In a move that reflects the prestigious status that camel racing has reached in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region, the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival is witnessing one of the largest television broadcasts of heritage and sporting events, as the total hours of live broadcasting are expected to exceed 125 hours over 10 consecutive days.
Cultural and historical dimensions of the event
This significant media attention reflects the paramount importance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places on the camel sector, recognizing it as a cornerstone of national identity and rich cultural heritage. These events align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to preserve and promote cultural heritage globally. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, held in Janadriyah, Riyadh, is an annual gathering that blends the charm of the past with the advancements of the present, transforming it into a major cultural event that strengthens social and Gulf ties.
Cross-border media coverage
The competitions kicked off today, Friday, amidst unprecedented media coverage, with eight Gulf and Arab satellite channels broadcasting the event live, reflecting the festival's regional significance. The list of broadcasting channels includes:
- Saudi Sports Channel
- Sahara Channel
- Al Kass Qatari channel
- Yas Emirati Channel
- Kuwait Sports Channel
- Al-Bawadi Kuwaiti Channel
- Bahrain Sports Channel
- Al Rayyan TV (Qatar)
This satellite broadcast is further enhanced by live transmission via the Saudi Camel Racing Federation's digital platforms, to ensure access to the youth segment and the global audience interested in this sport.
Broadcast details and accompanying programs
The daily broadcast runs for approximately 12.5 hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The content includes not only live coverage of the races but also a diverse range of analytical and cultural programs such as "From Janadriyah," "Arabian Customs," "The Finish Line," and "Beauty Contest Races." The coverage also features exclusive interviews with owners and trainers, and documentation of the award ceremonies and accompanying events.
Global technical expertise and technologies
To ensure the highest quality production standards, the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, in collaboration with Silver Shadow Media Production Company, assembled a large team of 120 highly skilled professionals, including directors, cameramen, and sound and lighting engineers. State-of-the-art television broadcasting vehicles and advanced filming technologies were utilized to capture every detail of the competitions.
Integrated Media Center
In order to facilitate the work of local and international media, the Federation has set up a state-of-the-art media center at the event site, which includes a press conference hall, high-speed internet services, and a specialized team to provide news and logistical services, which confirms the high level of professionalism in managing this major heritage sporting event.
