The eyes of lovers of authenticity and heritage will turn tomorrow, Saturday, towards the historic Janadriyah field, where the first competitions of the “beauty” rounds dedicated to the category (individual young camels - female camels) will begin, as part of the activities accompanying the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026. This launch comes amid great anticipation from owners and the public, as tomorrow’s competitions focus in particular on two distinctive colors of camels, “Al-Sha’al” and “Al-Shaqah”.
The festival officially commenced today, Friday, under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may God protect him – with the competitions scheduled to continue for 10 exciting days. According to the approved schedule, the festival began receiving entries for the beauty contests this morning, Friday, starting at 9:00 AM, in preparation for the sorting and judging processes and the announcement of the finalists.
Huge prizes and diverse events
This year's festival is distinguished by its substantial prizes, exceeding 75 million Saudi riyals, reflecting the great attention the wise leadership pays to the camel sector. The competitions are not limited to beauty contests but also include five approved categories in camel racing, in addition to a camel race for human riders, open to both men and women, adding a diverse sporting and cultural dimension that appeals to various segments of society.
Historical depth and the Janadriyah Square
The choice of Al-Janadriyah Square to host these competitions is no coincidence; it underscores the historical significance of this location, which has long witnessed some of the largest heritage and cultural gatherings in the Kingdom. Camel racing and beauty contests are an integral part of Saudi cultural identity, as camels symbolize patience and endurance and have been companions to the Arab people throughout the ages. This festival aims to revive this heritage and present it to new generations in a modern and organized manner.
Economic and international dimensions
Beyond its competitive aspect, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival carries significant economic and strategic dimensions. The festival has successfully enhanced its international presence by attracting broad participation from camel owners across the Arab world and friendly nations. This activity contributes to stimulating the economic cycle associated with the camel sector, from buying and selling to logistics and tourism services, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to diversify income sources and invest in cultural heritage as a soft power that reflects the rich civilization of Saudi Arabia.
