Value of camels in Crown Prince Camel Festival preliminary stage reaches SR3bn for first time

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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time. (AN Photo)
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Updated 13 August 2023
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Value of camels in Crown Prince Camel Festival preliminary stage reaches SR3bn for first time

  • Festival organized by the Saudi Arabian Camel Federation
  • Held with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: The value of camels taking part in the preliminary round of the Crown Prince Camel Festival has exceeded SR3 billion ($800 million) for the first time.

More than 10,000 camels have taken part in the stage, which started on Aug. 1 and finished on Saturday, the media committee of the festival said.

The festival is organized by the Saudi Arabian Camel Federation and held with the support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Mahmoud Al-Balawi, executive director at SACF, said: “The Crown Prince Festival is distinguished by the presence of an open market, in addition to the large number of owners and investors in the camel sector.

“All of these factors contributed to the increase in market value.”

The 38-day event aims to showcase Saudi Arabia’s camel racing culture, as well as the broader Arab heritage of which the sport enjoys popular support in the region and beyond.

This year’s event features 589 races and a total prize pool of $14.9 million for the various race categories.

Now in its fifth year, the festival features more than 60,000 camels from Oman, Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, Qatar and Kuwait; Sudan and Egypt from the African continent; France and Switzerland from Europe and the US from North America.


AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

Updated 11 December 2025
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AlUla Trail Race 2026 opens for runner registration

  • Open to beginners and experienced athletes worldwide
  • Distances from 1.6km to 100km for children and adults

ALULA: Registration has now opened for the AlUla Trail Race to be held on Jan. 22 and 23 next year.

The contest offers local and international participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla, located in Madinah.

According to a Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, the race is open to beginners and experienced runners.

The series includes a Kids Run (1.6 km) for children aged 5 to 12, Sunset Run (3 km) for those 13 and above, and a 10 km and 23 km for more experienced participants.

There are also demanding 50 km and 100 km ultra trail races for the most resilient and skilled runners. All routes will end in Old Town, ensuring an exciting finish for both runners and spectators.

On the first day, runners will arrive to collect their race packs before taking part in the Kids Run and the Sunset Run. Race kits can be collected at the event village, which will be located at the amphitheater in Old Town.

AlUla Trail Race 2026 offers participants a selection of distances and challenges set against the dramatic landscapes and ancient heritage sites of AlUla. (SPA)

Day two will host the competitive distances, beginning at sunrise with the 100 km, followed by the 50 km, 23 km, and 10 km. Medal ceremonies will take place throughout the day as runners cross the finish line.

The organizers said every participant will receive an official AlUla Trail Race 2026 pack, including a tote bag, buff, race T-shirt, timing chip, and bib number. Entry fees begin at SR100 ($26) and SR50 for children.

The contest is a part of the AlUla Moments 2025/26 calendar, a year-round schedule of events and festivals designed to promote the area as a premier destination for tourism, sports, culture, and heritage.

Other world-class sports events include the professional cycling AlUla Tour, AlUla Desert Polo, and the Al-Fursan Endurance AlUla — one of the most prestigious endurance races on the equestrian calendar.