Global Talent Shines At Saudi Camel Racing Festival With Algerian Victory

During the final phase of the sixth annual Crown Prince Camel Festival, Saudi Camel Racing Federation Vice President Mohammed Hammad Al-Balawi and Sport Accord President Ivo Ferriani presented awards to the winners of the men's and women's camel racing events. The festival, which began on August 10, is organised by the federation at the historic Taif Camel Field.

Salem Ali Al-Qahtani, riding his camel "Al-Aaber," clinched victory in the first main race with a time of 7:19.753 minutes. Yasser Musleh Al-Otwei followed closely in second place with his camel "Al-Jadhab," while Naif Suleim Al-Juhani secured third place with his camel "Munadi." In the second main race, Ahmed Salama Al-Juhani emerged victorious with his camel "Al-Shahiniya," clocking in at 7:23.551 minutes. Ahmed Hamad Al-Omrani and Riyad Mohammed Ayad took second and third places respectively.

Nawaf Atallah Al-Hubayshi won the title of the third race with his camel "Dhargam." Saleh Ibrahim Al-Huwaiti triumphed in the fourth race with his camel "Shakhsiyah," finishing in 7:43.081 minutes. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Murri claimed victory in the fifth race, riding his camel "Zigar" to a time of 7:14.530 minutes.

The sixth race was exclusively for women riders. Algerian rider Reem Al-Balushi won this race with her camel "Al-Sadawi," completing it in 3:44.899 minutes. Saudi rider Khaloud Abdullah Al-Shammari finished second with her camel "Bashar," while Palestinian rider Salma Sarour came third with her camel "Al-Faris."

A total of 126 riders from 18 countries participated in this year's event. Five races were held for male riders, each covering a distance of 4 kilometres, while one race was dedicated to female riders, covering a distance of 2 kilometres.

Festival Objectives and Prize Pool

The festival aims to preserve and promote the heritage of camel racing within Saudi and Arab culture on a global scale. It also supports tourism and economic activities, encourages community participation, and showcases the Kingdom's cultural depth.

The total prize pool for all races amounted to SAR 930,000.

This event reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to maintaining its rich traditions while fostering international participation and cultural exchange through sports.

With inputs from SPA