The organizing committee for the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival in 2026 announced the commencement of work by the committee responsible for installing electronic chips on participating camels, starting Monday, January 19, 2026. The committee is based at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track in Riyadh, in preparation for the official start of the festival's competitions.
The festival kicks off with huge prizes
The third edition of the festival is scheduled to kick off on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the historic Janadriyah Camel Racing Track. The organizing committee has allocated substantial prize money exceeding 75 million Saudi Riyals, reflecting the significant support provided by the wise leadership to the camel racing sector and its commitment to developing this time-honored sport, which is an integral part of the cultural identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The importance of electronic chips and governance
The installation of electronic chips is a pivotal step in organizing modern camel races, aiming to ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in competitions. This technology contributes to documenting the data of participating camels, preventing any manipulation of age or category, and facilitating registration and veterinary examination procedures. This step is part of the Kingdom's strategy to develop the camel racing sector and keep pace with international standards in organizing major races.
Rapid growth and international interest
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception. The first edition, held in 2024, saw the participation of over 2,000 owners and 6,869 camels from 13 countries. This momentum continued in the second edition in 2025, with the number of owners rising to 2,112 and the number of camels to 7,300, along with expanded international participation to include 16 countries. The 2026 edition is expected to set new records, given the prestigious reputation the festival has gained regionally and internationally.
Cultural and economic dimension
The festival is not merely a sporting event; it also represents a significant economic and cultural driver. It stimulates buying and selling in camel markets and supports local producers and traditional crafts. Furthermore, the festival aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in promoting national heritage and solidifying the camel's status as a global cultural symbol, making the Janadriyah area a tourist and heritage destination that attracts enthusiasts from around the world.
