most respected camel racing coaches in the region. Robot jockeys equipped with GPS systems, two-way communication, and heart-rate tracking support both safety and competitive performance.
Modir said: “Our camels are prepared with the same care and discipline you would expect from elite athletes. Every aspect of their training, nutrition, and wellbeing is carefully managed to monitor their safety and optimise their overall performance. With Paul joining us, we are taking this movement to a global stage and shaping the future of camel racing.”
The founders’ shared history dates back more than 20 years to their youth in Jeddah. Their careers took them to several continents, including the United States, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Their work has included roles in technology, hospitality, accounting, venture growth, and sports.
By 2024, their full focus shifted to Al Haboob and the development of the first professional camel racing organisation.
Today’s announcement marks a defining milestone for their vision — and signals the beginning of a new era for the sport.
The movement has a name: Al Haboob — and its reach continues to grow.