Sanam Competition 2025: A private island and 5 million riyals for the winners
In an unprecedented move reflecting the tremendous development of the camel sector in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Camel Club, revealed a stunning surprise for participants in the tenth edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. The "Sanam Island" prize was officially announced: a private island that will be awarded to the winner of this year's "Ra'i Al-Nazar Platform" competition, which bears the "Sanam" logo.
Details of the Ra'i Al-Nazar platform and Sanam Island competition
Ibn Hathleen explained that this exceptional prize will be awarded to the camel owner who accumulates the highest score in the competition. The winning mechanism relies on precise and transparent criteria, calculated based on the owner's active participation in the festival's events, as well as their performance and that of their team in the "Sanam" electronic game associated with the event. The winner will not only receive the private island but will also have the honor of meeting the patron of the event, in addition to winning the prestigious "Shaddad" prize.
Huge cash prizes and fierce competition
This year's competition features 50 participants leading their respective teams. These teams comprise players vying not only for the title but also for substantial cash prizes totaling 5 million Saudi Riyals, awarded to the top ten finishers on the winning team. This high level of competition underscores the Camel Club's commitment to developing the competitive landscape and integrating traditional heritage with cutting-edge technology and modern entertainment.
King Abdulaziz Camel Festival: A Global Heritage Glimpse
The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the world, bearing the name of the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, thus imbuing it with profound historical and national significance. Beyond showcasing the beauty of camels, the festival has transformed over its ten years into a massive cultural, tourist, and economic extravaganza, attracting visitors and tourists from around the globe and contributing to the Kingdom's position as a premier heritage tourism destination.
The economic and cultural dimension of the competition
These substantial and prestigious prizes (such as islands and private jets) reflect the growing economic value of the camel sector, which has become a significant contributor to the local economy. The "Sanam" initiative aims to broaden community engagement, shifting interest in camels from mere traditional observation to impactful, interactive participation through digital platforms. This ensures the sustainability of this heritage and attracts young people to engage with it in a modern way.
The evolution of awards: from airplane to island
It is worth noting that the previous edition of the "Ra'i Al-Nazar Platform" award consisted of a private plane, awarded to the winner of the "Al-Jazira Camel Selection" title. This year's transition to the "Al-Jazira Private Award" underscores the Camel Club's ongoing commitment to raising the bar and innovating in its prizes, befitting the prestige of this rich heritage, and achieving the club's objectives of regulating the sector, enhancing its efficiency, and supporting its cultural and economic value.
