Installation of the King's Camel Festival 2026 chips has begun in Janadriyah
The organizing committee for the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival in 2026 announced that the committee responsible for installing electronic chips on participating camels will begin its work tomorrow, Monday, January 19th. The committee will be based at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track in Riyadh, ready to receive camel owners and complete the necessary registration and documentation procedures before the official competitions begin.
Technical measures to ensure fair competition
The installation of electronic chips is a key component of the regulatory and technical procedures adopted by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation to ensure that races are conducted according to the highest standards of transparency and integrity. These chips serve as a "digital identity" for each camel, linking the camel's biometric data to the owner's data in a unified database. This process aims to prevent any manipulation of age or category and facilitates inspection and verification at the finish line, reflecting the significant technological advancements in camel racing in Saudi Arabia.
Huge prizes and a highly anticipated launch
The festival is scheduled to officially commence on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Janadriyah Camel Racing Track, one of the region's most important heritage and sporting landmarks. The organizing committee has allocated substantial prize money exceeding 75 million Saudi Riyals, making this festival one of the most prestigious and valuable camel races in the world. This reflects the unwavering support provided by the wise leadership to the sports sector in general, and to the traditional sport of camel racing in particular.
A rich history and continuous growth
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival has witnessed remarkable growth year after year, solidifying its status as a global sporting event. Looking back at the figures, the inaugural edition held in 2024 was a resounding success, with over 2,000 owners and 6,869 camels participating from 13 different countries. This momentum continued in the second edition in 2025, with numbers rising to 2,112 owners and 7,300 camels, and international participation expanding to include 16 countries. The 2026 edition is expected to set new records, given the high level of interest and early preparations by owners and trainers.
Cultural and economic dimensions within Vision 2030
The festival is not merely a sporting event; it represents a major cultural and economic phenomenon aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen national identity. These events contribute to stimulating economic activity through camel markets, promoting heritage tourism, and enhancing cultural ties between the Kingdom and participating countries. Camel racing has become a bridge for cultural exchange and a platform for showcasing authentic Saudi heritage.
