Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may Allah protect him – the closing ceremony of the 7th Crown Prince Camel Festival was held today. The festival is organized by the Saudi Camel Federation at the Camel Racing Track in Taif Governorate.
His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, crowned the winners. The closing day witnessed four races over a distance of 6 kilometers, featuring a selection of 100 camels competing fiercely among local and international camel owners. Cash prizes exceeding SAR 50 million were awarded to the winners of the various race categories.
On this occasion, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his generous patronage of the closing ceremony.
In a press statement, he said: “The patronage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may Allah protect him – for the closing ceremony of this major festival underscores his continuous support and commitment to the sports sector in general, and to the traditional sport of camel racing in particular, as it represents an authentic heritage that reflects an important aspect of Saudi culture. This festival serves as a fitting recognition for athletes in general and for the enthusiasts of this sport. I also extend my sincere thanks to His Royal Highness the Deputy Emir of the Makkah Region for attending the ceremony and crowning the winners.”
The first race was won by the camel Siyaaf, Zmul General category, owned by Saudi owner Mohammed Jarallah Al-Marri, receiving a cash prize of SAR 1 million and a rifle.
The second race was won by Mabhooj, Zmul Open category, for Al-Shahaniya camels from Qatar, with a cash prize of SAR 1 million and a rifle.
The third race was won by Aryam, Hil General category, owned by Qatari owner Faran Atiq Al-Marri, receiving SAR 1.5 million and a sword.
The fourth race was won by Nashbah, Hil Open category, for Al-Shahaniya camels from Qatar, receiving SAR 1.5 million and a sword.
It is noteworthy that the festival began on 2 September and included 249 races across the categories: Mufareed, Haqaiq, Laqaya, Jidha’a, Thanaya, Hil, and Zmul.
