Crown Prince Camel Festival 2023: Dates, Significance & History

The Saudi Camel Federation is organizing the upcoming 5th Edition Crown Prince Camel Festival, which will take place on August 1st at Taif Camel Square. The festival will include a remarkable lineup of 589 races, offering a huge award that worth SR56.25 million ($14.9 million).

The event will start with an 11-day preliminary stage, featuring 350 races for all age groups. The festival will reach its pinnacle on August 28 with 239 final races. Camels’ categories include Mafarid, Haqqa, Laqaya, Jatha’a, Thanaya, Heil, Zamoul and Soudaniyat.

The Crown Prince Camel Festival holds the prestigious title of being the largest camel sporting event globally, showcasing its cultural significance. It serves as a remarkable example of how Saudi Arabia's ability to construct impressive venues to host iconic festivals and sports events, setting new records in terms of efficiency and speed.

The Main Drive Behind the Event and the Past Editions

The primary objective of this event is to enhance tourism and economic activities in Saudi Arabia (KSA) by fostering community engagement, preserving national heritage, and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Kingdom. Through this, the festival aims to contribute to the growth and development of the tourism sector while highlighting the deep-rooted traditions of the country.

Since its establishment in 2018, the festival has attracted a substantial global following, attracting camel enthusiasts from around the world.

In its third edition, the festival achieved a new Guinness World Record for the largest participation of camels in a camel festival. Surpassing the records set in the previous editions, this year's event saw an impressive total of 14,843 camels taking part in the competitions.

The past two editions of the festival have been highly successful, marking a significant advancement in the sport of camel racing. The event has played a vital role in positioning the Kingdom as the main global destination for camel sports.

What do Camels Symbolize?

Camels hold a significant place in the country's culture and are celebrated for their elegance, grace and speed. They remain a key part of Saudi Arabian culture, symbolizing traditions that have endured through time, even as the nation progresses towards modernity.

Best Places to See Camel Races in Saudi Arabia

Camel racing in Saudi Arabia is a traditional and extremely popular sport worldwide. Typically, around 100 camels participate in these races, covering a circuit spanning 6 to 10 kilometers.

With jockeys guiding them and a fleet of jeeps in pursuit, the camels can reach impressive speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. Observing these majestic animals compete for glory at such remarkable speeds provides an unforgettable experience.

Here are the best destinations to experience the thrill of camel racing:

Taif Camel Square, Taif

Those planning a vacation to Taif in August should check out the newly founded Crown Prince Camel Festival. More than 10,000 camels compete in 786 rounds of competition at this camel festival. The festival also holds a Guinness World Record for 13,377 camels taking part in the event.

Sharurah, Empty Quarter

Tourists looking to experience camel racing in natural settings should head south to the Empty Quarter. Long-time inhabitants and tribe members in the village of Sharurah, beside the Yemen border organize these races regularly to attract more visitors to this desirable location.

Janadriyah, Riyadh

The National Festival of Heritage and Culture, also known as Janadriyah, is a two-week event held at the Janadriyah Cultural & Heritage Festival. Tourists visiting the festival not only are able to watch camel racing, but can also indulge in Saudi folk art, music, and literature.

Camel Racing History

For several decades, camel racing has been a part of Arabian society. Initially organized by nomadic Bedouins, camel races served as a means of transportation, a symbol of wealth, and a vital resource in challenging desert environments.

The first official camel race took place in 1964 during the Heritage Festival in Saudi Arabia, marking the formal recognition of the sport. By 1975, camel racing had evolved into a fully professionalized sport in the country. Today, the authorities organize grand races and camel festivals, offering rewards in multi-million Saudi Riyals.

Facts that You Do Not Know About the History of Camels in the Kingdom!

• Camel racing in Saudi Arabia dates back to the 7th century
• Saudi Arabia hosts several camel festivals annually including King Abdul-Aziz Camel Festival and Crown Prince Camel Festival
• Camels can reach up to 65 Km/hr in an average camel race