On Saturday, the eyes of camel racing enthusiasts will be on the historic Janadriyah field in Riyadh, where 64 male and female camel riders will compete in the highly anticipated “Human Rider” race, which is one of the highlights of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival in its third edition for the year 2026. The race will witness wide international participation, including competitors from 7 countries, competing for huge cash prizes totaling 940,000 Saudi riyals.
Historical Background and Cultural Significance
: Camel racing is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula, historically linked to nomadic life and desert travel. Over time, it has evolved from a mere display of speed and strength into an organized sport with its own rules and major festivals. The "human rider" race revives the traditional form of this sport, which relies entirely on the rider's skill and ability to guide the camel, unlike modern races that utilize robots. This deep connection to heritage makes the festival a vital platform for preserving national identity and introducing new generations to one of their most important ancestral legacies.
Race Details and International Participation
: The festival, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, will run for 10 days, offering prizes exceeding 75 million riyals. Among these major events, five races have been dedicated to the human rider race: three races for men, each covering 5 kilometers, and two races for women, each covering 2 kilometers. Prizes have been distributed as follows: 564,000 riyals for men and 376,000 riyals for women, reflecting the growing interest in encouraging female participation in this sport. In addition to Saudi Arabia, participating countries include Yemen, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, and Bahrain, with a notable participation from Denmark, giving the race a global dimension and enhancing its standing on the map of international heritage sports.
anticipated impact and
alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 extend beyond the sporting aspect, serving as a significant economic and tourism driver, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Through these events, the Kingdom aims to solidify its position as a global destination for sports and cultural tourism. The generous support from the wise leadership and the diligent follow-up by His Royal Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Musaed, President of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, highlight the efforts being made to develop this sport. This includes providing a professional competitive environment, developing the skills of Saudi camel riders, enabling Saudi female camel riders to reach international levels, and transforming human jockey racing into a global sporting event that attracts professionals and fans from around the world.
