The organizing committee of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026 has officially announced the opening of registration for camel owners wishing to participate in the newly introduced "beauty" competitions, specifically for the individual camel category (male camels). This important step is part of the final preparations for the third edition of the festival, considered the most prominent event on the camel racing calendar. The competitions are scheduled to begin on January 23rd at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track, a symbol of authentic Saudi heritage.
This year's edition marks a significant development with the inclusion of camel beauty contests as a core component of the accompanying events. This is achieved through joint organization and high-level coordination between the Saudi Camel Racing Federation and the Camel Club. This strategic partnership aims to unify efforts to preserve the national heritage and showcase the beauty of camels in transparent and professional competitions, reflecting the deep cultural significance camels hold in Saudi society. The organizing committee has allocated substantial cash prizes specifically for this category, with 2.7 million Saudi Riyals designated to honor the winning owners, thus intensifying the competition and raising the overall standard of participation.
Within its historical and cultural context, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival represents an extension of the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving the cultural and civilizational heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. Camels were not merely a means of transportation in the past; they were companions on journeys, symbols of patience and generosity, and an integral part of national identity. This festival aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the camel racing sector into a comprehensive economic and sporting system that contributes to economic diversification and attracts cultural tourism, while preserving and passing on time-honored customs and traditions to future generations.
The camel beauty contests include the six main color categories known to experts: (Al-Wadh, Al-Majahim, Al-Sifr, Al-Sha'al, Al-Humr, and Al-Shaqah). In this regard, the committee urged all owners wishing to participate in this unique heritage experience to review the technical terms and conditions and consult the approved schedule on the festival's official platforms to ensure they meet all necessary technical and veterinary requirements before the start of the competition.
On the economic and sporting front, this festival is a powerful driver of the local market, revitalizing buying and selling activity in the camel and camel-related supplies sector and creating promising investment opportunities. The third edition of the festival is distinguished by its impressive scale, featuring 225 diverse races over 10 consecutive days of excitement and enthusiasm. The total value of the prizes allocated to all events exceeds 75 million riyals, a figure that reflects the significant support this sector receives, making it a magnet for elite owners and trainers not only from the Kingdom but also from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and various countries around the world interested in heritage sports.
