Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – the eyes of lovers of authenticity and heritage will turn tomorrow, Friday, to the historic Janadriyah Square in Riyadh, where the third edition of the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026" will commence. This major sporting and heritage event will continue for 10 days, combining the rich traditions of the past with the professionalism of the present in a unique cultural spectacle.
Details of the prizes and competitions in the third edition
The festival's organizing committee allocated substantial prize money exceeding 75 million riyals, reflecting the significant attention and support this sector receives. The prizes were meticulously distributed to ensure inclusive competition, with 35.9 million riyals allocated for the general, open, and camel racing categories, while 36.4 million riyals were designated for the cup and symbol races, which typically witness fierce competition among leading owners. To further diversify the prize pool, 2.7 million riyals were allocated for the beauty contests held alongside the festival.
Day 1 program and start of competitions
According to the approved schedule, the competitions will begin tomorrow with 40 races dedicated to the "Haqayiq" category, each race covering a distance of 4 kilometers. These races are divided into 30 general races and 10 open races, with total prizes for this category alone amounting to 16.18 million riyals. The festival includes the participation of five approved camel categories, in addition to a camel race for human riders, open to both men and women, thus enhancing the event's inclusiveness and appeal to diverse segments of the population.
Camel Festival: A Historical Legacy and a Vision for the Future
This festival is more than just a sporting event; it embodies the deep cultural identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where camels are a cornerstone of authentic Arab heritage. This edition builds upon the resounding success of the previous two; the inaugural edition in 2024 launched this global event, while the 2025 edition solidified its international standing by breaking time records and developing the infrastructure of the Janadriyah racecourse.
This sporting and cultural movement aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on improving quality of life and enhancing the tourism and entertainment sector, while preserving cultural heritage. The festival contributes to stimulating economic and tourism activity, attracting enthusiasts from the Gulf region and around the world, thus positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of the global camel racing scene.
Supporting leadership and heritage sustainability
The camel racing sector enjoys generous and unlimited support from the wise leadership – may God protect them – with the aim of developing this historic sport and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. This support confirms that camel racing is not just a sport, but a national icon that enhances the status of Saudi heritage on the international stage and confidently propels the Kingdom towards global leadership in organizing major events.
