Saudi camels: 300% growth and prizes at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Festival

Next Friday, the eyes of lovers of authenticity and Arab heritage will turn to the Kingdom's camel racing tracks as the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival kicks off. This prominent event will run for 10 days, offering substantial cash prizes exceeding 75 million riyals, marking the 65th event in the series of sporting activities organized by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, the body responsible for leading and developing this vital sector.

strategy
in 2018, under the leadership of Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, the camel racing sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone a radical transformation. It is no longer limited to traditional races but has evolved into a professional sports industry. Statistics indicate that the number of events will witness a significant leap, with a growth rate of up to 300% by 2026. The Federation has gradually expanded its organization of championships from three major events in its early days to twelve events annually in the last two years, reflecting the maturity of its experience and the professionalism of its organization.

The economic dimension and Vision 2030:
The festival is not limited to competition alone; it represents a powerful economic engine aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of diversifying income sources and investing in the sports sector. The market value of the camels participating in the festival is estimated at more than a quarter of a billion riyals, reflecting the enormous investment in this heritage. This activity contributes to the revitalization of numerous supporting sectors, from the trade in animal feed and veterinary equipment to tourism and hospitality, as these events attract thousands of visitors and participants.

With deep historical roots and international standing
, camels have long been intertwined with the lives of the Arabian Peninsula's inhabitants, symbolizing survival and pride. As time progressed, Saudi Arabia successfully transformed this deep-rooted connection into a global sport. The festival, launched as a grand event in February 2024 with the participation of 13 countries, underscores the transformation of the Saudi desert into a global stage that blends the rich heritage of the past with the technology of the present. This international expansion strengthens the Kingdom's soft power and positions it at the forefront of the global camel racing scene, making its camel racing venues a destination for owners and trainers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council and beyond.

In conclusion, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival represents the culmination of these tremendous efforts, as the Kingdom provides a fair and competitive environment governed by the highest standards, to ensure the sustainability of this heritage and its transmission to future generations in an honorable manner befitting the Kingdom’s pioneering status.