Paul Pogba has made headlines with an unexpected and groundbreaking investment, officially becoming co-owner and ambassador of Al Haboob, Saudi Arabia’s pioneering professional camel racing team. The landmark announcement on December 10, 2025, marks the first time a professional footballer has held ownership in a camel racing organization, signaling a transformative moment for the centuries-old sport and bringing unprecedented international attention to a discipline deeply rooted in Gulf heritage.
The World Cup winner joins the Saudi-based team as both shareholder and ambassador, representing a bold new chapter in Pogba’s career as he looks beyond traditional football ventures. Al Haboob, which translates to “The Storm” in Arabic, positions itself as the world’s first modern, internationally competing professional camel racing team, blending ancient Bedouin tradition with cutting-edge sports science and technology.
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A Historic Partnership
In a landmark announcement from Jeddah, Al Haboob (الهَبُوب) unveiled its historic partnership with the global football icon, currently on AS Monaco’s books following his return from an 18-month doping ban. The collaboration represents Pogba’s first ownership investment in a Middle Eastern sport, bringing his global reach, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for innovation to professional camel racing.
Speaking about the partnership, Paul Pogba expressed genuine enthusiasm for joining a project that transcends traditional sporting boundaries. “I am incredibly excited to be joining forces with Al Haboob. From the moment I spoke with Omar and Safwan, I felt their passion, their vision, and their genuine love for this sport. Their ambition to elevate camel racing onto a global stage is something I truly connect with,” the 32-year-old midfielder stated.
Pogba emphasized his motivation to be part of something that goes beyond sport itself: “I want to be part of a project that goes beyond sport, one that brings people together and shines a light on traditions that deserve to be celebrated. Joining Al Haboob felt like being invited into a new family, and saying yes was an easy decision. I’ve always been someone who wants to try new things and do things differently… Al Haboob represents exactly that: something fresh, something meaningful, and something exciting while staying true to who I am.”
Understanding the Sport
Before committing to the investment, Paul Pogba spent considerable time researching camel racing, immersing himself in the intricacies of the sport. Speaking to BBC Sport, he revealed: “I’ve watched my fair share of races on YouTube and spent time doing research trying to understand the techniques and strategies. What stood out to me is how much dedication it takes from everyone involved. At the end of the day, sport is sport. It demands heart, sacrifice and teamwork.”
The French midfielder sees clear parallels between camel racing and the elite football environments he has inhabited throughout his distinguished career. “People might not realise it, but sport always connects in some way. Whether it’s football, camel racing, boxing – the foundations are similar. You need determination, you need focus, discipline and grit,” Pogba explained.
Camel racing remains one of the most traditional and culturally significant sports across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf nations. The sport has evolved dramatically from its historical roots, now incorporating high-tech training methods including specialized treadmills and swimming pools for camels, advanced veterinary care, and robot jockeys equipped with GPS tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and two-way communication systems. Prize money at major festivals can reach into the millions, reflecting the sport’s continuing importance in Gulf culture.
The Al Haboob Vision
Al Haboob was founded in Saudi Arabia by visionary entrepreneurs Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir, who launched the RedSea Camel Company in 2021 with an ambitious goal: to revolutionize camel breeding and racing while establishing the sport’s first professional, internationally governed league. The team combines centuries-old heritage with elite performance standards, advanced veterinary science, and cinematic storytelling to bring camel racing to global audiences.
Almaeena, an endurance racing champion who previously represented Saudi Arabia in Compiegne, France in 2000, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “Paul’s involvement is transformational. His influence, leadership, and passion for cultural storytelling reflect exactly what Al Haboob stands for. This partnership is about more than racing; it is about sharing a heritage that deserves global recognition.”
The entrepreneur, actor, and creative producer added that working alongside his friend Modir and Pogba felt “like a dream,” noting: “Representing my country as an athlete was an absolute privilege, and being part of Al Haboob gives me that same sense of pride and joy.“
Safwan Modir, whose background spans global hospitality management and successful venture creation, emphasized that Pogba’s global reach will help shape the future of the sport: “With Paul joining us, we are taking this movement to a global stage and shaping the future of camel racing. At Al Haboob, we do not merely represent a racing team, we represent the ambition of a nation, the belief of a people, and a genuine determination for Saudis to be number one across every field of life, from sport and business to culture and innovation.”
World-Class Standards
Al Haboob operates according to elite standards that mirror top-level sports organizations worldwide. The team currently maintains a roster of 11 camels and has achieved an impressive record of 11 victories across all tournaments entered since its establishment. Veterinary care for Al Haboob’s camels is led by Dr. Margreet Voermans, a dual-certified specialist in Equine Surgery and Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, ensuring the animals compete at the highest level while maintaining optimal well-being.
Training operations are directed by Abo Khattab, also known as Hamed Salem Al-Jadaili Al-Wahaibi, one of the Gulf’s most respected camel racing coaches. The combination of expert veterinary care, elite training protocols, and modern technology positions Al Haboob at the forefront of professional camel racing.
Netflix Documentary and Global Exposure
Almaeena and Modir have already begun elevating camel racing’s international profile through their Netflix series “Camel Quest,” released in 2024. The documentary highlighted camel culture across Saudi Arabia and followed their ambition to compete in major festivals, introducing global audiences to the sport’s rich traditions and modern evolution. Pogba’s involvement is expected to exponentially increase this exposure, leveraging his massive social media following and international recognition.
Pogba’s Illustrious Career
Paul Pogba brings immense credibility and star power to Al Haboob. The FIFA World Cup winner, UEFA Nations League champion, and one of the most influential footballers of his generation boasts an impressive trophy cabinet. A four-time Serie A champion with Juventus, Pogba also won the Europa League with Manchester United and earned the Golden Boy award in 2013, while being named FIFA World Cup Best Young Player in 2014.
Once the world’s most expensive footballer following his £89 million transfer to Manchester United in 2016, Pogba has consistently demonstrated his willingness to explore opportunities beyond traditional football. His investment in Al Haboob represents his latest venture into unique sporting territories, combining business acumen with cultural appreciation.
A Bold Vision for the Future
The partnership between Paul Pogba and Al Haboob signals a transformative moment for camel racing. The team’s official statement captures this ambition: “Camel racing is entering a new era, full of meaning, scope, and heritage. ‘Al Haboob‘ is not just a team. It’s a movement built on legacy, achievement, and cultural influence. We’re not just following the rules of racing: we’re rewriting them. The storm has a name. And it’s only gaining momentum.”
While the exact financial details of Pogba’s ownership stake have not been disclosed, the investment represents a significant commitment to helping Al Haboob achieve its long-term vision of establishing the world’s first professional Camel Racing League, elevating the sport to international standards while honoring its rich cultural history.
For Paul Pogba, this unique investment demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to life beyond his playing career, embracing cultural diversity and supporting sports that deserve global recognition. As he continues his comeback with AS Monaco on the football pitch, Pogba is simultaneously helping to write a new chapter in the history of camel racing, bringing “The Storm” to the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Haboob? Al Haboob is Saudi Arabia’s pioneering professional camel racing team, founded by Omar Almaeena and Safwan Modir. It is recognized as the world’s first modern, internationally competing professional camel racing team, combining heritage with elite performance and advanced veterinary care.
How did Paul Pogba become interested in camel racing? Pogba spent considerable time researching camel racing by watching races on YouTube and studying the techniques and strategies involved. He was drawn to the sport’s dedication, teamwork, and parallels with elite football environments.
What role will Paul Pogba have with Al Haboob? Paul Pogba serves as both a shareholder (co-owner) and ambassador for Al Haboob, making him the first professional footballer in history to hold ownership in a camel racing team.
How successful has Al Haboob been in competitions? Al Haboob currently maintains a roster of 11 camels and has achieved 11 victories across all tournaments entered since its establishment, demonstrating strong competitive performance.
What is the long-term vision for Al Haboob? The founders aim to establish the world’s first professional Camel Racing League, elevating the sport to international standards while honoring its rich cultural history, with Paul Pogba’s global reach helping bring unprecedented attention to the sport.
