RIYADH: The Crown Prince Camel Festival returned to Taif this week with record-breaking numbers and high stakes, drawing camel owners from across the Kingdom eager for victory.
Among them is Fahad Ben Jouroh, a seasoned competitor from Hail and director of the local racing track. He has invested heavily in his herd of more than 50 camels, ranging from two to six years old, and is confident they will do well on the track.
Fahad Ben Jouroh, Seasoned competitor
A multiple previous winner at the festival, he was discreet about the cost of his nearly 90-day stay in Taif but said the accommodation for himself, his team and guests cost about SR100,000 ($26,600).
One of his camels had already won a race and more victories were expected, he said.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the Crown Prince Camel Festival is one of the highlights on the Kingdom’s cultural calendar and features races across multiple categories.
• Last year the festival was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the largest ever number of camels at a racing festival, with 21,637.
He said he had sold 40 camels in recent weeks for a combined total of more than SR14 million.
One of Fahad Ben Jouroh’s camels had already won a race this year. (Supplied/SPA)
“Camel racing has its own atmosphere and the spirit of competition in these events is truly unique,” he told Arab News.
He praised the facilities at the Taif track, calling it “perfect for camel racing” and highlighted the sport’s growing competitiveness and rising prize values.
This year’s festival opened on Tuesday and runs until Sept. 12. A record total of more than 100,000 camels are set to take part, which is more than for all of the previous six editions combined.
Camel racing has its own atmosphere and the spirit of competition in these events is truly unique.
Fahad Ben Jouroh, Seasoned competitor
Organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, the event is one of the highlights on the Kingdom’s cultural calendar and features races across multiple categories.
The Laqaya group (for 3- and 4-year-olds) alone includes 64 4-km races and a prize pool of more than SR50 million. On the opening day 1,495 camels competed in the Haqayiq category (for 2- and 3-year-olds).
Last year the festival was recognized by Guinness World Records for having the largest ever number of camels at a racing festival, with 21,637.
The event also won the Makkah Economic Excellence Award in 2023, underscoring its role in celebrating heritage and boosting cultural and economic engagement.
