Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Saud bin Abdullah Al Saud, a member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, the fifth edition of the “Hajjan League 2026” concluded with the crowning of the winners in the final race held at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track in Riyadh. The event witnessed fierce competition among 41 of the Kingdom’s most prominent male and female camel riders, vying for prizes totaling over one million Saudi Riyals, reflecting the significant support this time-honored heritage sport enjoys.
Results details and crowned champions
The final rounds were thrilling and exciting, culminating in the crowning of a select group of camel riders who demonstrated exceptional skill. In the first round, dedicated to the "Heel and Thanaya - Bakar" category, camel rider Suleiman bin Muawad Al-Juhani secured the "Heel and Thanaya Cup" title with his camel "Roma." In the second round, for the "Zamoul and Thanaya - Qadan" category, the "Zamoul and Thanaya Cup" title went to camel rider Salem bin Ali Al-Qahtani with his camel "Al-Joker." The competition wasn't limited to men; the women's round witnessed the brilliance of camel rider Nour Al-Anzi, who won the "Camel Riders - Ladies Cup" with her camel "Al-Rawda," a testament to the significant expansion of camel racing to encompass all segments of society.
Historical background and sporting significance
Camel racing is an integral part of the cultural and historical heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia in particular. Camels have long been intertwined with the lives of our ancestors, symbolizing strength, resilience, and authenticity. In modern times, this traditional practice has transformed into a professional, organized sport, thanks to the efforts of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, which was established to oversee and regulate the sport according to the highest international standards. The "Camel League" is one of the Federation's most prominent initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable competitive environment throughout the season. This contributes to raising the level of camel owners and riders, and discovering new talents capable of representing the Kingdom in regional and international events.
Local and international impact and alignment with Vision 2030
The organization of the Camel Racing League holds immense importance that extends far beyond the realm of sports. Locally, the league contributes to bolstering the local economy by stimulating sectors linked to camels, such as camel breeding, training, and veterinary care, in addition to its role in preserving national heritage and strengthening cultural identity among younger generations. Regionally and internationally, the success of such events solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for camel racing. This approach aligns perfectly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the sports and culture sectors, striving to develop them as a means to enhance quality of life, diversify income sources, and attract global tourism, while preserving and celebrating authentic heritage.
Valuable prizes and a competitive structure
The league was distinguished by its competitive structure, which spanned three stages. The first stage took place on January 10th, followed by the second stage on January 17th, from which 26 camel riders qualified for the final race. Generous cash prizes were awarded to the winners in each round, with the first-place winner receiving 100,000 riyals, and the same amount going to the camel owner. The remaining prizes were distributed among the second through tenth-place finishers in decreasing amounts, providing a strong incentive for the participants to perform at their best.
