Competition in the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026 got under way today, Thursday, at the historic Taif Camel Racing Track, with wide participation from camel owners from across the Kingdom and abroad and prize money exceeding SAR 50 million.

Organized by the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, the festival opens with the Haqayiq category, which features 38 races on the first day split between morning and evening sessions, marking the start of a packed competitive season for camel racing fans.

The morning session of the opening day includes 21 races in the Saudi-bred round, followed by 17 general races in the evening session.

92 Races in the Haqayiq Category

The Haqayiq competitions run over three days for a total of 92 races. Each race covers 2 kilometers, meaning the participating camels will cover a combined distance of 184 kilometers in this category alone.

The festival continues a journey that began in 2018, when it made a notable entry into the Guinness World Records as the largest gathering of racing camels in history.

What Is New in the Eighth Edition

The 2026 edition introduces a number of organizational and technical upgrades applied for the first time, most notably the inclusion of Mazayen beauty competitions in the festival program, along with upgrades to the infrastructure of the Taif track.

The development work included a new 11-kilometer training track and the resurfacing of the racetracks, aimed at raising the venue's readiness, increasing its capacity and improving safety for camels and participants.

A new ticketing system for spectators has also been adopted, alongside a set of accompanying events designed to boost attendance and stimulate tourism and economic activity in Taif Governorate.

A Festival Beyond the Race

The Crown Prince Camel Festival is not limited to sport. It stands as one of the most prominent events tied to Saudi heritage, combining cultural, economic and tourism dimensions.

The festival aims to help develop camel racing into a sustainable industry, support camel owners and participants, and strengthen Taif's standing as a destination for sporting and heritage events, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.