TAIF — On behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishaal presided over on Wednesday the closing ceremony of the sixth Crown Prince Camel Festival in Taif, organized by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation. The event's final day featured four competitive races, each covering a distance of six kilometers, with 107 elite camels participating. Camel owners from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations competed for financial prizes totaling more than SR57 million, awarded to both local and international winners. On this occasion, Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who also is chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed his deep gratitude to the Crown Prince for his patronage of the festival. He emphasized that such support underscores the Crown Prince's commitment to advancing the sports sector and his dedication to preserving camel racing as a cherished part of Saudi heritage. Prince Abdulaziz noted that the sixth edition of the festival aligns with the designation of 2024 as the "Year of the Camel," highlighting the cultural significance of camels in the Kingdom's history. The festival also serves as a platform for researchers and specialists to exchange knowledge on camels, their products, medical applications, and related industries, reinforcing the importance of this heritage locally and internationally. The festival concluded with resounding success, setting new records for the market value of participating camels. Experts and participants alike were astonished by the final round's total value, reaching SR481.5 million. In the coveted "Hil and Zamoul" category, 107 camels competed in the final stage. The average price per camel in this category was a remarkable SR4.5 million, reflecting the exceptional quality and demand for these magnificent animals. The festival, which started August 10 with a staggering 21,637 participating camels, culminated in four thrilling final rounds. The first round featured 33 camels, followed by 12 in the second, 49 in the third, and 13 in the fourth. Beyond the races, the festival also generated significant economic activity. The value of sold camels during the event exceeded SR377 million, fueled by over 700 transactions between local and international camel owners, as well as investors in the camel industry. The Crown Prince Camel Festival in Taif stands as testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its heritage while driving economic growth. Aligned with Vision 2030, the festival offers a unique blend of sports, culture, and entertainment, contributing to the nation's diversification efforts.
