In an enthusiastic heritage atmosphere reflecting the depth of Arab authenticity, the King Abdulaziz Camel Racing Award the names of the winners of the top positions in the "Al-Hayl and Al-Zamoul" category (open - general), which was held over a distance of 8 kilometers, amidst wide participation and strong competition among camel owners from different regions.
Results of the Al-Hayl and Al-Zamoul races
The races witnessed a remarkable performance from the participating camels, with the detailed results for the four rounds being as follows:
- First round: Hamad Nahyan Al Ameri secured first place with his camel "Hattash", making a strong showing in the opening round of the competition.
- Second round: Faran Atiq Al Marri managed to secure the lead for himself through the camel “Aryam”, confirming the readiness of Al Marri’s farm for major competitions.
- Third round: “Presidential Camels” imposed their dominance by achieving victory through the camel “Nahab”.
- Fourth round: “Presidential Camels” continued its brilliance and won first place again through the camel “Al Wariya”.
The King Abdulaziz Prize: A historical legacy and global standing
The King Abdulaziz Camel Racing Festival is one of the most important and largest heritage sporting events in the Kingdom and the Arabian Gulf. This prestigious festival bears a name dear to everyone's hearts, that of the founder, King Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – which lends it significant moral and national prestige. The festival is not merely a track for athletic competition; it is a comprehensive cultural festival aimed at preserving the camel heritage within Saudi and Arab culture.
The “Al-Hayl and Al-Zamoul” category is considered one of the strongest categories in camel races, as it is dedicated to older camels that are characterized by high endurance and the ability to cover long distances (8 km), making winning in it evidence of the camel’s strength, good training and preparation.
Strengthening national identity and keeping pace with Vision 2030
These races are part of the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, to preserve authentic cultural heritage. These events are perfectly aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which places great importance on strengthening national identity and pride in its rich history.
In recent years, camel racing has transformed from a traditional pastime into a professional sport with international standards, attracting tourists and enthusiasts from around the world and contributing to the local economy through buying and selling, as well as supporting local markets related to camel breeding and equipment. The continued organization of such championships reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for camel racing and ensures the transmission of this rich heritage to future generations.
