The Al Dhafra Camel Festival
The Al Dhafra Camel Festival is one of the prominent heritage festivals held in the United Arab Emirates. It is an annual cultural event held in the city of Al Dhafra and was founded in 2008, with its first edition taking place in December of the same year. The festival aims to preserve and promote the heritage of camels in Emirati and Arab culture. It is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and witnesses significant participation from camel owners in the UAE and Gulf countries.
The Al Dhafra Camel Festival provides a unique opportunity to explore the cultural and heritage aspects associated with camels and highlights their role in preserving this authentic heritage. Through this festival, the UAE seeks to raise awareness about the importance of camels in Arab history and culture and encourages the younger generation to cherish and appreciate their heritage.
The festival serves as an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between camel breeders and experts in the field. Each year, it attracts thousands of visitors, whether participants or those interested in culture and heritage, to witness this unique event. Thanks to the efforts of the organizing committee and continuous support from the leadership, the festival continues to make valuable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Emirati heritage on the international stage.
In addition to camel beauty contests, the festival includes various events and competitions that showcase the beauty and cultural and economic value of camels. The festival encourages broad participation from individuals and institutions and offers valuable prizes to the winners of various competitions.