RIYADH: Camels are a symbol of pride, joy and honor for Arabs, so it comes as little surprise that owners have beauty pageants that involve months of grooming to showcase their animals’ unique aesthetic traits.

The contest at King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, one of the largest in the Middle East, has attracted thousands of visitors early morning every week.

The six-week event, which will end in mid-January, crowns winners in different categories weekly.

Falah bin Melhem, an owner and well-known competitor, has participated in various contests with his animals including Mazayen Al-Ibil, which was recently held in Qatar.

Bin Melhem said his camels have bagged several awards at various competitions and now looks forward to winning more in the Kingdom.

He and other camel owners explained that it requires a great deal of planning to prepare an animal for such pageants, including proper transportation, fodder and healthcare.

“It does not mean that this hard work is a bad thing … it is a pleasure for any camel lover who (has a) passion for competition and for winning,” said Bin Melham, who has his eyes on the crown after attaining top positions in all the rounds last year.

Abdullah bin Qasim, the owner of Mangiyah Al-Abadiyat, is participating for the first time in the competitions at the festival. He wakes up before dawn to care for his camels, which he emphasizes have big heads and well-structured bodies. He hopes to win big at the event.

Another participant, Mijbil Al-Dhafiri, who spends most of his day around camels, points out that attractive camels, like his Thokor, have long necks, arched noses, large head, good height, and display elegant movement.

Al-Dhafiri said he is well-prepared for the competition, having started six months ago in Hafr Al-Batin.