Bull Butting ( Bull Fighting ) at Fujeirah, UAE

End of last year, I attended my first Bull Fighting / Butting event at the East coast city of Fujeirah, about 1h 15' from Dubai.

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

First of all, I must stress that this is very different from the classic Bull Fighting in Spain and some of the other Southern Mediterranean countries. That is where the name "Bull Butting" comes into effect. There is no blood shedding involved and the animals all walk out alive.  

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

The origin dates back to the 17th century and was introduced by the Portuguese who once colonised the area. The free event is held every Friday (except for the Summer months), on an open space opposite the Corniche in Fujeirah and starts about 1 hour before sunset.

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

Participants from all over the UAE bring their Brahman bulls, weighing close to 1000kg to Fujierah. 

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

Two at a time, the bulls are then brought into a large area of sand. Once released they start "pushing" (butting) each other. After a few minutes only, a judge declares the winner who was able to push the other animal backwards the furthest

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

A team for every bull then "pulls" the animals apart.

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

It is a family event, which brings young and old, UAE Nationals, Expats and tourist together. While for safety reasons, the area is fenced off, some people sneak in to get a better view. Yours truly was one of them…

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

Beside the actual "butting", I found it to be a very social event with plenty of people photography opportunities! 

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

Bull Fighting - Bull Butting, Fujeirah, UAE

If you want to do something different on your typical lazy Friday ( day off in the UAE ) afternoon, a quick trip to the Fujeirah Bull Butting is worth it!

A gallery with all images of the event, made with the Fujifilm X-E1, can be found here.

Whatever you do, wherever you are; "have a great weekend" !


BJORN










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