Results of the King Abdulaziz Camel Racing Festival: Winners in the categories of female and male camels
The King Abdulaziz Camel Racing Prize, one of the most prominent sporting and heritage events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region, announced the names of the winners of the top positions in the strong competitions for the “Al-Hayl and Al-Zamoul” category (open - general), which took place over a marathon distance of 8 kilometers, amidst a large audience and fierce competition among the most famous camel owners in the Gulf.
Details of the main round results
The rounds witnessed exciting competition, reflecting the extensive preparations of the participants. The detailed results for the top positions are as follows:
- First round: Hamad Nahyan Al Ameri managed to snatch first place with distinction on the back of the camel “Hattash”, recording a remarkable time that reflects endurance and speed.
- Second round: Farhan Atiq Al Marri shone and snatched the lead with the camel “Aryam”, which showed a remarkable performance in the last meters of the race.
- Third round: “Presidential Camels” imposed its dominance, achieving victory through the camel “Nahab”, confirming its strong presence in major events.
- Fourth round: “Presidential Camels” continued its brilliance and won its second title in these competitions through the camel “Al Wariya”.
The importance of the "Hayl" and "Zamoul" categories in camel racing
The "Al-Hayl and Al-Zamoul" category of camel racing holds special significance in the world of camel racing. This category is dedicated to older camels (over 6 years old), distinguished by their high endurance and ability to cover long distances of up to 8 kilometers or more. Races in this category serve as a true test of the camels' strength and the trainers' expertise, and often feature elite camels with a distinguished track record in Gulf racing arenas.
The King Abdulaziz Prize: Consolidating Cultural Identity
These races are part of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, the largest festival of its kind in the world, held annually under royal patronage. The prize primarily aims to preserve and promote camel heritage within Saudi and Arab culture, as camels have historically been intertwined with the lives of ancestors in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as their companions, source of livelihood, and a source of pride.
Through organizing these major tournaments, the Kingdom seeks to achieve several strategic goals in line with Saudi Vision 2030, most notably:
- Preserving the popular heritage: Protecting the intangible heritage of the Kingdom and passing it on to future generations.
- Supporting the sports economy: The value of the prizes in these festivals amounts to millions of riyals, which revitalizes the buying and selling activity in the camel markets and their supplies.
- Boosting tourism: The festival attracts visitors and tourists from all over the world to learn about authentic desert culture.
- Deepening Gulf ties: These races witness broad participation from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as demonstrated by the victory of "Presidential Camels" from the United Arab Emirates, which strengthens cohesion and fair competition among brothers.
In conclusion, the King Abdulaziz Camel Racing Prize is not just a sporting competition, but a major cultural event that revives the glories of the past with the spirit of the modern age, and affirms the status of camels as a firmly established cultural symbol in the Saudi identity.
