Timeline of Events
For more than 15 years, the UAE has been involved in self-regulation of its camel racing industry. In 2005 the UAE ended all employment of boys as camel jockeys while entering a series of historic agreements with UNICEF to repatriate the children and provide social support to former camel jockeys in their home countries. The UAE also negotiated agreements with the four primary source countries to compensate former camel jockeys.
1992 - The UAE creates the Camel Race Association, a nongovernmental body charged with promotion self-governance regulations and best practices. The association requires that camel jockeys weigh at least 45 kg, wear helmets and carry official ID cards.
1993 - UAE bans the use of small children in camel racing.
2002 - UAE revises its laws to treat the abuse of children in camel racing as child endangerment.
October 2004 - Ministry of the Interior searches camel racetracks and farms for expatriate children.
February 2005 - Special Committee on Camel Racing is created along with a 70-person enforcement unit. The committee studies the economic issues that led to camel jockeys entering the country on joint passports. The UAE begins reaching out to children's countries of origin to solve the problem comprehensively.
March 2005 - Ban announced and two-month amnesty given for all camel owners to list the names of underage riders. Government requires that camel jockeys must be at least 16 years old and 45 kg (100 pounds).
May 2005 - The UAE and UNICEF sign a comprehensive agreement to identify, shelter and repatriate children involved in camel racing and to provide support in their home countries. In an effort to end child trafficking, citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Mauritania, Eritrea, Somalia and India are not allowed into the UAE without their own passports.
July 2005 - UAE bans camel jockeys under 18 and institutes penalties of up to three years in prison and 13,600 dirhams or about $50,000 (doubled for repeat offenders). Lightweight robot jockeys are developed and quickly become popular.
December 2005 - More than 1,000 children formerly involved in camel racing are repatriated and 39 are housed and awaiting reunification with their families.
September 2006 - Phase one ends with 1,077 children repatriated. UAE hosts Abu Dhabi conference to evaluate the first year of progress and the repatriation effort is broadened to include benefits for children who left the country before or outside of the repatriation program. UNICEF report titled Starting Over lauds the UAE's effort to end the use of child jockeys and repatriate children formerly involved in camel racing.
September 2006 - Suit filed by Motley Rice in Florida accusing UAE officials of abusing child camel jockeys.
December 2006 - UAE pledges $8.2 million to assist children formerly involved in camel racing in their home countries.
February 2007 - Ministry of the Interior and UNICEF meet to discuss development projects to guarantee the future needs of repatriated children and prevent subsequent trafficking.
April 2007 - At a multinational conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE and UNICEF extend their agreement until May 2009. The conference includes representatives of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritania, and Sudan who reaffirm their commitment to broaden and extend the historic program.
July 2007 - Judge dismisses Florida suit citing lack of jurisdiction.
September 2007 - Motley Rice refiles nearly identical suit in Kentucky against deputy ruler of Dubai.