Camel racing is governed by ancient rules, immense physical strength, and deep prestige. As the rider of sands, Nahla Al Kordy is redefining motherhood and Egyptian heritage. Nahla Al Kordy, an abstract artist and mother of two, has entered the arena as the first Egyptian woman to compete professionally as a camel jockey. After training in camel racing for less than two months, Nahla participated in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 on 14 February 2026.
“I am Egyptian; this is part of our heritage. When I went to Dubai and entered the world of camels, I saw how deeply it shapes their culture and traditions.”
As the first Egyptian woman to take this step, Nahla feels a strong sense of responsibility.“I am not only representing myself; I also represent the idea that Egyptian women are capable of entering any field, no matter how unconventional,” she says.
Beyond the Titles: Who is Nahla?
“I am a mother, an abstract artist, and an athlete, but before any titles, I am a human being with a constant curiosity to discover my true limits,” She notes.
Nahla describes herself first as a human being driven by an unsatisfied curiosity to discover her true limits. “I choose unconventional paths not simply to be different,” she explains, “but because I believe the greatest version of a person is created outside their comfort zone.” Her journey from the quiet contemplation of abstract art to the adrenaline-fueled world of racing was born from a desire for growth rather than a search for comfort.
The Art of the Bond: Trust Over Control
Nahla bridged the transition from art to racing through her “theory of freedom.” While her art allows for creative liberty, camel racing requires a different kind of freedom, the freedom to trust a creature with its own immense willpower.
“Sitting on top of a creature of that size, strength, and willpower changes your entire perspective.”
Nahla recalls of her first time riding. Unlike horse racing, where a rider often exerts direct control, camel racing relies on mutual respect.
“As soon as the race starts, a large part of the camels might decide I don’t want to run,“ Nahla elaborates on how the camels are uncontrollable.
She describes the relationship as a “body language” where you must respect the camel’s space and spirit before it allows you into its world.
A Mother’s Motivation
One of the most powerful facets of Nahla’s journey is her refusal to see motherhood as a finish line for her personal dreams. Instead, she views it as her greatest source of strength. “ I teach my children to respect this time. This is a trap many mothers fall into: they either come down hard on the children, or they come down hard on themselves.” Nahla believes motherhood does not end a woman’s journey; instead, it reshapes her with an incomparable strength that she can extend toward any dream..
Also, she rejects the traditional idea that mothers must sacrifice themselves for their children. Instead, she views it as an integrated life where both roles respect one another. While she admits to the struggle of playing many roles at once, she refuses to let her dreams and her motherhood be at odds.
“When it comes to safety, no matter how much adrenaline you have, you will obviously prioritize your children. It is all a balancing act. But sacrifice? No. They come first,” Nahla notes.
The Path Forward
As the rider of sands, Nahla Al Kordy is redefining motherhood and Egyptian heritage. The Open Masters Games in Abu Dhabi were just the beginning. Despite the challenges of balancing her roles and the emotional weight of regional conflicts that have impacted recent championships. She remains committed to a lifestyle of continuous growth. Because of the war, she missed the opportunity to participate in the competition she was training for 5 months. The competition is the C1 Championship, the UAE’s premier independent, all-female camel racing series.
Now, her goal is not just to reach a finish line. But to keep moving forward, discovering exactly what she is capable of becoming while inspiring a new generation of Egyptian women to chase their own “unconventional” dreams.
“I have hope that what I am doing attracts other Egyptian women.”