Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026: Dates and Prizes in Riyadh
Under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, the eyes of lovers of authenticity and heritage turn to the capital, Riyadh, where of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival on Friday, January 23, 2026. The historic Janadriyah Square will host this international event, which boasts substantial prize money exceeding 75 million Saudi Riyals, reflecting the great attention and support that the wise leadership gives to this rich heritage.
Leadership support enhances the status of Saudi sports
On this auspicious occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his generous patronage of this major sporting event. His Highness emphasized that this ongoing support is a cornerstone of the development of the sports sector in the Kingdom, noting that camel racing is not merely a sporting competition, but a living embodiment of national identity and an integral part of the authentic Saudi cultural heritage.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival: A Historical Legacy and a Future Vision
The festival's role extends beyond mere competition; it serves as a bridge connecting current generations with the history of their forefathers. Camels are a symbol of generosity and patience in Arab culture and have long been intertwined with the lives of the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula. This festival aims to strengthen the sustainability of this heritage, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which seeks to solidify cultural values and promote Saudi civilization globally.
In a related context, His Highness the Minister of Sport explained that royal patronage has contributed to elevating camel racing from its traditional framework to a global level, making the festival a preferred destination for owners and trainers from around the world. The infrastructure of the Janadriyah racecourse has undergone comprehensive development, including the modernization of tracks and the implementation of the latest regulatory technologies to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the competitions, thus reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a leading global sporting destination.
Record numbers and rapid growth
Since its inception, the festival has witnessed remarkable growth in the number of participants and competing countries, confirming its success in attracting international attention:
- The first edition (2024): witnessed the participation of more than 2000 owners with 6869 camels, with the participation of 13 countries.
- The second edition (2025): The number increased to 2,112 owners and 7,300 camels, with international participation expanding to include 16 countries.
The third edition in 2026 is expected to witness new record numbers, given the prestigious reputation the festival has gained and the valuable prizes allocated to the winners, making it one of the most important and largest camel championships at the regional and international levels.
