Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MUSCAT923
2009-09-19 12:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Muscat
how-toVZCZCXRO0118 RR RUEHDE DE RUEHMS #0923 2621245 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 191244Z SEP 09 FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0784 INFO GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000923
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/09/19
TAGS: ELAB ETRD PHUM KTIP MU
SUBJECT: ROBO JOCKEYS IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard J. Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000923
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/09/19
TAGS: ELAB ETRD PHUM KTIP MU
SUBJECT: ROBO JOCKEYS IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard J. Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
1. (U) On September 18 Omani dailies in both English and Arabic
highlighted an announcement from the Minister of Youth and Sport
Affairs that the Sultan has endorsed the use of remote-controlled
robot jockeys on racing camels for the 2009/2010 racing season that
begins on September 30. Human jockeys will be allowed only if they
meet the new minimum age requirement of 18 years. The papers
carried lengthy coverage and full-page spreads of camel owners' and
races organizers' greetings and gratitude for the Sultan's approval
of the use of robots. An editorial on September 19 in state-owned
Arabic daily "Oman", (circulation: 38,000) titled, "Preserving
Omani National Heritage does not Prevent Modernization" supported
the decision citing the protection of jockeys that it provides.
2. (C) Comment: Camel jockeys have never been a trafficking issue
in Oman, as all "under age" jockeys have been Omani youth engaged
with their families in a cultural activity, however, there have
been child labor and safety concerns. Oman has been gradually
raising the legal age of camel racing to reach 18 this year. The
prominent, lavishly illustrated, coverage of this topic reflects a
full-court press by the government to portray a broad acceptance of
this innovation in a highly traditional area of local culture. End
Comment.
Schmierer
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/09/19
TAGS: ELAB ETRD PHUM KTIP MU
SUBJECT: ROBO JOCKEYS IN OMAN
CLASSIFIED BY: Richard J. Schmierer, Ambassador, Department of State,
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(B),(D)
1. (U) On September 18 Omani dailies in both English and Arabic
highlighted an announcement from the Minister of Youth and Sport
Affairs that the Sultan has endorsed the use of remote-controlled
robot jockeys on racing camels for the 2009/2010 racing season that
begins on September 30. Human jockeys will be allowed only if they
meet the new minimum age requirement of 18 years. The papers
carried lengthy coverage and full-page spreads of camel owners' and
races organizers' greetings and gratitude for the Sultan's approval
of the use of robots. An editorial on September 19 in state-owned
Arabic daily "Oman", (circulation: 38,000) titled, "Preserving
Omani National Heritage does not Prevent Modernization" supported
the decision citing the protection of jockeys that it provides.
2. (C) Comment: Camel jockeys have never been a trafficking issue
in Oman, as all "under age" jockeys have been Omani youth engaged
with their families in a cultural activity, however, there have
been child labor and safety concerns. Oman has been gradually
raising the legal age of camel racing to reach 18 this year. The
prominent, lavishly illustrated, coverage of this topic reflects a
full-court press by the government to portray a broad acceptance of
this innovation in a highly traditional area of local culture. End
Comment.
Schmierer