As the Arabian Peninsula’s fastest camels thundered around a track in the Saudi desert, Kasseem Dean, a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop producer hailing from the Bronx, found himself immersed in the captivating world of camel racing. Known in the music industry as Swizz Beatz, he nervously observed the thrilling races from the comfort of an air-conditioned V.I.P. viewing hall.
Amidst the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere, waiters elegantly served refreshing lemonade and delectable red velvet cupcakes to the sophisticated crowd. Adorned in sundresses, women elegantly mingled on off-white sofas, savoring fizzy mocktails.
While the majestic camels took center stage on the track, Mr. Dean, a relatively new contender in Saudi Arabia’s affluent camel racing circuit, felt the weight of attention upon him. Over the past four years, he has invested millions to acquire 48 racing camels, propelling himself into the upper echelons of the sport.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Dean, aged 45, expressed, “When you discover it, you enter into a whole other world.” His team of camels, aptly named “Saudi Bronx,” has clinched prestigious trophies across the region, solidifying his bond with the kingdom he first explored in 2006.
With his frequent visits to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Dean now regards the country as a second home. He is a co-founder of a roller-skating rink nestled in the desert oasis of AlUla, the picturesque venue for the camel race. Additionally, he maintains a residence in Riyadh, the capital city. Noteworthy is the fact that he was granted Saudi citizenship a few years back.
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 | Competitors with robot jockeys on their backs, closely followed by trainers in SUVs who remotely control the robots. |
