Saudi Camels Secure Eight Wins As Crown Prince Camel Festival Enters Second Phase

The Laqaya Category Brings Intense Competition To Taif

Saudi-owned camels dominated the latest events at the Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026. They secured impressive victories during the opening of the Laqaya category in Taif. Local owners claimed eight out of 14 highly competitive rounds on the track. A massive total of 531 camels competed fiercely on the Taif Camel Racing Track. Qatari camels secured a strong second place by winning three separate races. Meanwhile, owners from Oman, the UAE, and Kuwait each recorded one victory. The festival continues to attract the finest racing breeds from across the Gulf.

Massive Prizes Drive The Racing Economy

The Laqaya category represents the second age group participating in this prestigious festival. It features 64 distinct rounds, with each race covering a grueling four-kilometer distance. The competition concludes on Tuesday with six special Crown Prince Festival Cup rounds. These final cup rounds alone carry an incredible value of SAR5.7 million. Overall, the Laqaya category boasts a total prize pool of SAR10.850 million. These massive cash prizes drive significant economic activity within the regional camel industry. Breeders invest heavily in nutrition, training, and veterinary care to secure these wins.

Preserving Deep Cultural Traditions

Saudi Camel Sports meticulously organizes this massive cultural and sporting event every year. The entire festival runs continuously through September 13 in the city of Taif. The combined cash prizes for the entire event exceed a staggering SAR50 million. Camel racing remains a deeply cherished component of traditional Arabian Peninsula heritage. The government actively supports the sport to preserve these cultural roots for younger generations. The festival also provides a massive boost to the local Taif tourism economy. Vendors, trainers, and spectators flock to the city, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Read more about traditional Saudi sports and cultural festivals at Marhaba Saudi.