Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival 2026: Date, Prizes, and Details
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host an exceptional sporting and heritage event: of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival, on Friday, January 23, 2026. This major event is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the historic Janadriyah Camel Festival grounds, a symbol of the Kingdom's rich heritage and traditions. The organizing committee has allocated substantial prize money exceeding 75 million Saudi Riyals, reflecting the significant attention and support the wise leadership provides to this sector.
Leadership support that strengthens popular heritage
Commenting on this highly anticipated event, 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 to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his continued support of the sports sector in general, and camel racing in particular. His Highness emphasized that this generous support embodies the commitment to preserving the Kingdom's national identity and rich cultural heritage, as camels represent an integral part of the history of the Arabian Peninsula and the lives of our forefathers.
The historical depth and status of camels in Saudi culture
Camel racing in Saudi Arabia is not merely a fleeting sporting competition, but rather an extension of a deep-rooted cultural heritage. Camels have always been companions of the Arab people, both settled and nomadic, and a symbol of patience and endurance. The choice of the Janadriyah Festival as its venue further enhances its symbolic value. Janadriyah is not simply a geographical location, but a living national memory that annually hosts the National Festival of Heritage and Culture, thus imbuing camel racing with a cultural dimension that connects new generations to their rich past.
Keeping pace with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the shift towards globalization
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival transcends its local and regional boundaries to become a global attraction, perfectly aligned with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which seeks to enhance the Kingdom's position as a global sports and tourism destination. His Highness the Minister of Sport noted that generous support, the development of the racecourse infrastructure, and the use of the latest technologies in refereeing and organization have contributed to transforming this sport from its traditional framework into a comprehensive sports and economic industry that attracts enthusiasts and investors from around the world.
Record numbers and accelerating growth
The festival has witnessed remarkable growth in its numbers and statistics since its inception, confirming its increasing success year after year. In the first edition held in 2024, more than 2,000 camel owners participated with 6,869 camels, with international participation from 13 countries. In the second edition in 2025, the numbers jumped to 2,112 owners and more than 7,300 camels, with international participation expanding to include 16 countries. The 2026 edition is expected to set new records, reflecting the prestigious position the festival has attained as one of the most important and largest camel races in the world.
