What is a camel jockey?

A camel jockey is a person who rides a camel in a camel race. Historically, the practice involved using very young children, often under the age of 10, as jockeys. This was due to the belief that lighter jockeys would make the camels run faster.

The use of child jockeys was banned in many countries due to ethical concerns:

* Exploitation of children: The children were often taken from their families and forced to work in dangerous conditions.

* Health risks: The children faced the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and serious injuries from falls.

* Lack of education and opportunities: The children's lives were often dedicated to racing, preventing them from getting an education or pursuing other opportunities.

Today, most camel races use robotic jockeys or adult riders.

The use of child jockeys remains a controversial issue, with some arguing that it is a cultural tradition that should be respected, while others insist that it is a form of child exploitation that must be stopped.