Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, April 10 (UPI) -- The United Arab Emirates plans to update its traditional camel races by using light-weight robots as jockeys, replacing young boys. The BBC says that the races have become controversial with critics saying that boys, some as young as four, are kidnapped to serve as camel jockeys. A new law sets 16 as the minimum age for jockeys. Advertisement A robot jockey would be controlled by an instructor watching the race and feeding instructions via a remote control system. Members of Abu Dhabi's royal family were reportedly impressed by the robots in a test. The BBC reports that the change will please human rights groups that charge jockeys are underfed and housed in conditions that resemble prisons.
