Under the theme "Glory to Its People," camel races have kicked off at King Abdulaziz Square in Al-Sayahed as part of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival 2024, one of the largest heritage and cultural festivals in the Kingdom. The festival celebrates the camel as a cultural and economic symbol, bringing together camel racing enthusiasts from inside and outside the Kingdom in an atmosphere of competition and heritage celebration.

Race details

Camel racing is the festival's flagship event, running for 20 days and comprising 233 races split between:

  • 185 morning races
  • 48 evening races

The races cover a combined distance of 1,335 kilometers, with camels competing across several age categories including:

  • Haqayeq
  • Laqaya
  • Jitha'
  • Thanaya
  • Hail and Zamoul

The races carry prize money exceeding 85 million riyals, making them among the most diverse and exciting competitions at the regional and international level.

A historic women's marathon

On 20 December, the camel races will feature an exceptional milestone: the first-ever women's marathon, over a distance of 2 kilometers, reflecting the developments taking place in the Kingdom's camel-racing sport. The step aims to empower women and boost their participation in heritage sports, underscoring their growing role in activities rich in cultural and social value.

A platform bridging tradition and renewal

The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival runs until the first week of January 2025, serving as a comprehensive platform bringing together sport, culture and economy. Alongside the races, the festival is packed with events that showcase Saudi heritage and reinforce the camel's standing as a core part of national identity, while highlighting the animal's cultural and economic value — turning the festival into a global event that blends authenticity with renewal and reflects the Kingdom's vision of preserving and developing its heritage.