RIYADH: The fifth Crown Prince Camel Festival is scheduled to be hosted by the Saudi Camel Federation on Aug. 1 at Taif Camel Square.
This year’s event will feature 589 races and a total prize pool of SR56.25 million ($14.9 million).
The festival will start with an 11-day preliminary stage for all age groups featuring 350 races and will culminate with 239 final races on Aug. 28.
Camels categories include Mafarid, Haqqa, Laqaya, Jatha’a, Thanaya, Heil, Zamoul and Soudaniyat.
Camels today are still celebrated in Saudi Arabia for their beauty, grace and speed. Even as the country rapidly modernizes, the animals remain a central part of Saudi culture.
Since the festival’s inception in 2018, it has attracted a huge number of camel enthusiasts from around the world.
It seeks to promote the heritage of camel racing in Saudi Arabia and in Arab and Islamic culture, as well as support the Kingdom’s tourism and economic development.
The festival also aims to enhance community participation, inculcate national heritage and reflect the Kingdom’s cultural depth.
