Under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track in Riyadh hosted the closing ceremony of the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival on Sunday evening. The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, marking the culmination of a prominent heritage sporting event that brought together leading camel owners from 11 countries.
Upon his arrival, His Highness was received by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, along with a number of senior officials.
A rich history and a promising future for camel racing
Camel racing is an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula. Camels have long been intertwined with the lives of our ancestors, serving as the primary means of transportation and a symbol of strength and resilience. Over time, this connection has evolved into a deeply rooted heritage sport passed down through generations. In modern times, camel racing has received significant government support, exemplified by the establishment of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation in 2017 and the organization of major festivals held at the highest international standards. This has contributed to transforming camel racing from a popular pastime into a professional sport with significant economic and cultural benefits.
The importance of the festival and its impact within the framework of Vision 2030
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival is one of the most prominent events embodying the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, as it seeks to preserve national heritage and promote cultural identity. The festival also plays a pivotal role in supporting the sports and tourism sectors by attracting participants and visitors from around the world and highlighting the Kingdom's ability to host and organize major international events. With prize money exceeding 75 million riyals, the festival contributes to supporting camel owners and stimulating investment in this vital sector, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for camel racing.
Details of the final day and the crowning of the champions
The final day featured four main races over a distance of 6 kilometers, with 65 of the finest camels participating. After the national anthem was played, His Royal Highness the Prince of Riyadh presented the awards to the winners. The results were as follows:
- First round (general male camels): The camel “Al Ghazal” owned by Emirati owner Mohammed Al Muhairi won the title, with a time of 12:40.253 minutes.
- The second round (Zamoul - Open): The camel “Nahab” from the UAE Presidential Camels won the title, with a time of 12:33.278 minutes.
- Third round (Hail - General): The camel “Aaliyah” owned by Emirati Ahmed Al-Khabili won first place, with a time of 12:27.890 minutes.
- The fourth round (Open): The camel “Al-Haba” from Al-Shahaniya Camels of Qatar won the title, achieving a record time of 12:17.193 minutes.
Emirati owner Hamad Al Ameri was also crowned with the prestigious “Saudi Sword” award, having topped the overall standings with 196.5 points and receiving a prize of 3 million riyals. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar honored the festival's sponsors and organizing committees, praising their efforts in making this major heritage event a success.
