The organizing committee of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026 has 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 step coincides with preparations for the third edition of the festival, scheduled to begin on January 23rd at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track, one of the most important camel racing and heritage sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Million-dollar prizes and diverse categories
In its efforts to raise the level of competition and incentivize camel owners, the organizing committee has allocated substantial cash prizes totaling 2.7 million Saudi Riyals for the beauty contests. The competitions encompass the six main color categories familiar to camel enthusiasts: (Al-Wadh, Al-Majahim, Al-Sifr, Al-Sha'al, Al-Humr, and Al-Shaqah). These contests are organized through a strategic partnership between the Saudi Camel Racing Federation and the Camel Club to ensure the highest standards of judging and quality. The committee has urged all owners to review the technical and medical requirements and adhere to the schedule announced through official platforms.
A sporting and cultural event with a global character
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival is not merely a sporting event; it is a major cultural phenomenon reflecting the depth of Saudi identity and its close connection to popular heritage. In its third edition, the festival enjoys unprecedented support, with the total value of its prizes (for both racing and beauty contests) exceeding 75 million riyals, distributed across 225 races held over 10 days. This significant momentum places the festival on the map of international events, attracting elite owners and trainers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and around the world, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for camel sports.
Al-Janadriyah: The symbolism of the place and the richness of history
The choice of the Janadriyah field to host these competitions carries profound historical significance, as this field has long witnessed the largest heritage gatherings in the region. The addition of the "beauty" categories to the events accompanying the speed races underscores the Kingdom's comprehensive approach to preserving purebred camel lineages and showcasing their beauty, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on the camel sector as a vital economic and cultural resource.
Economic and social dimensions
Beyond its competitive aspect, the festival contributes to stimulating the local economy through markets for buying and selling camel supplies, and boosts the hospitality and heritage tourism sectors. It also serves as a social gathering place for people from the region and the Gulf, strengthening bonds of brotherhood and reviving ancestral traditions in a modern and organized manner.
