Makkah Deputy Governor Honors Winners at the 6th Crown Prince Camel Festival

The sixth Crown Prince Camel Festival concluded in Taif on Wednesday, with Makkah’s Deputy Governor, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, honoring the winners on the final day of this prestigious event. The month-long festival featured thrilling competitions among elite camels, culminating in four exciting races.

Competitive Racing Highlights

On the final day, 107 elite camels from various Gulf countries competed in four 6-kilometer races. The festival’s atmosphere was electric as participants showcased their prized camels, vying for a share of the substantial prize pool exceeding SR57 million (approximately $15 million).

• First Race: In the general Zamoul category, Madhaal emerged victorious, completing the race in 9 minutes, 13.419 seconds. The winning owner, Hafeez Saeed Al-Marri, received a cash prize of SR1 million.
• Second Race: The open Zamoul category saw Barzan, owned by Al-Shahaniya Camels from Qatar, clinching the SR1 million prize with a time of 9:22.023.
• Third Race: In the general Heil category, Al-Dheeb, owned by Al-Siliya Camels from Qatar, triumphed with a time of 9:09.218, securing a SR1.5 million prize.
• Final Race: The open Heil category concluded with Rahiya, another camel from Al-Shahaniya, winning in 9:06.368 and also earning SR1.5 million.

Festival Significance

The Crown Prince Camel Festival has become a hallmark of Saudi Arabian culture, celebrating the deep-rooted tradition of camel racing. This year’s festival coincided with the designation of 2024 as the “Year of the Camel” in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the cultural importance of camels in the Kingdom.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, the Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his generous support of the festival. He highlighted the Crown Prince’s commitment to promoting sports and preserving camel racing as a vital aspect of Saudi heritage.

A Month of Festivities

The festival commenced on August 10, featuring 350 preliminary races and culminating in an 11-day finals phase with 239 races across various categories. The event not only showcases the competitive spirit of camel racing but also strengthens community ties and boosts tourism in the region.

Conclusion

The sixth Crown Prince Camel Festival successfully celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia while providing a platform for local and international camel owners. With significant financial rewards and recognition, the festival continues to reinforce the importance of camel racing in Saudi culture.

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