By: Yomna Walid
Camel racing is far from easy. Being a woman and a mother competing in such a demanding sport makes it even more challenging. Nahla Al Kordy has become the first Egyptian woman to participate in camel racing, encouraging Egyptian women not to stop dreaming. She believes that motherhood does not prevent women from achieving their dreams; in fact, it becomes their greatest source of strength and motivation. After training in camel racing for less than two months, Nahla participated in the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 on 14 February 2026. NileFM dives deeper with Nahla to learn how her journey began, how she balanced motherhood with her bold decision to become a camel racer, and the details behind stepping into this unique world. Tell us more about Nahla Al Kordy beyond camel racing. Nahla Al Kordy is someone who believes that a person does not have to walk the expected path. 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. I choose unconventional paths not simply to be different, but because I believe the greatest version of a person is created outside their comfort zone. My personality has been shaped by discipline, passion, perseverance, and a deep faith that a person&rsquo;s true value appears in the moments when they challenge themselves, with God&rsquo;s guidance.
<a href="https://ibb.co/v4JVNjWP"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/0yfm0GLM/1.png" alt="1" border="0" /></a> What drew you to the world of camel racing and pushed you to make such a bold decision? What attracted me was the feeling of awe and respect at the same time. Camel racing is not just a sport; it is a world with its own prestige, history, and rules. The first time I approached camels, I felt I was standing before a force that I needed to learn to communicate with, not control. The decision was not impulsive; it was a response to an inner calling telling me there was an experience I had to live. I do not seek comfort; I seek growth.
<a href="https://ibb.co/zTyNkbmk"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/ksRMd0Gd/2.png" alt="2" border="0" /></a> When did you start training? What was your first time riding a camel like? I began training on January 8, 2026, and my first experience was unforgettable. Sitting on top of a creature of that size, strength, and willpower changes your entire perspective. At first, there was fear, but it quickly transformed into focus. I realized that the relationship between rider and camel is built on trust, not control. What were the toughest challenges you faced during training or preparation? The hardest challenge was not physical; it was mental. Training yourself to accept that you are not in complete control and learning how to be fully present in the moment is not easy. Physically, the training was demanding, especially with the balance and movement required. But the real challenge was building a mindset capable of suffering pressure, fear, and responsibility.
<a href="https://ibb.co/H1ZR75n"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/2mJRqGg/3.png" alt="3" border="0" /></a> As the first Egyptian woman to take on this experience, did you feel extra responsibility or pressure? Absolutely. When you represent your country, it shifts from being a personal experience to something much bigger. But I chose to see it as an honor, not pressure. I am not only representing myself; I also represent the idea that Egyptian women are capable of entering any field, no matter how unconventional. How did your family and friends react when they learned you would participate in camel racing? At first, there was surprise. Some even joked that I was going through a midlife crisis because the decision was unexpected. But the people who truly know me understand that my decisions are always thoughtful, even if they appear bold. Over time, surprise turned into support and pride, and that became a great source of strength for me. How did you balance being a mother of two with preparing for such a demanding race? Motherhood is not an obstacle; it is a source of strength. My children were my greatest motivation. Balance came through discipline, time management, and understanding that pursuing my dream is also a message to them: that a person must be brave enough to live truthfully. I would drop them off at school, begin my training, and return before they did.
<a href="https://ibb.co/JJXVcSG"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/mWQkRP2/4.png" alt="4" border="0" /></a> Before the race, what occupies your mind the most? What excites you? I am excited about the starting moment, the moment when all the training, the silence, and the challenges turn into reality. I am also deeply aware that this is a defining moment, one that marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life. What message would you give to every woman who believes motherhood might stop her from achieving her dreams? Motherhood does not end a woman; it reshapes her. The strength a woman gains when she becomes a mother is incomparable. Your dream does not conflict with your motherhood; it can be an extension of it. Do not let fear convince you that time has passed. Sometimes, the true beginning comes after you become a mother. After this step, do you see yourself continuing in camel racing, or are there other challenges you want to pursue? Camel racing is not the end; it is the beginning. Of course, I aspire to develop as a camel racer and, God willing, achieve winning positions. But I do not see myself tied to one challenge. I am committed to a lifestyle built on continuous growth. I will continue, and I will take on new challenges, because my goal is not to reach a certain point; it is to keep moving forward and discovering what I am capable of becoming.
<a href="https://ibb.co/7JjL3T2H"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/zhQD3LG1/5.png" alt="5" border="0" /></a> Photo Credit: Nahla Al Kordy&rsquo;s official page
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